Camping near Lourdes
Lourdes is the world’s third-largest Catholic pilgrimage city, welcoming 6 million pilgrim visitors every year. France’s second-largest hotel city, Lourdes is a must-see destination in the Pyrenees. Your campsite is one hour from Lourdes. An excursion not to be missed during your stay in the Pyrenees.
Lourdes, France’s pilgrimage capital
In the 19th century, Lourdes was a rural town, where livestock farming and stone quarrying were the mainstays of the local economy. An exceptional event was to change its destiny: in 1858, Bernadette Soubirous is said to have seen the Virgin Mary several times in the grotto of Massabielle.
The apparitions were then recognized by the Bishop of Tarbes: the success of Lourdes continues today, with over 2,000 cures unexplained by the medical profession, 69 of which are recognized as miraculous by the Church.
Since then, thousands of pilgrims have visited this major Catholic pilgrimage site every year.
Lourdes, its grotto and 2 churches
Two churches can be admired and visited above the grotto: the Basilica of the Rosary and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
To build the “boulevard de la grotte”, the main street, the town’s streets were widened and the land subdivided to create a hotel park and stores to welcome the ever-growing number of pilgrims. A tramway was built to the grotto and to the Pic de Jer funicular, a not-to-be-missed walk offering a superb panorama of the valley.
The Sanctuary site covers 21 hectares. The imposing concrete Basilica of Saint Pius X and the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin have added to the number of churches.
Lac de Lourdes is classified as a Natura 2000 site.
Even if you don’t worship Catholics, this town is a unique place to discover for its originality and distinctive urban planning.
There are several ways to discover the city:
- Evoking lourdes in the Middle Ages
- Bernadette’s way of life
- Discovering Lourdes with children
- Three Basilicas, three arts: stained glass, mosaics and gemmail.
For further information
Office de Tourisme
Place Peyramale
65100 LOURDES
tel 00.33.(0)5.62.42.77.40
Book your campsite in the Aure valley near Saint Lary
Book your mobile home in a 3-star campsite in the Pyrenees
camping lourdes, accomodation lourdes, location lourdes
