The mountain on the outskirts of Lourdes The Pic du Jer

From the town centre, turn towards the Pyrenees and look up. At the very gateway to the valley, two gentle peaks face each other: the Béout on the right, the Pic du Jer on the left. The latter intrigues you, flanked by the tracks of a funicular railway with an impressive gradient.

An iconic peak of the town of Lourdes, the Pic du Jer invites you to explore. Standing at 948 metres, you can climb it on foot or by funicular, enjoy the view from the terrace offering the finest vista of Lourdes, and – why not? – whizz back down at top speed on a mountain bike.

On the slopes and at the summit of the Pic du Jer, amidst a variety of ecosystems, you can spot over a hundred species of plants. The information boards along the botanical trail help you to understand the environment. Thyme, wild thyme and oregano fill the air with their scent, whilst rock roses, broom, St John’s wort, bellflowers, viper’s bugloss and three-lobed liverworts bring colour to the copses in the summer months.

Roe deer, does, wild boar and foxes have found the perfect habitat on the Pic du Jer. Whether they’re just passing through in season or hibernating for the winter, you’ll be able to spot bats during your underground tour of the caves. Once the view clears, look up: you may spot a griffon vulture, a black kite or a red kite, a kestrel or a peregrine falcon, or even an eagle…Some nesting birds take advantage of the updrafts from the cliffs. But let’s not forget the small passerines visible up above, whose songs will accompany you on your walk.

An integral part of the Pic du Jer, this funicular railway – which is over a century old – is well worth a visit. Built in 1900, it connects Lourdes to the summit.

Climb into one of these two carriages and let yourself be carried along in complete tranquillity.