Pyrenees- in search of the spiritual and spirited

Set off from London mid-morning and wake up in Lourdes - gateway to the Pyrenees. It's a town that draws millions of pilgrims to its holy site, but there is another side to this place - one that is connected to nature.

Route map

Eurostar to Paris

Take a morning Eurostar from St. Pancras to Gare du Nord head over to Gare d'Austerlitz. You could take the Metro but why not take the bus? Number 91 runs from Gare du Nord and stops at Gare d'Austerlitz on its way to Gare Montparnasse.

Evening train or night train to Lourdes?

At the time of writing, there's a 6pm train from Gare Montparnasse to Lourdes calling at Bordeaux, which will give you some time in Paris.

If you want a full evening, why not catch the night train from Gare d'Austerlitz?

For some ideas on what to do in Paris, including some strolls, have a look here.

Lourdes

Lourdes is a gateway to the Pyrenees, which is why the place (along with its fortress) exists in the first place. However, it has become world famous since the Lady of the Immaculate Conception told Bernadette Soubirous about the healing power of the waters.

Even for the non-religious, the town is well worth a wander. If you'd like to know more along with some ideas for a stroll, have a look here.

There is another sense of spiritual that's more connected to the awe of nature. I found out more from Hélène, who organises walks around the valleys surrounding Lourdes.

Pyrenees - where next, how next?

There are many options for exploring the Pyrenees from Lourdes.

Perhaps the simplest (and greenest) option is to hike or hire a bike and cycle along the Gaves greenway this will get you well into the foothills. Here is a google map of the route.

To feel on top of the world, or at least the mountains, you could catch a 962 bus to Pic du Midi and take a cable car to the observatory.

Alternatively, you could catch the 965 bus to Cauterets or Gavarnie.

Gavarnie

Victor Hugo was overwhelmed and had a quasi-religious experience here. There is something truly awesome about the scale of the Cirque de Gavarnie - a bowl-shaped gorge that actually becomes more impressive with other humans around. They give it scale.

Practical info

Tourist info

Lourdes tourist information is a pretty good resource - https://en.lourdes-infotourisme.com/

Tickets and timetables

I've been using SNCF's website, https://sncf-connect.com to look for train times and book tickets, but there are many other options available. Check out seat61.com for a comprehensive guide.

Times of trains from Paris to Lourdes can be found at: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/timetables/Paris/Lourdes