The best campsites around Lourdes for a holiday in the Hautes-Pyrénées
4-star campsite near Lourdes: a nature-filled break in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées
Located just a few minutes from Lourdes, the Camping À l’Ombre des Tilleuls **** offers a lush 5-hectare setting in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées. This family-friendly campsite charms visitors with its welcoming atmosphere, its wide range of activities, its swimming pool with a paddling pool and water slides, and its commitment to eco-responsible tourism. Ideal for exploring Lourdes and the region’s natural treasures, it is a prime base for lovers of hiking, relaxation and outdoor activities.
Camping Le Lavedan near Lourdes: 4-star holidays in the heart of the Pyrenees
Situated near Lourdes, Camping Le Lavedan **** enjoys a stunning setting in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, on the edge of the Pyrenees National Park. This campsite charms visitors with its family-friendly atmosphere, comfortable accommodation and heated indoor swimming pool. Ideal for lovers of nature and the great outdoors, it is an excellent base for exploring the Gavarnie valleys, the hiking trails and the region’s must-see attractions.
An affordable 2-star campsite near Lourdes, in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées
Located in Boô-Silhen, between Lourdes and Gavarnie, Camping Deth-Potz ** is the perfect choice for travellers looking for an affordable campsite in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Set in 4 hectares of lush greenery, it offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere, with spacious pitches, an outdoor swimming pool, leisure facilities and even a mini farm that children love. Its excellent value for money and prime location make it the perfect base for exploring Lourdes, the Pyrenean valleys and the region’s major natural attractions.
A family-friendly 3-star campsite in Lourdes
Situated in Lourdes, close to the shrines and major tourist attractions of the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Camping de Sarsan *** is popular for its peaceful, tree-lined setting. Ideal for a family holiday, it offers spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as fully equipped mobile homes. Holidaymakers can also enjoy a secure swimming pool, play areas and a wide range of on-site facilities. Its prime location makes it an excellent base for exploring Lourdes, the Pyrenean hiking trails and the region’s natural landscapes.
To discover all the campsites in the Hautes-Pyrénées, click here.
What to do in Lourdes? The must-see attractions
Discover the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the town’s unmissable attraction
You simply cannot visit Lourdes without exploring the famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the very heart of this Marian town. Spanning over 50 hectares on the banks of the Gave de Pau, this vast complex welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world every year. The sanctuary has developed around the Grotto of Massabielle, the site where Bernadette Soubirous is said to have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. Even today, pilgrims come here to pray, light a candle or visit the spring, whose water is renowned for its spiritual properties.
The visit also offers the chance to explore three remarkable basilicas. Perched above the grotto, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception captivates visitors with its neo-Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows depicting the history of Lourdes. Just below it, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary catches the eye with its magnificent mosaics dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary. Even more surprising is the Basilica of Saint Pius X, which is entirely underground and can accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers during major religious gatherings.
Beyond these iconic buildings, the sanctuary is brimming with places to explore. Visitors can stroll through the vast esplanades, admire the processions that punctuate the day, visit the pools and areas dedicated to the water of Lourdes, or simply enjoy the numerous green spaces that offer a peaceful atmosphere. Lovers of religious heritage will also appreciate the various chapels, the works of art scattered throughout the site and the many statues that dot the route.
Among the most impressive sites is the monumental Way of the Cross at Les Espélugues. Set on the hills above the sanctuary, it comprises 115 life-size cast-iron figures spread across the fourteen stations of the Passion of Christ.image
Lourdes Castle and the Pyrenean Museum: a journey through local history and traditions
Towering over the town from its rocky outcrop, the Fortified Castle of Lourdes is one of the town’s most iconic monuments. Its strategic position enabled it to control the Gave de Pau valley for centuries, and its origins date back to the Gallo-Roman period, before undergoing major alterations in the Middle Ages and again in the modern era. Today, it stands as a remarkable example of Pyrenean military architecture, with its ramparts, drawbridge and perfectly preserved keep.
From the heights of the castle, the view is spectacular: in a single glance, you can take in the town of Lourdes, the sanctuary below and the peaks of the Pyrenees silhouetted against the horizon. This 360° panorama makes it an unmissable spot for understanding the town’s geography and history.
Inside the castle walls lies the Pyrenean Museum, founded to preserve and showcase the culture of the surrounding valleys. Here, visitors can discover a rich collection of everyday objects, antique furniture, traditional costumes and tools associated with rural and mountain life. The museum also highlights the history of Pyrenean mountaineering – the passion of explorers and mountaineers for the peaks of the Pyrenees.
One of the tour’s major highlights is the presence of traditional buildings that have been reconstructed within the fortress. Farmhouses, barns and dwellings were dismantled in various valleys and then carefully reassembled within the castle grounds, offering a tangible insight into the local architecture of days gone by.
The tour is particularly suitable for families, thanks to a varied itinerary combining indoor and outdoor areas, collections and open-air spaces. It offers the chance to discover another side of Lourdes – one that is more historical and cultural, far from the hustle and bustle of the sanctuary – whilst remaining at the heart of an exceptional site steeped in history.image
The Pic du Jer funicular: an unmissable panoramic ascent
Just a few minutes from the centre of Lourdes, the Pic du Jer funicular provides easy access to one of the region’s most beautiful viewpoints. First opened at the end of the 19th century, it takes visitors up to an altitude of over 900 metres in just a few minutes, offering superb views of the town and the entire Hautes-Pyrénées region even during the ascent.
Once at the summit, the panorama is spectacular: you can see Lourdes, the Gave de Pau valley and the surrounding peaks set against a magnificent natural backdrop. The site is also popular for its hiking trails and developed caves, which allow you to extend your visit with a blend of nature and geological exploration. An ideal outing to gain some height and admire Lourdes from a different perspective.
The summit of the Pic du Jer is also a favourite spot for photography enthusiasts, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the light casts a magical glow over the Pyrenean landscape. Information boards help visitors identify the peaks visible on the horizon and understand the valley’s geography. In summer, the cool climate makes for a very pleasant getaway to escape the city’s sweltering heat. Finally, the funicular itself is an experience in its own right, offering a gentle yet impressive ascent above the surrounding landscapes.
The Lourdes tourist train: an easy and enjoyable guided tour of the town
Lourdes’ little tourist train is a simple and enjoyable way to discover the town’s main sights with ease. Ideal for families, people with reduced mobility or visitors in a hurry, it offers a guided tour through Lourdes’ iconic landmarks, including the sanctuary, the fortified castle and the historic districts.
The trip lasts on average between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the route and traffic conditions. Throughout the journey, audio commentary helps you gain a better understanding of the town’s history, its religious heritage and its development linked to pilgrimages. The route also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and makes it easy to spot places to visit on foot afterwards.
The little train mainly runs during the high season and usually departs from near the town centre or the sanctuary, with several departures throughout the day. It is a very popular way to start or round off a visit to Lourdes, offering a quick and comfortable overview of the town.
The Musée du Petit Lourdes: a unique journey back to the town as it was in 1858
Just a few minutes from the centre of Lourdes, the Musée du Petit Lourdes offers a unique, family-friendly experience that immerses visitors in the town as it was in 1858, at the time of Bernadette Soubirous’s apparitions. Set in a pleasant open-air garden, this unique museum recreates, on a smaller scale, the streets, houses, bridges and landscapes of Lourdes as it once was, with great attention to detail and a highly immersive atmosphere.
As you stroll through the museum, you’ll discover a veritable giant model of the old town, complete with its stone-built houses, mills, streams and scenes of everyday life. The display as a whole offers a better understanding of how the local population lived before Lourdes became a major global pilgrimage centre. Historical elements linked to Bernadette Soubirous and the apparitions round off the tour and shed vivid light on the town’s history.
The tour is particularly popular with families, as it offers a simple, visual and fun way to discover history. The tour, which is usually self-guided with an audio guide, also provides a lovely, peaceful break away from the hustle and bustle of the sanctuary, whilst remaining very close to Lourdes’ main tourist attractions. It’s an ideal stop to round off your exploration of the town from a more intimate and historical perspective.
La Ferme du Bon Air: an authentic, family-friendly visit near Lourdes
Located right on the outskirts of Lourdes, La Ferme du Bon Air offers a friendly break in the heart of Pyrenean farm life. This educational farm allows visitors to discover a wide variety of animals in a natural and accessible setting, whilst enjoying a simple and fun family experience. It’s an ideal outing for children, who can get up close to goats, sheep, rabbits and even poultry, and gain a better understanding of daily life on a farm.
Visits are usually self-guided or led, depending on the time of year, following a signposted route that makes it easy to get around the farm. Information boards and occasional activities enhance the experience by explaining how the animals are cared for and how the farm operates. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, perfect for a stress-free visit.
La Ferme du Bon Air is also a popular spot for a break in the countryside during a stay in Lourdes. It offers a peaceful setting, with pleasant outdoor areas where families can take the time to relax and enjoy themselves. A simple, educational and authentic visit, which perfectly complements exploring the region’s other attractions.