Group tour operator and DMC for holidays to Lourdes, France
Lourdes and the Pyrénées
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Torchlight Procession - Procession aux flambeaux © Sanctuaire ND Lourdes P Vincent
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Rocamadour, Lourdes Pyrenees - France ©LOTC.C, Jean Maureille
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Lourdes Autoire - ADT Lot ©Jean Maureille
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Lourdes is situated in the southwest of the ‘Hautes-Pyrénées’ region, in a verdant valley and leaning towards the foothill of the mountain range that separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe. In 1858, the spirit of the Virgin Mary visited 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. Since then, this sprawling town has become an important pilgrimage site and is one of the most important religious sites in the world and over 5 million pilgrims visit each year.
The rocky grotto where these visitations occurred is now one of the holiest sites in Christendom. Millions of people visit the Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes each year, to bathe in the healing holy waters. During this tour, we learn more about the story of St. Bernadette and the Apparitions. Visit the holy sanctuaries and attend mass. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to bathe in the healing waters.
In addition to this religious draw, Lourdes is also an authentic Pyrenean town with a medieval fortress. Explore the picturesque Pyrenees National Park – a truly special place. See unspoilt mountain villages such as Luz-St-Sauveur. Or see Gavarnie Cirque, where fifty million years ago, the erosion of rain and ice hollowed out and created a natural bowl carved out by ancient glaciers further creating the largest waterfall in Europe.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 and 2025
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to France
Depart from the UK by taking a short sea crossing to Calais, continuing south into France for an overnight stop. Continue the next day to Lourdes for the next four nights.
Day 3
Lourdes Sanctuaries and Sightseeing
Meet up with a local guide at the St. Bernadette Museum for a visit and tour and then continue with a guided walking tour following in the footsteps of Bernadette which will take you to the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes, a 52-hectare domain with 22 places of worship. Visit the three Basilicas, and celebrate optional Mass in the Grotto of Massabielle, where St. Bernadette experienced the Apparitions in 1858. It may be possible to bathe in the waters from the famous spring, believed to hold miraculous healing properties or take part in the stations of the Cross along the banks of the Gave du Pau River, and the torch-lit procession held in the Sanctuaries each evening.
Day 4
At leisure in Lourdes
Enjoy free time today to explore the other side of Lourdes, the little side streets of the old town. Maybe visit The Château Fort de Lourdes, a national heritage site built on a rocky peak. This large stone castle, once a palace and jail, has defensive architecture which is over 1,000 years old and houses the Museum of Pyrenean Life about the art and folk traditions of the Pyrenees and offers its visitors a genuine piece of history, heritage and culture. Another option is a ride on the funicular railway which takes you to the summit of the Pic de Jer mountain for a spectacular 360° view over the town, the Sanctuaries and the surrounding region. Or take the 45 minute ride on the Little Train of Lourdes through the old streets, the uptown area and its monuments.
Day 5
Pyrenees National Park – Gavarnie Cirque and Pic du Midi
Enjoy a scenic drive into the Pyrenees to see unspoilt mountain villages such as Luz-St-Sauveur. The Gavarnie Cirque is a stunning natural wonder in the French Pyrenees, a semi-circle of towering cliffs and peaks carved out by ancient glaciers which make up this exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has the highest waterfall in France at 423 meters and the fifth highest in Europe, which plunges from the cirque’s rim.
There’s also the opportunity to take a cable car up to the top of the Pic du Midi, one of the most majestic summits in the Hautes-region located atop the Pyrenees. Settle back into the comfort of a glass-sided cabin and prepare for the most spectacular of ascents. Stroll around the panoramic terraces for the most majestic of views as the peaks stretch out before you. There are places to eat and get a drink or even visit a museum.
Luz Saint-Sauveur abounds with architectural treasures and small heritage buildings. Wander its narrow streets in the historic district with its wash houses, wrought iron balconies and marble window frames and doorways. Walk across Napoleons’ Bridge, see the Solferino Chapel, the Chapel of St. Sauveur and St. Andrews Church (aka Templar’s Church). (Guided walking tours available).
Day 6-7
Return to the UK
Drive north with an overnight stop enroute and continue the next day to Calais for the short sea crossing to the UK.
Optional Extra Day
Add an extra day and visit the elegant resorts of Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz.
Suggested hotels
Hotel de Lisieux
Hotel De Lisieux is situated in Lourdes, 150 yards from the Sanctuaries. It offers rooms with modern amenities including a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi access. The Lisieux has a dining room and a large air-conditioned lounge bar with 2 wide-screen TVs. There is also a terrace which overlooks the Pyrenees landscape.
Hotel St Georges, Lourdes
Hotel Saint Georges is a 3-star family hotel located near the Gave du Pau River, and many exciting visitor attractions. The guestrooms are provided with multiple amenities such as free WI-FI, internet access, 55 channels of satellite TV and hairdryer. Other on-site facilities include a piano bar with two-flat screen TV’s, a restaurant, full disabled access, secured private parking and car rental.
Hotel Paradis, Lourdes
Hotel Paradis is a 4-star hotel located within a 10-minute walk of Musee Grevin de Lourdes and Notre-dame de l’Immaculee-Conception. On-site facilities include restaurant, 2 bars/lounges, a café, rooftop terrace and self parking. Free wifi is available in public areas. The rooms are all soundproof and have free wifi, hair dryers and TV.
Hotel Chapelle et Parc, Lourdes
The Chapelle et Parc is a 4 star hotel with a sophisticated decor. The hotel facilities include restaurant, meeting room, business corner, TV room with 60 channels and free guided tour of the sanctuaries. The rooms have air-condition, flat screen TV, free WI-FI, free safe, mini-bar and a kettle.
| 7 days by Land and Sea | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 and 2025 dates (excl July and August) | Price on request | Price on request |
Deposits may be required 4-6 months prior to guarantee Lourdes hotel
