Best things to do in Lourdes

Lourdes Essentials

This collection highlights the spiritual heart of Lourdes, centered on the Sanctuary where St. Bernadette Soubirous reported 18 apparitions in 1858. It features the three main basilicas—Immaculate Conception, Rosary, and the underground St. Pius X—alongside the 'Bernadette Trail' visiting her birthplace at Boly Mill and the 'Cachot' prison. Beyond religious sites, the list includes the medieval Castle of Lourdes and the Pic du Jer funicular, which provides panoramic views of the Pyrenees.

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.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 3.0

Basilica of our Lady of the Rosary of Lourdes

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.

Fabio Alessandro Locati / CC BY-SA 3.0

Immaculate Conception Basilica

Neo-Gothic minor basilica and pilgrimage site constructed in the late 19th century above the Grotto of Massabielle. It features a prominent spire and extensive stained-glass windows depicting religious history.

Luc Viatour

Minor Basilica of St. Pius X

The Basilica of Saint Pius X, informally known as the Underground Basilica, is a large Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, located in…

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.

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.

Jean-noël Lafargue / FAL

Pic du Jer Funicular

The funiculaire du pic du Jer, or Pic du Jer funicular, is a funicular railway in the French département of Hautes-Pyrénées.

The Way of the Cross - Espélugues

Walk up through the forest, climb the Holy Stairs (a copy of Rome's), and explore 15 stations with 115 religious statues of iron painted…

Maison Paternelle de Sainte Bernadette

Also known as the Moulin de Lacadé, this house was given to Bernadette's parents after the apparitions. It contains original furniture, family portraits, and personal mementos belonging to the Soubirous family during their later years.