Lourdes

Museums and heritage in Lourdes

Lourdes' heritage centers on the Sanctuary of Lourdes, a major Catholic pilgrimage site featuring multiple basilicas and a sacred grotto. Beyond the spiritual domain, the 11th-century Castle of Lourdes houses a museum of regional history. Visitors can trace Saint Bernadette’s life through preserved sites like the Boly Mill and Le Cachot, or explore diverse exhibits ranging from religious wax figures and calligraphy to Pyrenean folk art and seismic risk simulators.

Preacherdoc / CC BY-SA 4.0

Sanctuary of Lourdes

Major Catholic pilgrimage site and Marian shrine established following reported apparitions in 1858. The extensive domain features several basilicas and a sacred spring located within a grotto.

Mecanglais / CC BY-SA 3.0

Castle of Lourdes

Medieval stone fortress and national monument that has served as a count's residence, military stronghold, and royal prison. It currently houses a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Pyrenean region.

Mathieu MD / CC BY-SA 3.0

Moulin de Boly - Bernadette's Birth House

If you are interested in Bernadette's early life, you need to visit the water mill which has been reconstructed to its former glory in 2012.

LeZibou / CC BY-SA 3.0

Museum of Lourdes

Travel back in time and get to know the early life in Lourdes. Discover a wide collection of ancient tools and costumes, all in one place.

Darmawan Santoso / CC-BY-SA

Le Cachot

Visit a former prison where the family of Soubirous lived. Experience the dreadful living conditions and learn about the life of Bernadette.

Milorad Pavlek / GFDL

The Father's House

Also called the Lacadé water-mill, this house was a gift from the priest of the parish to Bernadette’s parents. Today it serves as a museum.

LeZibou / CC BY-SA 3.0

Musée Pyrénéen

Housed within the medieval fortress since 1921, this collection preserves the folk art and traditions of the Pyrenees. It features regional costumes, furniture, and architectural models detailing mountain life from the 18th to the early 20th century.

Château de Soum

This château built for the Fornau family is an architecturally interesting building with a beautiful exterior. Come and see for yourself!

Museum of Saint Bernadette

A museum focused on the life of Bernadette and the construction of the Sanctuary. Come and see its collections of pictures and objects.

Lourdes Wax Museum

18 scenes with over 100 wax figures present the story of Christ and the life of Bernadette. All is arranged by decorators of Grévin in Paris.

Hospice Saint Bernadette

Currently a museum, the hospice was the first place where Bernadette came to learn. Visit the oratory where she received her communion.

Museum of Little Lourdes

Discover the origin of Lourdes in the footsteps of Bernadette. Walk through a pleasant garden and explore the tiny Lourdes with an audio…

La Fabrique

This workshop offers a chance to discover manufacturing techniques of the handmade statues sold here. Do not forget to get a unique souvenir!

Crèches du Monde

This is a fully mechanized theatre - the actors are just automatons made out of clay. Come and see this unique audiovisual show!

Museum Christi

This museum shows a unique collection of French calligraphy and ancient imagery. You will also find collections of writing instruments here.

Centre of Seismic Risk Awareness

This centre is an educational place with simulators allowing you to explore climate-related hazards and earthquakes.

Other Lists

Lourdes Essentials Highlights of Lourdes Hidden Caves and Grottoes Natural Wonders of Lourdes Religious Sites of Lourdes