Road Cycling
For the keen road cyclist, Lourdes offers a wide range of cycling terrain to keep you occupied during your stay along with all the benefits of staying in a big town. The surrounding area has everything from low rolling valley rides on quiet roads beside mountain streams to the mighty, mystical and imposing Pyrenean climbs of the Tour de France. There is a good selection of famous cols in reasonable striking distance from your base in the town. Just 12km from the centre of Lourdes and just a short ride away is the start of the climb to the top of challenging, HC summit finish in the ski resort of Hautacam. This climb has been used in the Tour five times; most recently in 2014 when Vincenzo Nibali took the stage victory on his way to winning the race overall.

Nearby you also have the forboding Col du Soulor and Col d'Aubisque. It was on the Aubisque in 1951 that the cyclist, Wim van Est, while in the yellow jersey, slipped on some gravel on the road and plunged 20 metres down the mountain side. Luckily he managed to land on a small flat area; had he fallen a metre either side he would have plunged a further 600m to certain death. Van Est had to be rescued by tying 40 bike tyres together into a makeshift rope!

Further afield, but still within a capable riding distance you have the legendary Col du Tourmalet. The western ascent of this HC climb is tough and unforgiving, 19km in length at an average gradient of 7.4% with a maximum of 10.2% near the summit! The ascent is shorter on the eastern side but it ramps up to over 12% in places! It's possible to ride a 100km loop from Lourdes towards Bagneres de Bigorre, over the Tourmalet and back via Luz Saint Sauveur and Soulom. Also within riding distance is the tough, twisting and turning, but scenic HC climb up to the summit finish of Luz Ardiden. The climb has been used in the Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain) as well as the Tour de France. Some geat champions have won here such as the Spaniard, Miguel Indurain, who won the Tour five times. Disgraced former cyclist Lance Armstrong also won here in 2003 while wearing the yellow jersey. If the legs are feeling strong then you could probably take in the Cat2 gladed climb up to the Col d'Aspin. Both the Tourmalet and the Aspin are set to feature in the 2015 edition of the Tour de France.

You can even time your efforts on the slopes of Luz Ardiden, Tourmalet and Hautacam by using the Timtoo Timing timekeeping system (chips available from the Tourist Office). Your times are transmitted in real time to the Timtoo website and you can see how you faired against other riders by looking for your time on the leader board!

Why not try one of the cycle sportives that takes place in the area every year such as La Pyreneenne or tackle one of the stages of the Haute Route Pyrenees - one of the toughest multi-day sportives? Of course, if you prefer a more leisurely approach to cycling then why not try a ride along the traffic free 'voie verte' - one of the most scenic cycle paths in France?

If you prefer to watch rather than to participate, the Pyrenees holds host to the greatest cycle race there is every year - the Tour de France. Why not join the passionate fans and savour the party atmosphere on the slopes of the famed climbs as they shout encouragement to their heroes as they battle the steep gradients? For those wanting to catch a glimpse of La Grande Boucle, the route for the coming Tour de France is normally announced in October prior to the race in July (www.letour.fr/le-tour/). So now there is no excuse for not booking your stay well in advance before the rooms start to disappear!
 

Road Cycling in the Gaves valley
The Pyrenean Mountains around Lourdes are a road cyclist's heaven and offer challenging climbs such as the Tourmalet, Aubisque, Soulor and Luz Ardiden. These mountains provide the canvas for the artists - the riders of the Tour de France - who paint them with displays of endeavor, sacrifice and suffering. Amateur riders can sample the suffering of the ascents and enjoy the thrill of the high speed descents on the very same roads used by the professionals. It's a bit like a football fan having personal access to the hallowed turf at Wembley! Combined with the gentle rolling terrain to spin out the legs and virtually traffic-free and easy to navigate roads, it makes this an experience not to be missed.
The Gaves valley (Vallee des Gaves) extends from Lourdes to the Pays Toy (Toy Country) surrounding Luz Saint Sauveur. This whole area has a huge mountain bike area with no less than 20 circuits catering for all levels. These road bike trails have been designed by cycling professionals and are accredited by the French Cycling Federation. To ensure all-terrain cycling safety, these routes are checked and maintained several times a year.

Discover the beautiful surrounding countryside and ride out to mythical natural sites such as “Cirque De Gavarnie”, “Pic Du Midi” and the “Cirque De Troumouse”
Itineraries of the 20 circuits and routes in the Gaves Valley are available for purchase at the Tourist Office at a price of €5.
Note: See Cirque of Gavarnie section later on for routes.

Road Cycling in the Gavarnie-Gèdre area
You will find some hidden gems for steep slope lovers to tackle here.

Col des Tentes climb: Situated in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage area, the little known Col des Tentes is a wonderful climb. At 2208m, it is the highest road in all of the Pyrenees and has an elevation gain of 1208m over its 19km from the village of Gèdre.

The Cirque de Troumouse climb: A wonderful climb with some of the most amazing scenery for a backdrop - that is if you can find the time to enjoy it as you labour up the climb! It is almost as high as the Tentes, rising up to 2100m over 17km, again, from Gèdre.

Mountain biking
Pic du Jer Funicular 59, Avenue Francis-Lagardere, 65100 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)562 940041.
www.picdujer.fr . Email: picdujer@ville-lourdes.fr

Opening times:
Low season (10 April – 6 July & 15 September – 2 November): 10.00 – 17.00. Last ascent: 17.15.
High season (07 July – 14 September): 09.15 – 19.00. Last ascent: 18.00.
Price: Ascent/7.50€, ½ day pass/15€,
Take the funicular railway to go up and the mountain bike to go down! There are permanently maintained trails that return you (and your bike) back to the foot of the funicular.

The first trail is a challenging descent, classified as black, and should only be attempted by experienced downhill mountain bikers. The trail was used as recently as May 2014 for the French Downhill Mountain Bike Championships. The trail has attained a certain notoriety and is extremely popular with all the downhiller riders from the region as well as riders from the north of Spain.
The second trail is a much more sedate affair and ideal for families and novice riders. The 5km cross country trail takes you along pleasant, gladed tracks that return you safely to the lower funicular station.

Mountain biking in the Gaves valley
The Gaves valley (Vallee des Gaves) extends from Lourdes to the Pays Toy (Toy Country) surrounding Luz Saint Sauveur. This whole area has a huge mountain bike area with no less than 73 circuits catering for all levels. These mountain bike trails have been designed by cycling professionals and are accredited by the French Cycling Federation.
To ensure all-terrain cycling safety, these routes are checked and maintained several times a year. In this valley which is also a gateway to the Pyrenees National Park, you will be able to experience the most beautiful sights whilst travelling on two wheels. You have access to 100% off-road routes in authentic landscapes which are safeguarded through pastoral activity.
Easy forest circuits, accessible to all are available in the Barèges area, on the Plateau de Lienz or in the Luz valley. Other more exhilarating and demanding routes in medium or high mountain reserves offer exceptional views. Try the Cirque de Gavarnie, Pic du Midi or the Néouvielle nature Reserve.
There are four mountain bike routes located around the area of Luz saint Sauveur. They vary in difficulty and there is 2 blue, 1 red and 1 black route.
Itineraries of the 42 circuits and routes in the Gaves Valley are available for purchase at the Tourist Office at a price of €5.

Cauterets Mountain Bike Park
Use the Cirque du Lys natural bowl as your summer mountain biking playground. Thanks to the gondola and “Barbat” chair lift you can reach the summit of the resort at 2,400m from which point a downhill descent of 1,500m awaits. Make use of the mountain bike tracks of various levels which are set up in various modules: single track, pebbly, gaps, steps up, banked turns all the way down to Cauterets village at 900m!
Mountain bike prices, Gondola and chair lift:
Price: Adult/€17.50; Children (5-12 yrs.)/ €14.50; Single ascent/€13.50
Open: July & August: 09:00 – 12:15 & 13:45 – 17:15

Grand Tourmalet Mountain Bike Park
The Grand Tourmalet MTB Park has lift-accessed downhill trails that are suitable for riders of all abilities and is just a 30min drive away. Runs are graded from Green (easy) to Black (expert) just like the ski slopes for ease of use. Many of the trails have a vertical drop difference of 300m! There are also Enduro trails that can be accessed from the bike park where you will find a good selection of MTB trails from gladed downhill singletrack to long mountain descents suitable for a wide range of abilities.

Experienced mountain bikers can take on the the Grand Tour de Vallee Circuit – a challenging 51km route with 1350m of climbing which rewards you with some stunning trails and views.

Cycling the green routes of the Gaves Valley
Tel: +33 (0)562 426498. www.voiesvertes.com
This disused railway track has been converted into a scenic walking path connecting Lourdes to Soulom (35km round trip). This cycle path is open to everybody – walkers, roller skaters (mountain bikes are tolerated) and is food for families, friends or sole walkers. You can take the walk at your own pace and can take in sections of the walk or complete the3 whole route. Beware of the false flats however – a killer on the calves!!
Taking in the banks of the “Gave de Pau” river between Lourdes and Pierrefitte- Nestalas it passes through small villages of the Lavedan” area of the Pyrenees such as Lugagnan, Geu, Ger and Boo-Silhen. Getting all the way to Argeles-Gazost is an accomplishment in itself – as you have to remember that the return journey awaits you!! There are amazing views of the Pyrenees and nature galore.

Cycling in the Ossau Valley
Upper Ossau, located in the Pyrenees National Park, is accessible via the Col d'Aubisque – a famous pass climbed in the Tour de France – and the Col du Pourtalet. There are many other cols in the region that cyclist from all over the world come to conquer – though a week may not be long enough!

Hiking

Mountain walking/Hiking in the Pyrenees National Park
http://www.parc-pyrenees.com/decouverte/randonner/itineraires-randonnee.html
The Pyrenees National park stretches for 100km from east to west, from the Aure Valley to the Aspe Valley. The park is made up of six valleys and the link above tells you about walks in each of the valleys.
Vallée d'Aspe (the Aspe valley)
Vallée d'Ossau (the Ossau Valley)
Val d'Azun (the Azun valley),
Vallée de Cauterets (Cauterets valley)
Vallée de Luz (Luz valley)
Vallée d'Aure (the Aure valley).
Within all of these valleys there are some amazing walks and hikes up into the mountains and through the beautiful valleys.
Itineraries are available at the Tourist office and at any of the visitor centres in Saint-Lary, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Gavarnie, Cauterets and Arrens-Marsous.

Walking & Hiking in the Ossau Valley
The Ossau valley is a fantastic destination for walking and hiking. From family walks to challenging hikes in low, middle or high mountain, alone or accompanied by a guide - there are endless possibilities!
Small walking circuits in the Ossau valley: 30 sign-posted circuits (from a 30-min walk to a one-day hike) allowing you to discover the middle mountains of the region. Yellow signs (PR).

Hiking circuit of the Ossau valley: This challenging circuit stretches over 100km and is broken down into 7 stages (Eaux-Chaudes/Laruns/Bilhères/Louvie-Juzon/Port d'Aste/Col d'Aubisque/Eaux-Bonnes/Eaux-Chaudes). PDF documents of the various stages are available on the www.valleedossau-tourisme.com/ website. The stages take in the low and middle mountains (400 to 1800m of altitude) and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Signs in yellow and red (GRP).

Hiking around the Cirques in the Gavarnie territory (see Natural sights for more info)
This is easy due to their accessibility. These majestic high mountains with their magical hiking and walking routes get right to the heart of the countryside so the whole family can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Pyrenees! For those who think that hiking is an all too strenuous activity, you can simply enjoy the spectacular scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site from one of the bar terraces while savouring an ice cold drink!

The cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé have the easiest routes, with plenty of 2 hour round trips. Be sure to take the following items with you: water, a sugary snack, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream, something warm to wear, a waterproof, hiking boots, plastic bag for taking your litter home.

A pamphlet is on sale in Gèdre and Gavarnie National Park visitor centres (Gavarnie, Tel: +33(0)562924248) and costs €1. Written in English, this pamphlet describes 16 hiking tours in the area including the Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé cirques. You will also find a lot of documentation about Pyrenees fauna and flora at the visitor centres along with a free permanent exhibition on the Pyrenees.

The Cirque of Gavarnie has the most spectacular scenery during the summer months and provides an amazing backdrop to walks and hikes with almost endless route possibilities. The starting point for all of the walks will be from the village of Gavarnie. Many easy walks and hikes ranging from 2-5 hours are possible and reward you with numerous view points of the cirque and its waterfall. For a different perspective, it is also possible to walk to the bottom of Europe's highest where you get a full appreciation of the vast and high wall of the Gavarnie Cirque.

Cirque of Troumous can be accessed directly by car - watch for the turn on your left on the road up to Gavarnie just as you leave Gedre. From the parking beneath the cirque, there are some short and easy walks ranging from 30mins to 3 hours.
If you are feeling very energetic, you can leave the car at the parking near Heas church in the valley and take a 5 hour hike up to Troumouse! Either way, the road up to Troumouse is stunning and offers many spectacular vistas.

Cirque of Estaubé is the least famous of the cirques but just as stunning. Starting from the parking at the Gloriettes dam you can discover this beautiful area by taking a simple walk along a babbling mountain stream. This walk is really easy, lasting around 2 and a half hours, and is great for spotting marmots!

Getting to the Ossau valley area
Car: Ossau valley is approx. 56km from Lourdes and takes approx. 1 hour to reach.

The "GR 10" hiking footpath
This famous hiking path crosses the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. There are 12 stages that pass through the Hautes Pyrenees and due to the steepness of some routes, the GR10, it should only be navigated by experienced hikers. Signs are in white and red.

The stages in the Hautes Pyrenees include
Gourette jusqu'à Arrens-Marsous: 12 km – 5 hours 30 minutes
Arrens-Marsous - lac d'Estaing: 15 km - 2 hpurs 50 minutes
Lac d'Estaing - lac d'Ilhéou: 4 km - 4 hours 45 minutes
Lac d'Ilhéou - Cauterets: 10 km - 2 hours 45 minutes
Cauterets - lac de Gaube: 2 km - 2 hours 50 minutes
Lac de Gaube – Vignemale: 5 km - 4 hours
Vignemale - refuge Bayssellance: 2, 5 km - 2 hours 35 minutes
Refuge Bayssellance – Gavarnie: 9 km - 5 hours 50 minutes
Gavarnie - Luz-Saint-Sauveur: 24 km - 8 hours 35 minutes
Luz-Saint-Sauveur – Barèges: 10 km - 5 hours
Barèges - lac Estagnol: 15 km - 4 hours
Lac Estagnol - Refuge de l'Oule: 4 km - 5 hours
Refuge de l'Oule -Saint-Lary: 18 km - 6 hours 35 minutes
Saint-Lary – Loudenvielle: 9 km - 4 hours 20 minutes
Loudenvielle - lac d'Ôo: 29 km - 9 hours
Lac d'Ôo - Bagnères-de-Luchon: 12 km - 08 hours 30 minutes

Walking the green routes of the Gaves Valleys
Tel: +33 (0)562 426498. www.voiesvertes.com
This disused railway track has been converted into a scenic walking path connecting Lourdes to Soulom (35km round trip). This cycle path is open to everybody – walkers, roller skaters (mountain bikes are tolerated) and is food for families, friends or sole walkers. You can take the walk at your own pace and can take in sections of the walk or complete the3 whole route. Beware of the false flats however – a killer on the calves!!
Taking in the banks of the “Gave de Pau” river between Lourdes and Pierrefitte- Nestalas it passes through small villages of the Lavedan” area of the Pyrenees such as Lugagnan, Geu, Ger and Boo-Silhen. Getting all the way to Argelès-Gazost is an accomplishment in itself – as you have to remember that the return journey awaits you!! There are amazing views of the Pyrenees and nature galore.

Hike caching in the Gaves Valley with GPS
Lourdes is the main gateway to the Gaves valley where you may discover a broad range of sites. Take a look at the list below to see just a few of the fascinating places you can visit!

Hike Caching is another way to discover the mountains both in summer and winter. It is hiking with the aid of a GPS which transforms the experience into a treasure hunt. A true sense of freedom, of recreation for all the family. This is a great way to reconnect with nature, to listen to its sounds and be amazed by all the treasures that meet the eye.

The Tourist Office in collaboration with the French Hiking association has developed an innovative way for young and old to explore this area. Using GPS follow clues and navigate and explore the village at the same time. Contact the local Tourist Office for more details.

Néouvielle Nature Reserve
Cirque of Gavarnie
Col du Tourmalet and the Pic du Midi
Cauterets-Pont d'Espagne
The Cirques of Estaube and Troumouse
Lourdes

Le Petit Train Touristique (The Little Tourist Train)
Place Monseigneur- Laurence, 65100 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)562 420748. Email: lourdes.visites@wanadoo.fr
Opening Times: Departs every 20 minutes. 09.00 – 11.30 & 13.30 – 18.10. (Closed from 1 November – 31 March)
Price: Adult/6€, Child (6-12yrs)/3€, - 6yrs free of charge
This small tourist train is a discovery trip of Lourdes for young and old alike. The 45 minutes trip follows a 7.5 km route passing by the many sights of the beautiful town of Lourdes. The en route stops mean you can jump on and off to spend time discovering the different monuments and museums. The train stops near all the major sights including: Le petit Musee de Lourdes (Lourdes in miniature); Grevin museum; Lourdes Museum; Chateau-fort de Lourdes (Lourdes fort) and the Pyrenees museum and the Pic du Jer funicular.

Lourdes Lake
Located just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Lourdes, this is one of the most relaxing and agreeable places to escape to outside of the town. One of the only low altitude glacial lakes in the region, locals flock to this small lake for a picnic or sunbathe or just to get away from it all. There is a restaurant here “Restaurant Embarcadere” open in the summer months for snacks and drinks.

In the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm, kayaks and pedalos can be taken out onto the lake (see “activities” section). Those who enjoying fishing will also find a quiet nook where they can perhaps catch a perch, pike of some fresh water shrimps.

The more adventurous visitor might choose to walk around the lake which is a 6km walk. As you walk around the lake enjoying the turns in the path, be aware that the golf course is nearby and respect the golfer- walker etiquette.

Kayaking on Lourdes Lake
L’Esquimau Kayak Club. 6, Boulevard du Lapacca, 65100 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)652 437897 http://ekcl.e-monsite.com/ Email: ekclourdes@gmail.com
Price: Discovery package for 2 hours/20€, Nature Discovery package for 2 hours/25€,

Located just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Lourdes, this is one of the most relaxing and agreeable places to escape to outside of the town. One of the only low altitude glacial lakes in the region, locals flock to this small lake for a picnic or sunbathe or just to get away from it all.
In the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm, kayak lessons can be taken with the local kayak club on the lake.
The “Restaurant Embarcadere” open in the summer months (10.00 – 21.00) for meals, snacks, ice creams and drinks.

Pedalos on Lake Lourdes
Restaurant Embarcadere. Tel: +33 562 325059
www.embarcaderelourdes.jimdo.com
Located just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Lourdes, Lourdes lake is one of the most relaxing and agreeable places to escape to, outside of the town. One of the only low altitude glacial lakes in the region, locals flock to this small lake for a picnic or sunbathe.
In the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm, pedalos can be taken out onto the lake and are hired out at “Restaurant Embarcadere” which is open in the summer months (10.00 – 21.00) for meals, snacks, ice creams and drinks.

Golf on Lake Lourdes
Lourdes Golf. Chemin du lac. Tel: +33 (0)562 420206.
www.golf-lourdes.fr . Email: golf@ville-lourdes.fr
Opening times: Low season: 09.00 – 12.00 & 13.30 – 18.45. 15 July – 20 August: 09.00 – 19.00. (Closed 25 December and 1 January)
Price: Adult/5.70€, Child (6-12yrs)/2.70€, - 6yrs free of charge
Opened in 1998, Lourdes Golf club is located on a magnificent site, on the southern banks of Lourdes Lake, surrounded by pine trees. The 18-hole course has a 72 par and is 5.6 km long. It is a sporty course but is accessible for all levels of golfer. The site has plenty of amenities to hand: putting green, shooting range and caddy hire. There is also golf instruction for all levels. You should allow for four hours to complete the course and afterwards there is an onsite restaurant with good local dishes or a quick snack.

Horse Riding the Cirque of Gavarnie is great as an alternative to hiking and walking, why not discover the Gavarnie Cirque on horseback. From Easter through to November you can visit the cirque by renting and riding a horse (or a donkey) for a 2 or 3 hour ride. A great experience for kids and adults and a great day out for the family. The horses are available for rent at the start of the walk up to The Cirque in Gavarnie at the end of the village.
For experienced horse riders, it is possible to discover wild and amazing landscapes accompanied by a guide.

Culture and Heritage in Lourdes

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
1 Avenue Monseigneur Théas, 65108 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)562 427878.
www.lourdes-france.org  Email: saccueil@lourdes-france.org

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, or the Domain as it is sometimes referred to, is an area of ground surrounding the Catholic shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes in the town of the same name. The Sanctuary is primarily a destination for pilgrimage; sick pilgrims are reputed to be miraculously healed by Lourdes water. However, the site’s notoriety also means that it is just as popular with tourists who are keen to see what all the fuss is about.

The Sanctuary includes the Grotto itself, where the Marian apparitions are said to have taken place, along with the nearby taps which dispense the Lourdes water. Lourdes water flows from a spring at the same spot where it was discovered by Bernadette. The original spring can be seen within the Grotto, lit from below and protected by a glass screen.

Pilgrims drink and bathe in Lourdes water due to its reputed healing power. The Roman Catholic Church has officially recognised 69 healings that are considered to be miraculous. The Lourdes Medical Bureau (Bureau Medical), which is located in the Sanctuary, was established at the request of Pope Saint Pius X to ensure claims of cures were examined properly and to protect the town from fraudulent claims of miracles. The Bureau is completely under medical and not ecclesiastical supervision. The water from Lourdes was thoroughly analysed by independent chemists in 1858 and 1859, and does not appear to have a latent power to cure and has no special scientific or medicinal properties. Despite this, the water is itself a strong symbol of devotion for Lourdes pilgrims, and many buy empty statues and rosary beads to fill with this water.

Daily processions are held in the Sanctuary, with the Torchlight Procession being perhaps the best-known and most visually impressive. The Torchlight Marian Procession, which begins outside the Grotto, takes place at 9.00pm and follows the same route as the Blessed Sacrament Procession.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is open all year round, 24 hours a day, and entry is free of charge. The Information centre is open daily from 09.00 – 12.00 & 13.30 – 17.30
There are two main periods:

- From April to October, mass can be celebrated in all languages at 22 places of worship. You can also attend celebrations such as the international mass, the Eucharistic procession in the afternoon and the torch-lit Marian procession every evening.

- From November to March, many celebrations also take place every day, such as mass, the Rosary and the Angelus.

Rosary Basilica
1 Avenue Monseigneur Théas, 65100 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)562427878
Open: 06.00 – 19.00

When the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared at Lourdes, she was described by Saint Bernadette as holding a rosary in her hand. The Rosary Basilica is dedicated to this theme.

Opened in 1872, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is a Roman Catholic Church and minor basilica within the grounds of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Rosary Basilica is the third of the churches to be completed on the site (after the Crypt and the Upper Basilica). It was designed by architect Leopold Hardy and completed in 1889. It was consecrated in 1901 and has a capacity of 1,500 worshippers. The Basilica's architecture is designed in a Byzantine-influenced Romanesque style in the shape of a Greek cross.

Its three arches depict the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries that Catholics meditate on while saying the rosary. The Rosary Basilica also has a semicircular white marble entry facade, depicting Mary handing the Rosary to St. Dominic which continues this theme.

Inside, the nave is open and circular, surmounted by a dome. The dome contains sixteen circular stained glass windows. Around the central dome, the transepts and the sanctuary contain 15 Chapels of the Mysteries, which are decorated with mosaics depicting the 15 mysteries of the rosary. In 2000-7, the interior and exterior of the Basilica were extensively renovated and the mosaics - many of which were deteriorating - were restored.

Basilica of St. Pius X
Engineer: Eugene Freyssinet
Architects: Pierre Vago, Eugène Freyssinet

The Basilica of St. Pius X, also referred to as the Underground Basilica, is a large Roman Catholic Church and minor basilica which forms part of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The Basilica of St. Pius X is the largest and perhaps the most controversial of the Sanctuary’s churches. A modern, concrete building, it was completed in 1958 in anticipation of the enormous crowds expected in Lourdes for the centenary of the Marian apparitions. It is referred to as the Underground Basilica, due to the fact that it is almost entirely underground (part of the building lies beneath the Boulevard Père Rémi Sempé). Architect Pierre Vago designed the underground Basilica; it spreads out underground between St. Michael’s Gate and the Crowned Statue. Inside, the Basilica appears to be in the form of an upturned ship, and surrounded by a walkway.

The Underground Basilica is stylistically very different from its predecessors in the Domain. There is almost no natural light inside. The concrete of its construction has been left bare throughout, making it gloomy and uninviting, and it often draws unfair comparisons with an underground car park. It is for this reason that the Basilica is so controversial, for although it provides a practical solution to the problem of accommodating very large numbers, it remains unpopular with many visitors to Lourdes due to its aesthetics, or more significantly, the lack of them.

Château Fort de Lourdes (Lourdes Castle-Fort) and the Pyrenean Museum
25, Rue de fort, 65100 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)562 423737.
www.chateaufort-lourdes.fr
Opening times: Low season: 09.00 – 12.00 & 14.00 – 18.00. High season: 09.00 – 12.00 & 13.30 – 18.30. June – September: 09.00 – 18.30. (Closed: 1st January, 1st and 11 November & 25 December)
Price: Adult/ 6€, Child (6-11yrs)/3€, Family Ticket/14€ (4 persons) - 6yrs free of charge

The Château Fort de Lourdes is a historic castle that was strategically placed at the entrance to the seven valleys of the Lavedan.

This thousand-year-old fortress, which is famed for having never been conquered, is a listed historical monument in France and also houses a museum. The Château offers exceptional views of the city of Lourdes, the Sanctuary and the Pyrenean mountain range. Within the castle walls you will find a botanical garden which can be found at the foot of the 14th century keep, and the Pyrenean Museum.

Located at the foot of the 14th century keep within the castle walls, you will find the Pyrenean museum. The museum houses the most important collections relating to the history of the French and Spanish Pyrenees and includes: ceramics and furniture from the 18th century, a shepherd’s hut and traditional costumes amongst other local treasures.

Besieged in 778 by Charlemagne, it became the residence of the Counts of Bigorre in the 11th and 12th centuries. In the 13th century, it passed into the possession of the Counts of Champagne, part of the kingdom of Navarre before coming under the crown of France under Philippe le Bel. It was ceded to the English by the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, before returning to France at the start of the 15th century after two sieges. In the 17th century, the castle became a royal prison, and a state prison after the French Revolution, continuing in this role until the start of the 20th century when it became the Pyrenean Museum (Musée Pyrénéen) (1921) which it remains.

Lourdes Museum
11 rue de l'Egalité, 65100 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)562 942800
http://www.musee-lourdes.fr/
Opening times: 09.30 – 12.00 & 13.45 – 18.15. (Closed: 1 November to 31 March.)
Price: Adult/6€, Child (6-12yrs)/3€, - 6yrs free of charge. Family Ticket/15€

Discover the fabulous history of Lourdes in 1858 at the time of the apparitions. Rediscover ancient trades as they once were, see the workings of small businesses and discover the period costumes of times gone by (over 4000 items). All within a bright and welcoming atmosphere. You will see and feel the way that life was at the time of Little Bernadette.

Le Petit Lourdes Museum (Lourdes in miniature)
68, Avenue Peyramale, 65100 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)562 942436. Email: lepetitlourdes65@orange.fr
Opening times: Low season: 09.00 – 12.00 & 13.30 – 18.45. 15 July – 20 August: 09.00 – 19.00. (Closed from 21 October – 31 March)
Price: Adult/6.50€, Child (6-12yrs)/3.50€, - 6yrs free of charge. Family Ticket/15€

Relive the story of Lourdes during the time of little Bernadette with the aide of audio guides (available in 8 languages). This museum takes you back in time as you accompany the young shepherdess. Spread over 1000 square metres the museum includes a miniature replica of the village (constructed with the aid of authentic historical documents). Care and attention has been taken to replicate all of the details from the joinery and carpentry of the old houses to its windmills and water ways. You can even see the arrival of the first steam train in Lourdes!!

Pic du Jer Funicular
59, Avenue Francis-Lagardere, 65100 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)562 940041.
www.picdujer.fr Email: picdujer@ville-lourdes.fr

Opening times:
Low season (10 April – 6 July & 15 September – 2 November): 10.00 – 17.00. Last ascent: 17.15.
High season (07 July – 14 September): 09.15 – 19.00. Last ascent: 18.00.
Price: Return journey: Adult/10€, Child (6-12yrs)/7.50€, Youth (12-18yrs) /8.50€, - 6yrs free of charge. Family Ticket/30€
Visit to the caves: Adult/3.50€, Child (6-12yrs)/2.50€,

The Pic du Jer Funicular railway links the pilgrimage town of Lourdes with the summit of the nearby Pic du Jer where it rewards travelers with some of the best views of the Pyrenean mountain range. The funicular railway was constructed in 1900 and consists of a single track that has a passing loop. 1100m in length, the track rises to a height of 473m with a maximum gradient of 56%!

The Pic du Jer that overlooks the town can be recognised by its large cross, which is lit up at night. The pleasant and scenic journey to top station takes a mere fifteen minutes. At the top, there is a well marked walking trail that will take you to the observatory which has a unique panoramic viewpoint offering a 360° view of Lourdes, Tarbes, Pau, the Argelès-Gazost valley and the peaks of the Pyrenees.
A mountain biking ticket can be bought (see “Activities” Section)
The restaurant is open every day: 09.15 – 18.00
The caves are open for scheduled visits at: 11.10, 13.40, 14.40, 15.40 and 16.40

Natural Wonders & Wildlife in Lourdes

The Pyrenees abounds with many of nature’s wonders and if you many to exhaust the wealth of activities in and around the Lourdes, there are many more accessible by car or public transport. You will find famous sites such as the Cirque of Gavarnie, the Pont d’Espagne and the Pic du Midi as well as caves and National Parks.

The Pyrenees Animal Park

60, bis avenue des Pyrénées, 65400 Ayzac-Ost. Tel: +33(0)562 979107. http://www.parc-animalier-pyrenees.com/
This amazing animal park is located in the heart of the Pyrenees, near to Argelès Gazost and just 10 minutes’ drive from Lourdes. It showcases the array of animals from this area in large open spaces where, bears, wolves, chamois, marmots, lynx, roe-deer, otters, foxes, squirrels live in semi-freedom.

Since it was created in 1999, the Park’s main goal was not to showcase as many animals as possible but rather to bring visitors as close as possible to seeing the animals behaving naturally in their own environment.
Throughout the years the park has thrived on these principles as has the collection of animals. Today more than a hundred species live in about 10 Hectares of park situated on a hill which affords a magnificent view of the mountains.

Whilst in the park, visitors are allowed direct access and sometimes physical contact with certain species. The pleasure and joy of being able to play and feed animals like the marmots is a joy for young and old alike.

Observation platforms are laid out in each enclosure where the animals are on view and on site staff give you all the explanations and necessary information to understand the animal and its lifestyle.