Situated in the French Pyrenees, Lourdes is one of the world’s most important places of Christian pilgrimage. Since an apparition of the Virgin Mary was spotted here in 1858, the city now attracts over five million tourists every year. Visitors can take part in Lourdes’ Christian processions and baptisms, as well as visit famous landmarks like the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of Saint Pius and the Grotto of Massabielle.
While Lourdes main draw is its religious landmarks and spiritual walking tours, the town itself offers many other attractions, including the Pyrenean Museum and the Wax Museum, where you can see waxworks of important religious figures. The town centre also boasts a selection of contemporary restaurants and cafés serving modern French cuisine. After lunch by the river, go for a hike around the trails in the Pyrenees and forests of Bois de Lourdes or set up camp on the shores of the Lourdes Lake. For views of the city and Château Fort, make sure to ride the funicular from Pic de Jur.
Visitors to Lourdes can find relatively cheap flights direct to the city from London, Paris and other European cities. Alternatively, coach travel is normally the chosen method of transport for religious pilgrimages, offering the chance to appreciate views of the French countryside and Pyrenees along the way.