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Lourdes,
A trip to Lourdes can almost be likened to a visit to Graceland in August, in the sense that you don’t need to be an Elvis fan to get caught up in the buzz and hype that surrounds the anniversary of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s death. In the same way, even if you’re the sort of person who only steps inside a church at Christmas, Easter and for weddings, you can’t help but get caught up in the mystical magic when you visit Lourdes. Year-round, huge numbers of people make a pilgrimage to this south-western French town, and even the greatest of sceptics can’t fail to feel rejuvenated, if not by the holy water, then by the atmosphere. And, unlike Graceland, Lourdes is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Pyrenées, so there’s plenty of back-to-nature to soak up when the lure of the Virgin-shaped plastic water bottles pall.
Find Lourdes's best:
- Souvenir
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Souvenir
Best souvenir:
La Toison d’Or
Like most popular tourist destinations, Lourdes is crammed with shops selling all kinds of glitzy and amusing items; albeit here they all – appropriately – have a religious theme. But whether you decide to indulge or not, make sure you take home something you’ll actually use. Pyrenéan wool was developed in the late 1800s and is renowned for being exceptionally soft, yet tough. Buy yourself a jewel-encrusted Virgin Mary candle if you must, but light it while wearing a snuggly dressing gown or cardi from La Toison d’Or (the Golden Fleece)
Where: La Toison d’Or, 67 Boulevard de la grotte, Lourdes, tel: +33 (0)5 6294 0344
- Must see
-
Must see
Best tourist must-see:
The Torchlight Marian Procession
A torchlight procession, complete with a replica of the Cabuchet Virgin statue, is held each night from 8.45pm and is the unmissable experience of a visit to Lourdes. Lasting one and half hours, it begins at the grotto and ends in the square in front of the Rosary Basilica, with all “pilgrims” invited to carry a lighted candle. Incredibly atmospheric, whatever your religious beliefs.
Where: The Torchlight Marian Procession, La Grotte, Lourdes, tel: +33 (0)5 6242 7878
Website: www.lourdes-france.org
- Cuisine
-
Cuisine
Best local cuisine:
Le Magret
With a small but perfectly formed menu, Le Magret uses seasonal, local produce complemented by wines of the region. The service is unpretentious, as are the prices: around €13 for a prix fixe lunch and about €30 for dinner. Pyrenéan lamb is a specialty but vegetarians can be catered for on request.
Where: Le Magret, 10 rue des 4 Frères Soulas, Lourdes, tel: +33 (0)5 6294 2055
Website: www.lemagret.com
- Sports
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Sports
Best water sports:
Ecolorado
Lourdes might be famed for its holy water but heading just 8km south of the city will see you hitting l’eau of a different kind at Ecolorado, one of the region’s best white-water rafting centres. Whole or half-day bookings are accepted but you need to be able to swim at least 25m to participate in the activities on offer, which include hydrospeeding, hot-dogging and kayaking.
Where: Ecolorado, Les Arrailles, Agos Vidalos, tel: +33 (0)5 6297 5454
Website: www.rafting-ecolorado.com
Lourdes - (LDE)
Location
Lourdes airport is located 8 km south west of Tabes and 10 km north of Lourdes, close to the Pyrenees in southern France.
Aéroport international Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées - BP 3 - 65290
Juillan - FRANCE
Tel. 0033 (0)562329222
Public transport
www.lourdes-infoturisme.com
By Car: Lourdes is approximately 20 minutes
drive from the airport. The airport is connected to the A64
motorway and the N21 national road. It is 1h:30 from the Atlantic
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