: Lourdes

Lourdes is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, situated at the foot of the Pyrenees in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. In 1858, Bernadette Soubirous reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary at the Grotto of Massabielle. Millions of pilgrims visit annually to bathe in the spring waters believed to have healing properties.

Lourdes has a railway station with TGV service from Paris (about 6 hours) and regional trains from Toulouse. Lourdes Tarbes Pyrénées Airport receives flights from across Europe. By car, the A64 motorway runs past Lourdes.

The Sanctuary domain is pedestrian-only. A small train runs through the domain. The town centre and station are within walking distance of the Sanctuaries.

The Domain of the Sanctuary: the Grotto of Massabielle, three basilicas, the Esplanade, and the Baths. The Château Fort museum. The birthplace of Bernadette and the Cachot.

Participate in the daily processions, the Torchlight Marian Procession. The Baths (Piscines) are the central devotional activity. Hiking in the Pyrenees. The Pic du Jer funicular.

Hundreds of restaurants serving international cuisines. Local Bigorre cuisine: garbure, foie gras, confit de canard, Barèges-Gavarnie lamb.

Madiran red wines and pacherenc du vic-bilh (sweet white). Pastis and Armagnac.

One of the highest hotel densities in France, from pilgrim hostels to four-star hotels. Religious hospices for groups.

Religious items dominate. The market also sells Pyrenean honey, cheeses, cured ham, and béret basque.

The Pyrenees National Park and the Cirque de Gavarnie (UNESCO). Cauterets, Pic du Midi de Bigorre, ski stations. Pau.