Description: Lourdes is a world renowned place of pilgrimage in the shadow of the Pyrenees mountain range. Around 4 million pilgrims flock here each year since Bernadette Soubrious had a vision of the Virgin Mary at Massabiel Rock. It’s not particularly beautiful at first glance, yet its significance is such that you should make time for a visit if you are in the area.Location: 50km south east of Pau.Website: http://www.lourdes-infotourisme.com/web/EN/?langRedir=1 (official town website), and you can also try http://www.lourdes-france.com or http://www.lourdes-fr.com.Our recommendations: The Basilica and underground shrine are really quite beautiful. The grotto and castle are also worth a visit.For the children: If you want to give the children a bit of variety you can combine a visit with a trip into the mountains to the south of Lourdes, or for an easy alternative take a ride on the Funicular to the Pic du Jer (South of the town centre on the N21). Alternatively the Grottes de Bétharram are close by.Here’s more information to make the most of your visit to the Pyrenees:

• Attractions in the Pyrenees:
  • Le Petit Train de la Rhune
  • Le Petit Train d’Artouste
  • Pic du Midi Cable Car
• Beaches of Landes
• Caves of the Pyrenees
• Walking in the Pyrenees
• Towns:
  • Foix
  • Lourdes
  • Sentein
• White Water Rafting