As a small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Lourdes used to be a bit of a backwater. But all of that changed in 1858 when 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous visited a cave and met the Lady of the Immaculate Conception who told her about the healing properties of the water.
Now five million people a year come to Lourdes to visit the Sanctuary, take the waters and, judging by the shops, buy a slightly tacky souvenir.
Lourdes is also a good starting point for exploring the Pyrenees with buses running from the station to Cauterets and Gavarnie. But before heading for the peaks, make sure to take time exploring the foothills.
If you want to reach over twice the height of Ben Nevis, catch a bus to Pic du Midi, the site of one of the top observatories in Europe.
When it comes to food, slow cooked Garbure is the local thing - there are different recipes across the valleys but the consensus is that slow-reared Bigorre pork and Tarbais beans are key ingredients.
Highlights
Sanctuary of Lourdes
Heading out for the Pyrenees
Station stroll ideas
If you have an hour or two to spare waiting for a train or bus into the Pyrenees, why not go for a wander?
I've made a downloadable PDF with accompanying google map which will give you a feel for the place and take in the sights. Choose which one to follow depending on how much time you have.
Guided tours
While here, you might want to get an insider's view of the place. I'd recommend contacting Hélène. You can find out more about her tours or balades here.
Let's go for a walk with Hélène to find out why we should be making a pilgrimage to the natural world at Lourdes.
Getting there
Direct TGVs take 2 1⁄2 hours from Bordeaux and 4 3⁄4 hours from Paris or you could take a night train (Intercités de Nuit).
Slower trains from Bayonne take 1 1⁄2 hours and 2 hours from Toulouse.
Useful links
Tourist info: https://www.lourdes-infotourisme.com/