Lourdes is one of the world's most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, where in 1858 the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes welcomes over 6 million visitors annually. Beyond its spiritual significance, the town sits in the stunning French Pyrenees, offering mountain scenery, medieval history, and authentic French culture.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay4 days
Budget$70/day
Mid-range$120/day
Luxury$250/day
Known For
lourdespilgrimagesanctuarypyreneesfrancecatholicgrottobasilicahealingreligiousbernadettemiraclespiritual
🇫🇷 Country Information: France
CapitalParis
CurrencyEuro (€)
LanguageFrench , English, German, Spanish, Italian
Phone Code+33
Electricity230V (Type C, E)
Tap WaterSafe to drink
Tipping
- Tipping is not mandatory as service charge is usually included, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
- Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but a small tip is appreciated for long rides or extra help with luggage
- For hotel staff, a few euros for housekeeping or porters is customary
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available
- Credit cards are widely accepted
- Cash is still common, especially for smaller purchases
- No black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Dress respectfully, especially in religious sites
- Greet people with "Bonjour"
- Eating customs involve using cutlery, keeping hands on the table (not in lap), and waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat
- It is polite to say "Bon appétit" before a meal
LGBTQ+ Information
Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. France is generally considered LGBTQ+ friendly with robust legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including same-sex marriage and adoption.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- Legal drinking age is 18
- Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and consumption of illegal drugs
Special Laws
- It is illegal to smoke in public indoor spaces and on public transport
- Be aware of varying rules for drones
- Jaywalking can result in a fine
Common Phrases
NoNon (NOHN)
YesOui (WEE)
HelloBonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)
PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)
Excuse mePardon (par-DOHN)
Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)
Climate
Temperate mountain climate influenced by both Atlantic and Mediterranean weather. Summers are warm (20-28°C) with occasional thunderstorms. Winters are mild for the mountains (2-10°C) with some snow. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures. Rain is possible year-round. The Pyrenees create microclimates.
Getting There
- Tarbes
- Lourdes
- Pyrénées Airport (LDE) is 10km from town with flights from major European cities
- Toulouse
- Blagnac Airport (TLP) is 170km away with more international connections
- TGV high
- speed trains connect to Paris (5
- 5 hours) and Toulouse (1
- 5 hours)
- Buses available from major Spanish cities
Getting Around
- The town center and sanctuary are easily walkable
- Free petit train connects the train station to the Sanctuary
- Funicular to Pic du Jer and cable cars to surrounding peaks
- Rental cars useful for exploring Pyrenees
- Wheelchair accessibility is excellent throughout the Sanctuary for pilgrims with disabilities
Health & Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required for France
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid for EU citizens
- Travel insurance recommended for non
- EU visitors
- Pharmacies readily available in town
- Hospitals equipped for medical emergencies
- Holy water is not for drinking despite local practice
Staying Connected
- EU roaming included for European carriers
- French SIM cards available (Orange, SFR, Bouygues)
- Free WiFi at many hotels and cafes
- 4G coverage excellent in town and Sanctuary
- Mountain areas may have limited signal
Local Cuisine
Garbure
must_try
A hearty Pyrenean soup made with cabbage, beans, potatoes, and preserved duck or pork.
Duck Confit
must_try
Duck legs slow-cooked in their own fat until tender, then crisped.
Cassoulet
regional_speciality
Rich slow-cooked casserole of white beans, duck confit, and Toulouse sausages.
Gateau a la Broche
dessert
Spectacular cake cooked on a rotating spit, building up layers like a tree.
Sheep Cheese
regional_speciality
Ossau-Iraty AOC protected sheep milk cheese from the Pyrenees.
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 2-6 months ahead
Lourdes receives 6 million visitors annually. Hotels near the sanctuary fill up months ahead for major feast days.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 1-3 months ahead
Official assisted pilgrimages with the Sanctuary include baths, processions, and special access. Popular dates fill quickly.
Book 1-4 weeks ahead
The high-altitude observatory offers stunning Pyrenees views. Cable car capacity limited.
No booking - arrive early
The holy baths are free but lines can be very long. No advance booking but arrive early.
Fun Facts
- 1. Lourdes receives over 6 million pilgrims annually, making it one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.
- 2. The apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous occurred 18 times in 1858 at the Grotto of Massabielle.
- 3. Over 7,000 people have claimed miraculous healings at Lourdes, though the Catholic Church has officially recognized only 70.
- 4. The underground Basilica of St. Pius X can hold 25,000 people, making it one of the largest churches in the world.
