Hello Lourdes: Private 2-Hour Intro City Walk with Local Guide
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Get introduced to Lourdes in the most authentic way: through its highlights, history, local flavors, and with a trusted local guide by your side.
Along the way, you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Grotto of Massabielle and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, as well as local favorites and hidden corners loved by locals. Engaging anecdotes and personal insights from your local guide bring the city to life in an authentic and memorable way.
To complete the experience, enjoy a tasting of a local specialty such as Pyrenean mountain cheese with honey or a slice of gâteau à la broche. Whether sweet, savory, or regional, you’ll taste a real part of Lourdes’s everyday culture and traditions.
By the end of the tour, you’ll have a great introduction to Lourdes, its local culture, and how to explore it on your own. You’ll walk away with personal recommendations and local tips on where to eat and what to see next, helping you make the most of your time in the city.
Available options
Hello Lourdes: Private 2-Hour Intro City Walk with Local Guide
What's included
Local guide
Local product tasting
Walking tour
Small-group experience
Personalized recommendations
Detailed itinerary
1
Stand before the cave where Bernadette experienced the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, Lourdes’ most famous sacred site.
2
Admire the 19th-century neo-Gothic church with soaring spires that dominate the town’s skyline.
3
See the grand basilica crowned with a golden dome and decorated with vivid mosaics celebrating the Rosary.
4
Glance at the covered market where locals shop for cheeses, charcuterie, and mountain produce, buzzing with daily life.
5
Look up at and admire the exterior of the medieval fortress perched above town, a symbol of Lourdes’ history long before the apparitions.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Group size limited to 15 for an intimate experience.
Flexible walk tailored to your group’s pace and interests.
Stops may change due to weather or local conditions.
Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of the Sanctuary Information Center.
Important notes
To ensure a smooth start, please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
This is a walking tour, and may involve uneven terrain, cobblestones, or stairs. If you have any accessibility concerns, please contact us in advance to confirm whether the tour is suitable for your needs.
The tour does not include entry tickets, public transportation, food, or beverages unless specifically listed in the “Inclusions” section of your booking.
LocalCityWalks.com acts as an intermediary and booking platform, connecting you with independent local guides. It does not directly operate or manage the tour itself. The tour is delivered by the guide.
You will receive your guide’s contact details approximately 24 hours before the experience, via email. Please check your inbox (and spam folder).
If you experience any issues on the day, you can contact your guide directly. Alternatively, reach out to us using the contact information provided on your voucher.
About Lourdes
Lourdes is a small town in southwestern France, renowned worldwide as a major Catholic pilgrimage site. It is famous for the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes that occurred in 1858, attracting millions of visitors each year seeking spiritual healing and solace.
Top Attractions
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
The most famous pilgrimage site in Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette in 1858. The sanctuary includes several chapels, the Grotto of Massabielle, and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
Religious
Half day to full day
Free (donations welcome)
Grotto of Massabielle
The cave where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette. Pilgrims come to pray, light candles, and seek healing.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
A grand basilica built in honor of the Virgin Mary, offering stunning views of Lourdes and the Pyrenees. The basilica is part of the larger sanctuary complex.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Rosary Basilica
A beautiful basilica adorned with mosaics depicting the mysteries of the rosary. The basilica is part of the sanctuary complex and hosts daily religious services.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Château Fort de Lourdes
A medieval castle offering panoramic views of Lourdes and the Pyrenees. The castle houses a museum with exhibits on the history of Lourdes and the region.
Historical
1-2 hours
€7 (adults), €5 (children)
Pic du Jer
A scenic mountain peak offering breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and the surrounding countryside. Accessible by a funicular railway, it's a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.
Nature
Half day
€12 (round trip funicular ticket)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Garlic Soup
A hearty soup made with garlic, bread, and cheese, often served with a poached egg.
Dinner
Vegetarian (check for cheese content)
Poule au Pot
A traditional French dish of chicken cooked with vegetables and herbs, often served with potatoes.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian by substituting the chicken with vegetables
Truffles
A delicacy in the region, often used in dishes like omelets or pasta.
Dinner
Vegetarian
Canelés
Small, rum-flavored pastries with a soft center and caramelized exterior, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
Dessert
Contains eggs and dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Pyrenees
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Spa treatments in Cauterets
Strolling through the town center
Enjoying a coffee at a local cafe
Visiting museums and historic sites
Attending religious services at the sanctuary
Best Time to Visit
June to August, and during major religious holidays
This is the busiest time in Lourdes, with warm weather and numerous religious events. The town is vibrant but crowded.
20-30°C (68-86°F)
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Lourdes is generally safe for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use official taxi stands and confirm the fare before starting your journey
Getting there
By air
- Toulouse-Blagnac Airport • 150 km (93 miles)
- Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport • 20 km (12 miles)
By train
Lourdes Train Station
By bus
Lourdes Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and convenient for getting around the town and to nearby attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Not commonly used
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Boulevard de la Grotte
Rue des Petits Fossés
Day trips
Tarbes
15 km (9 miles) • Half day
A nearby town with a rich history and cultural attractions, including museums, parks, and historic buildings.
Pau
45 km (28 miles) • Full day
A historic town with a rich past and beautiful architecture, including the Château de Pau and the Boulevard des Pyrénées.
Cauterets
30 km (19 miles) • Full day
A charming spa town nestled in the Pyrenees, known for its natural hot springs and hiking trails.
Festivals
Feast of the Assumption • August 15th
Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes • February 11th
Lourdes Christmas Market • Late November to early January
Pro tips
- Visit the Grotto of Massabielle early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at the miraculous spring for free, refreshing water
- Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the town's history and religious significance
- Explore the surrounding Pyrenees region for stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities
- Try local specialties like garlic soup and Canelés for a taste of the region's unique cuisine
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
