Is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes open all year round?

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is open all year round and admission is free. Opening hours vary depending on the season. From April to October, it is usually open from 6 am to 1 am. From November to March, it is usually open from 7 am to 10 pm.

Are there any cycle paths in Lourdes?

The main route is the Voie Verte des Gaves, which runs along a former railway line. From Lourdes, it first heads to Pierrefitte-Nestalas along a smooth surface with very little gradient, making it ideal for families, city bikes and e-bikes. Continuing on to Cauterets, the route becomes steeper and is better suited to experienced cyclists.

What does the Food Tour involve?

The Co&Zion Food Tour is a gourmet walking tour of Lourdes, offering an opportunity to discover the local heritage and flavours of the South-West. Accompanied by a guide, participants visit local artisans and shopkeepers whilst sampling regional specialities.

Is the hike to the Pic du Jer difficult?

The hike to the Pic du Jer is accessible, but it does require a good level of fitness. The path has a significant elevation gain in places and can be steep, particularly on the final ascent. There are several options available: hikers can walk up, or, from April to October only, take the funicular to enjoy the panoramic views without too much effort. This outing is also suitable for families with children who are used to walking, provided you adjust the pace and ensure they are wearing suitable footwear.

Where can you enjoy a relaxing break in Lourdes?

At all the spas in Lourdes, at the Aquatic Centre and at the leisure and spa centres in the valleys!

TOP 5 for a relaxing break in Lourdes

Taking the time

Whilst some would love summer – with its heat and hustle and bustle – to last all year round, for others, autumn marks the start of that lovely ‘off-season’ period, full of cosy blankets, comfort and a chance to recharge. Who said summer was the only time for holidays? It’s a chance to rethink what a holiday really means. In winter, in Lourdes and the Pyrenees, nature slows down – and so do we. 🧘

1. Physical wellbeing in spas

What could be more blissful than the feeling of cosy warmth in the depths of winter? When it’s bitterly cold outside, what could be better than shedding your coats and puffer jackets to spend time in your swimwear?

To unwind, make the most of the spa area at the Lourdes Aquatic Centre, or treat yourself to a massage, treat yourself in the cosy, luxurious atmosphere of theBelfry & Spa by Ligne St Barthand the Hôtel Gallia et Londres in Lourdes – it’s all à la carte!

Our favourite ❤️: For its cosy décor featuring light-coloured wood and Tiphaine’s expert hands, head straight toL’Empreinte de Joy

All spas

2. Thoughts on ‘pause’ at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

From November to March, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes seems to be all yours. A sense of tranquillity that takes you by surprise in this place that is both majestic and familiar.

Enjoy the view of the Grotto as if it were there just for you, admire the mosaics of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in absolute serenity, broken only by a few hymns during the daily Masses…

Here, time seems to stand still, allowing you to touch your own spirituality with your fingertips.

Spiritual retreat

3. Let the scenery roll by

Today, we’re cycling to the rhythm of the peaceful lapping of the Gave du Pau: along the Voie Verte, a safe and easy route between Lourdes and Argelès-Gazost, we’re heading up the valley, comfortably settled on our electric bikes.

No times to beat, no heart rate to monitor – no, this time we’re focusing solely on the calming aspect of exercise. We’re soaking up this breath of fresh air, looking up with our rosy cheeks to admire the beauty of the Pibeste massif and the valleys of the Hautes-Pyrénées.

Explore

4. Giving in to temptation

It’s a well-known fact that, in winter, we swap tomato salad for anything that can be baked, melted, simmered or slow-cooked – in short, anything nice and hot.

That’s just as well: in the South-West, and in Lourdes in particular, our shopkeepers, producers and artisans can offer you ingredients that tick all these boxes. Bigorre Black Pig ham, Tarbais beans, local cheeses, Madiran or Jurançon wines, spit-roasted cake… Come and sample them on the South-West Food Tour: Marine will guide you through market halls, restaurants and brasseries so you can try them all.

I discover

5. Therapeutic hike to the summit of the Pic du Jer

Whether it’s therapeutic hiking or forest therapy (which really does exist), at the Pic du Jer you can combine the two.

Just a stone’s throw from the town centre, leave your car in the hotel car park and enjoy the walk that starts at the foot of the Pic du Jer funicular station. In no time at all, you’ll leave the town behind and find yourself in a natural haven.

These peaceful woodlands gradually give way to a more rocky landscape as you make your way to the summit.

Off to the countryside I go 🥾🚶‍♀️

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Pic du Jer covered in snow
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OT Lourdes

Our answers to your questions

Is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes open all year round?
Are there any cycle paths in Lourdes?
What does the Food Tour involve?
Is the hike to the Pic du Jer difficult?
The hike to the Pic du Jer is accessible, but it does require a good level of fitness. The path has a significant elevation gain in places and can be steep, particularly on the final ascent.
There are several options available: hikers can walk up, or, from April to October only, take the funicular to enjoy the panoramic views without too much effort.
This outing is also suitable for families with children who are used to walking, provided you adjust the pace and ensure they are wearing suitable footwear.
Where can you enjoy a relaxing break in Lourdes?