A weekend in Lourdes: nature, culture and sport in the Hautes-Pyrénées
You probably know Lourdes as “the town of miracles” or as a famous Catholic pilgrimage site. But do you know the thousand and one faces of this pretty town in the Hautes-Pyrénées? In just 48 hours, our reporters were able to discover many different facets of the town:
- The spiritual and cultural side with our reporter Lisa (between torchlight procession and discovery of the sanctuary),
- The sporting side with Sophie, alias @potter.sophie (trail running, road biking and mountain biking in the great outdoors),
- The weekend side with Églantine, alias @_tinadventures_ (hiking, spa and gourmet delights).
- The natural side around Lourdes with Magalie, alias @magalie_jg (via ferrata and lake hiking), who went there with an Occitanie Rail Tour Pass.
And if you're still hesitating between different moods for this adventure, we've summed it all up here!
For a “contemplative and spiritual” mood
Immerse yourself in a torchlight procession
As you know, Lourdes is known as the city of miracles. From April to October, the emblematic torchlight procession takes place every evening, bringing together thousands of pilgrims. A unique atmosphere of song and prayer, candlelight in hand. An experience that our reporter Lisa loved (even though she's not a believer herself)!
The vibrant atmosphere of the torchlight procession
Visit the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Lourdes
The Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes is one of the world's largest pilgrimage sites! On the same site, you can also visit the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of Saint Pius X (underground) and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary with its mosaics. You can also follow the “Chemin de Bernadette”, the story of which Lisa tells in this article.
For a “nature” and “relaxation” mood
Relaxation at Lake Lourdes
Just 3 kilometers from the town center, you can take a stroll by the lake. And if you prefer a sporty atmosphere to relaxation, you can also go kayaking or paddle-boarding!
Contemplation from the Pic du Jer
If you like panoramic views, take the funicular up to the Pic du Jer, just a few minutes from the town center. From its summit (948 meters above sea level), you can enjoy a sublime view of Lourdes lake and the Gaves valley.
© Lisa - The funicular ride up to Pic du Jer
The ideal vantage point for a panoramic view of the Lourdes region and several Pyrenean peaks! And if you're there at lunchtime, we recommend the traditional Le Haut de Lourdes restaurant, with its hearty, comforting dishes and magnificent view over the town!
© Lisa - The magnificent view of the Pyrenean landscape from the Pic du Jer
Spa and relaxation at l'Empreinte de Joy
If you want to unwind after a hard day's walking, our reporter Sophie has tested l'Empreinte de Joy for you.
Located in a rather out-of-the-way district, this relaxing little cocoon in the heart of nature is the ideal place to recuperate after a day of sport. An institute with massage tables and a relaxation center (spa, wooden sauna...), which will welcome you as it should with tea, madeleines, a bathrobe to put on and cosy slippers!
©Sophie - Relaxation guaranteed at L'Empreinte de Joy!
For a “sporty” mood
White-water rafting on the Gave de Pau
If you're into water sports, head to the base nautique with Tom Rafting! Tom will welcome you to his new nautical center and its pretty wooden building. Just enough time to put on a wetsuit and take the boat down to the Gave de Pau - while enjoying Tom's explanations of the Gave de Pau, its inhabitants and the clean-up actions he organizes every year - and you'll be ready to fill up on adrenaline (and laughter) in the river.
©Sophie - A fun and sporty way to discover the river!
Electric mountain biking in the Lourdais region
This is Églantine's favorite activity: a 3-hour tour that takes you around Lac de Lourdes, Chemin Henri IV and Bartrès. If you opt for a guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the history and territory of Lourdes (more info here). A moment out of time, combining discovery and sport!
If you prefer a guided tour, Sophie recommends Agence Aty Peak. Céline, the agency's founder and guide, will go out of her way to create a personalized mountain bike activity adapted to your level or that of your group. Ideal for an activity with friends!
©Sophie - Sport and fun, what more could you ask for?
©Sophie - And don't forget the breathtaking scenery!
You can also mountain bike down the Pic du Jer or the Col d'Hautacam with LourdesVTT. Sophie's feedback: “Arnaud quickly builds confidence, gives the basics of mountain biking and knows how to adapt the outing to the different levels of the group by giving alternative routes!”
Our reporter Sophie and her friends on the way down
And for rentals, our reporter Sophie recommends the Bike and Py store in the center of Lourdes. You'll find electric bikes, as well as a wide range of bikes for hire (mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, DH bikes...).
There's also a store where you can buy all kinds of bike clothing and accessories (protective gear, repair kits, spare parts...), and a bar (an on-site bar that looks like an old English pub). In short, a great place to come for a drink and dream about your next bike!
©Sophie - In front of the Bike & Py store before setting off on your adventure!
Climbing Hautacam on a road bike
If you like a challenge, you can ride up to this mythical Tour de France pass, a summit at an altitude of 1530m!
A small road will take you out of Lourdes (there's also a “voie verte” option) before you reach the pass. In the off-season, the road is not very busy and is therefore very safe (although it is more frequented by cars in high summer). And at the summit, the splendid panoramic view is a priceless reward.
Pic du Jer trail ascent
For the more athletic among our readers: yes, the Pic du Jer is accessible by funicular, but not just by funicular. If you'd rather work up a sweat, you'll appreciate the 11 km round trip and the 550 meters of positive altitude difference! Chiche?
©Sophie - A trail run in the rain? No fear!
For a “cultural” or “gourmet” mood
Visit to the Château Fort de Lourdes
Listed as a historic monument, this medieval fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town and mountains. You can also discover the history of the Pyrenees since the 18th century in its Pyrenean Museum.
©Lisa - The château from below
Gourmet stroll through Les Halles de Lourdes
And if you prefer culinary delights, then the traditional market at Les Halles de Lourdes should delight you with its fresh produce and local flavors.
©Lisa - Something for everyone
Discover France's oldest chocolate factory
Located right in the center of town, the chocolaterie Pailhasson is France's oldest chocolate house in France (founded by apothecary Pailhasson in 1729!). You'll be able to discover all kinds of chocolates, and even sample some on the spot with a delicious drink (our reporter Églantine warmly recommends Viennese hot chocolate).
Beer and chocolate experience
You've probably heard of wine and cheese. But have you ever heard of beer and chocolate? In this one-hour workshop (available here), you'll learn all about the steps involved in making beer, as well as the different smells and aromas! And with all this new knowledge, you'll then be able to mix the beer with chocolates made in the region.
And to take things one step further, you can check our recommendations for accomodation and restaurants in Lourdes.
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