Lourdes is a city located in the Midi-Pyrénées region, in southwestern France.
It is an important center of Catholic pilgrimage, thanks to the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a young shepherdess in 1858.
Every year millions of pilgrims visit the city to pray and seek spiritual and physical healing.
To get to Lourdes, you can take a train from Paris to the Lourdes train station, which is located in the center of the city. You can also arrive by plane at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport, which is only a 15-minute drive from the city.
Among the attractions of Lourdes are:
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is a beautiful church with beautiful mosaics and stained glass windows.
The Grotte de Massabielle is the cave where the apparition of the Virgin Mary to the young Bernadette Soubirous occurred.
The Château fort de Lourdes is a medieval castle that dominates the city.
The Musée de Lourdes is a museum that shows the history and importance of the city for the Catholic religion.
The Pic du Jer is a mountain with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Lac de Lourdes is a beautiful artificial lake where you can practice water sports.
The Pyrenees National Park is a beautiful natural area that offers many opportunities for hiking and other outdoor sports.
The Walk through the historic center of Lourdes is an opportunity to see traditional French architecture and enjoy the local cuisine.
The Torchlight Procession is a daily event where pilgrims walk the streets of the city with burning torches.
Lourdes is a city that offers a unique experience for pilgrims and tourists. Its rich history and spirituality, along with its stunning natural beauty, make Lourdes a special place to visit in France.
See more about the history of Lourdes
See also information on Paris.