I am going to visit Lourdes on my own before my RS tour in September. Any tips, advice for a senior lady doing this by train from Paris. I think I am OK getting there and to the RS tour starting point but any tips for what to do and getting around Lourdes would be appreciated. I have watched some You tube videos already but it can't hurt to get some first hand advice. Thank you.
Gerri
The religious shrine is adjacent to the town so check for hotels in that area.
Loudes is like a large and beautiful park with nuns/nurses wheeling patients about Lourdes.
Hi Gerri,
I've been to Lourdes via the TGV from Paris. The Pyrenees are beautiful, and Lourdes is quite the picturesque setting. The town is essentially downhill from the train station. There's a stat (guess it's accurate) that Lourdes has the most hotel rooms in France outside of Paris, and I can believe it.
Things I did:
Grotto
Upper church
Underground church
And I highly recommend the fortress and the museum of Pyrenees history (Chateau Fort). There's a fantastic view from the top of the fortress that lets you take in a 360-degree view.
https://en.lourdes-infotourisme.com/web/EN/381-chateau-fort-de-lourdes.php
I'm Catholic, and yep, Lourdes has a lot of ticky-tacky souvenir shops, and it can be a bit overwhelming in the town, but once you get to the shrine/religious area it is peaceful and park-like. I was on a group trip and we were staying in one of the ski towns higher in the mountains, so I did not spend the night in Lourdes. We were just there for a full day of sightseeing and lunch.
Have a great trip!
Gerri,
I was just there last month. I stayed at the Grand Hotel Moderne and it was quite nice. We attended the English mass at 9:00 or 9:30 (I forget the time). There is a group of seminarians who are there for the summer who are at mass and answer questions after mass. The evening procession is very moving. I hadn't planned on going to the baths but we did and I'm glad we did so.
I really went because my mom wanted to go and found it extremely moving. And everyone (and I mean everyone....visitors, volunteers, locals) were lovely.
I'd be happy to answer any questions.
