Pic du Jer

Lourdes

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Panoramic views of Lourdes and the central Pyrenees are on offer from this rocky outcrop just outside town. There are two routes to the top: a punishing three-hour hike (ideal for penitents) or a speedy six-minute ride on the funicular (ideal for everyone else).

There’s a choice of routes back down: a black-run mountain-bike trail, or a more family-friendly option along the Voie Verte des Gaves, a decommissioned railway that finishes up at the lower funicular station.

To get to the lower funicular, take bus A1 from Les Halles.

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Nearby Lourdes attractions

1. Le Cachot

1.31 MILES

In 1857 Bernadette Soubirous’ family fell on hard times and were forced to move to this dingy former prison, where they lived communally in a room…

2. Château Fort

1.41 MILES

Lourdes’ imposing castle stands on a sheer hill just behind the town. There’s been a stronghold here since Roman times, but the present building combines…

3. Maison Paternelle de Ste-Bernadette

1.46 MILES

After Bernadette Soubirous experienced her visions, Lourdes’ abbot bought this house for her family. It’s still run by her descendants, and has a…

4. Moulin de Boly

1.48 MILES

Bernadette was born in this millhouse on 7 January 1844, one year after the marriage of her parents Louise Castérot and François Soubirous. She lived here…

5. Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes

1.59 MILES

The spiritual centre of Lourdes is the subterranean grotto where Bernadette Soubirous is believed to have experienced her visions in 1858. From the Porte…

6. Porte St-Joseph

1.6 MILES

By evening or early morning (when the Porte St-Michel is closed), this is the most convenient access to the sanctuary.

7. Porte St-Michel

1.6 MILES

This gate into the sanctuary is the first you'll reach when approaching from across the river (where you'll find the majority of lodging and dining…

8. Porte de la Crypte

1.71 MILES

Connects the Basilique Supérieure with the Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross).