Group tour operator and DMC for holidays to Lourdes, France
Lourdes and the Pyrénées
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Lourdes is situated in the southwest of the ‘Hautes-Pyrénées’ region, in a verdant valley and leaning towards the foothill of the mountain range that separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe. In 1858, the spirit of the Virgin Mary visited 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. Since then, this sprawling town has become an important pilgrimage site.
Read moreHoly Lourdes
The rocky grotto where these visitations occurred is now one of the holiest sites in Christendom. Millions of people visit the Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes each year, to bathe in the healing holy waters. During this tour, we learn more about the story of St. Bernadette and the Apparitions. Visit the holy sanctuaries and attend mass. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to bathe in the healing waters.
Take a walk on the Wild side of France
In addition to this religious draw, Lourdes is also an authentic Pyrenean town with a medieval fortress. Explore the picturesque Pyrenees National Park – a truly special place. See unspoilt mountain villages such as Luz-St-Sauveur. Or see Gavarnie Cirque, where fifty million years ago, the erosion of rain and ice hollowed out and created a natural bowl carved out by ancient glaciers further creating the largest waterfall in Europe.
Take this opportunity to see one the holiest sites in Christendom, as well as one of the most spectacular natural parks Europe has to offer.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to France
Depart from the UK by taking a short sea crossing to Calais, before arriving in Lourdes, your base for the next four nights, stop for an overnight en route.
Day 3
Lourdes Sanctuaries and Sightseeing
This morning we take a guided walking tour to see the places of interest in the life of St. Bernadette. There’s an introduction to the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes, a 52-hectare domain with 22 places of worship. We visit the three Basilicas, and celebrate Mass in the Grotto of Massabielle, where St. Bernadette experienced the Apparitions in 1858. Bathe in the waters from the famous spring, believed to hold miraculous healing properties. Take part in the stations of the Cross along the banks of the Gave du Pau River, and the torch-lit procession, held in the Sanctuaries each evening.
Day 4
At leisure in Lourdes
Enjoy free time today to explore the old, upper town of Lourdes. Visit the medieval fortress, once a palace, once a jail, and now the Museum of Pyrenean Life. A funicular railway takes you to the summit of the Pic de Jer mountain for a spectacular 360° view over the town, the Sanctuaries and the surrounding region.
Day 5
Pyrenees National Park, Gavarnie Cirque or Pic du Midi
We embark on full-day tour into the Pyrenees today to see unspoilt mountain villages such as Luz-St-Sauveur. Gavarnie Cirque is a natural bowl carved out by ancient glaciers and has the largest waterfall in Europe. There’s also the opportunity to take a cable car up to the top of the Pic du Midi, one of the most majestic summits in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Day 6-7
Return home
It’s time to leave Lourdes and return to the UK, stop for an overnight before arriving in the UK on day 7.
Optional Extra
Add an extra day and visit the elegant resorts of Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz.
Suggested hotels
Hotel de Lisieux
Hotel De Lisieux is situated in Lourdes, 150 yards from the Sanctuaries. It offers rooms with modern amenities including a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi access. The Lisieux has a dining room and a large air-conditioned lounge bar with 2 wide-screen TVs. There is also a terrace which overlooks the Pyrenees landscape.
Hotel St Georges, Lourdes
Hotel Saint Georges is a 3-star family hotel located near the Gave du Pau River, and many exciting visitor attractions. The guestrooms are provided with multiple amenities such as free WI-FI, internet access, 55 channels of satellite TV and hairdryer. Other on-site facilities include a piano bar with two-flat screen TV’s, a restaurant, full disabled access, secured private parking and car rental.
Hotel Paradis, Lourdes
Hotel Paradis is a 4-star hotel located within a 10-minute walk of Musee Grevin de Lourdes and Notre-dame de l’Immaculee-Conception. On-site facilities include restaurant, 2 bars/lounges, a café, rooftop terrace and self parking. Free wifi is available in public areas. The rooms are all soundproof and have free wifi, hair dryers and TV.
Hotel Chapelle et Parc, Lourdes
The Chapelle et Parc is a 4 star hotel with a sophisticated decor. The hotel facilities include restaurant, meeting room, business corner, TV room with 60 channels and free guided tour of the sanctuaries. The rooms have air-condition, flat screen TV, free WI-FI, free safe, mini-bar and a kettle.
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Deposits may be required 4-6 months prior to guarantee Lourdes hotel