Best Intro to Lourdes in 2 hours with a Local
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Start your visit to Lourdes with this 2-hour walk led by a Local. You’ll discover its highlights, hidden gems, taste a typical local product, and get practical tips. This is the best introduction to Lourdes.
Get to see places like Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and Massabielle Grotto, along with hidden corners of Lourdes only known to locals that reveal the city’s everyday charm.
Enjoy a tasting of a typical local product, like Gâteau à la Broche, for a flavour of Lourdes and its traditions. You'll also receive local insights on where to eat, drink, and how to get around, helping you explore with confidence and make the most of your time.
• Get the best intro to Lourdes through its highlights and hidden gems
• Taste a typical local product and connect with Lourdes's traditions
• Get local tips on where to eat, drink, and how to move around the city
• Make the most of your time with this 2-hour walking experience
• Enjoy the intimacy of a small group, with a maximum of 8 travellers
Available options
120 min - English Tour
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Small group experience
120 min - French Tour
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Small group experience
120 min - Private Tour
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Exclusively for you: Multiple language options available
What's included
Knowledgeable local host
Small group experience
Personalised recommendations
Local product tasting
Detailed itinerary
1
Visit one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites, radiating peace, faith, and spiritual reflection.
2
Pause at this sacred cave where Saint Bernadette reported her visions—still a powerful site of prayer and devotion
3
Admire this majestic church with stunning mosaics and domes that crown the Sanctuary grounds.
4
Explore this medieval fortress with panoramic views and exhibits on regional heritage and mountain culture.
5
Browse this lively covered market offering local specialties and a slice of authentic Pyrenean daily life
What's not included
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
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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
This tour is hosted by an independent Local.
You will be part of a small group of up to 8 travellers.
The itinerary adapts to travellers' interests and walking pace.
The local product tasting may vary depending on the season, availability, and travellers' preferences.
Stops may vary depending on weather conditions.
Entry tickets for public transportation, museums and monuments are not included.
Not recommended for guests with impaired mobility
Meeting point
We will meet in front of the post office “La Poste” to begin our discovery walk through the city.
Important notes
Your Local Host will contact you within 48 hours before the experience to confirm the meeting location and share any final details.
The itinerary and stops may vary depending on traveller preferences, walking pace, and weather conditions.
This is a walking tour of city highlights and does not include entry tickets for public transport, monuments, or attractions.
Please bring your booking confirmation to show your Local Host at the beginning of the experience.
Arrive 15 minutes early. The experience begins on time and, for organisational reasons, cannot be delayed.
All experiences are hosted by independent Locals who offer in-depth knowledge and authentic insights into their city. LocalBini connects travellers with Locals for unique, personalised city tours.
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
