Château Fort

Lourdes


Lourdes’ imposing castle stands on a sheer hill just behind the town. There’s been a stronghold here since Roman times, but the present building combines a medieval keep with fortifications added during the 17th and 18th centuries. Since the 1920s, the castle has housed the Musée Pyrénéen, which displays local artefacts and folk art. Among the exhibitions here, you'll find mid-20th century Pyrenees travel posters, beautiful miniaturised chateaux from France, and intriguing traditional costumes from various valleys near Lourdes.

A free lift takes you up to the castle.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lourdes attractions

1. Moulin de Boly

0.09 MILES

Bernadette was born in this millhouse on 7 January 1844, one year after the marriage of her parents Louise Castérot and François Soubirous. She lived here…

2. Maison Paternelle de Ste-Bernadette

0.09 MILES

After Bernadette Soubirous experienced her visions, Lourdes’ abbot bought this house for her family. It’s still run by her descendants, and has a…

3. Le Cachot

0.11 MILES

In 1857 Bernadette Soubirous’ family fell on hard times and were forced to move to this dingy former prison, where they lived communally in a room…

4. Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes

0.25 MILES

The spiritual centre of Lourdes is the subterranean grotto where Bernadette Soubirous is believed to have experienced her visions in 1858. From the Porte…

5. Porte St-Joseph

0.31 MILES

By evening or early morning (when the Porte St-Michel is closed), this is the most convenient access to the sanctuary.

6. Porte St-Michel

0.31 MILES

This gate into the sanctuary is the first you'll reach when approaching from across the river (where you'll find the majority of lodging and dining…

8. Porte de la Crypte

0.43 MILES

Connects the Basilique Supérieure with the Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross).