Conquer the Château Fort de Lourdes

Step back into history

The Château Fort de Lourdes is a national heritage site with Monument Historique status, and its Pyrenean Museum is “Musée de France” certified. Built on a rocky peak, this large stone castle has defensive architecture which is over 1,000 years old, and houses a museum about the art and folk traditions of the Pyrenees. The Château Fort de Lourdes offers its visitors a genuine piece of history, heritage and culture, in all seasons.

Castle opening times and prices

Getting there

The military fortress

From this castle perched on a large rock, you can admire a panoramic view of the whole town, the Sanctuary and the surrounding mountains. This fortress is a military construction that was used for defence and as a place of refuge for the population.

With its keep, drawbridge and arrow slits, it has served several different purposes throughout its history. First a stately home, then a military fortress and later a prison, its history spans the ages. All the way to the present day, as the castle has been telling a new story since becoming a museum in 1921.

A museum for over 100 years

Nearly a thousand years of history are etched into the stones of this building. The centuries and legends intertwine in a fortress that has held a treasure within it for a hundred years now: the Pyrenean Museum. This museum became a reality thanks to the enthusiasm and ambition of Louis and Margalide Le Bondidier. This couple, known throughout the region as dedicated Pyreneists, put on exhibitions about daily rural and pastoral life in the French and Spanish Pyrenees, from the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century.

Discover

Have fun discovering the castle

At the Château Fort de Lourdes, you’ll find tools to make your visit fun. Children can investigate to solve mysteries while learning about our history. Older children can use the Patrimoine en Balade app on their smartphone to hear many interesting stories about the castle.