The imposing Château-Fort De Lourdes is perched on top of a hill in the Hautes-Pyrénées département of France. The castle, which is over a thousand years old, is said to date back to the Roman era. The medieval-era stone structure was built as a stronghold, although it was utilized as a prison sometime between the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it is listed as a monument historique and is considered as one of the major attractions of the town of Lourdes. If you are interested in exploring what this historic stone structure has to offer, here is a guide to Château-Fort De Lourdes to help you find your way around the area.
Things to do / highlights
Here are the attractions that you need to check out during your visit to this historic building.
Château-Fort De Lourdes
At the top of your list when you visit here is the exploration of the castle itself. If you want to challenge yourself, you can trek up to the stone structure. If, however, the ascent is too steep for you, there’s an elevator that you can take to go up to the stronghold for free. Regardless of which option you choose, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views not just of Lourdes, but also the Sanctuaries and the Pyrenees. You can also explore some of the structures in the castle, such as the dungeon, the drawbridge, the portcullis, and the watchtower. You can even play ninepins during your tour if you want to have some fun playing a game.
Musée Pyrénéen
Château-Fort De Lourdes is the home of Musée Pyrénéen. Inaugurated in 1922, it features a collection of local art, including paintings, drawings, Pyrenees travel posters from the mid-20th century, and miniaturized châteaux from France. Some traditional costumes from around the area are also on display here.
Notre-Dame Du Château
Notre-Dame Du Château is the small but gorgeous chapel in the castle, featuring stained glass windows and artifacts from the former parish church of Saint-Pierre de Lourdes, which got torn down in 1904.
Botanical Garden
Once you’ve had your fill of the history and culture of the castle, head over to the garden on the grounds to take a breather and take a glimpse at the sculptures on display. Also on the grounds are models of traditional Pyrenean houses and a reconstruction of a Pyrenean cemetery if you wish to do a bit more exploring.
Travel tips
Accessibility
As mentioned earlier, going to the castle has been made easier thanks to the installation of an elevator to get to it. What’s more, there are areas in the castle that have been made wheelchair-accessible, such as the esplanade, the garden, and some parts of the museum. However, those who have mobility issues may have difficulty accessing some portions of the building.
Tours
Guided tours can be arranged per request and are offered at no additional cost. However, these need to be sent in via e-mail or post at least one month prior to the date of the visit. Alternatively, there are individual guided tours which are given in June and September and do not require booking. Do note, however, that these tours are given in French, are only offered on specific days in June and September, and are given to groups of four. Tours last for an average of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Souvenirs
Fancy getting a keepsake as a souvenir of your visit to Château-Fort De Lourdes? This attraction has its own souvenir shop, so you don’t have to worry about where to get a memento of your trip.
Dining options
Worried about where you’re going to eat in case you get hungry after exploring the castle? Fear not, because there are restaurants within the vicinity where you can grab a snack or a full meal.
How to get there
Walking
If you have the time and the energy, you can walk from Lourdes to the castle. If you take the Avenue General Baron Marasin route, getting to it will take about 10 to 15 minutes on foot.
Private cars
Car rentals are available if you want to have an easier time getting to and from Château-Fort De Lourdes, as well as exploring the surrounding areas.
Taxis
Besides car rentals, taxis are probably your best to get to Château-Fort De Lourdes from the town. Fortunately, hailing a cab should be easy, especially if you get it from or near Avenue General Baron Marasin.
Public transport
There are bus stations to Lourdes, but do note that these do not go straight to Château-Fort De Lourdes. From the town, you need to get a cab to get to this attraction.
How to book tickets
Save yourself the hassle of having to fall in line by going to the official website to purchase your tickets. This is a handy option for those who want to get into the castle quickly. Alternatively, you can pay the entrance fee on-site on the day of your visit. Cash, checks, holiday checks, and card payments are accepted here. There are discounts offered to families traveling together, so be sure to check their rates out so you can save some money!
Château-Fort De Lourdes information
Château-Fort De Lourdes information
Address: 25 rue du Fort, 65100, Lourdes France
Opening hours: 15 Oct - 14 Apr: Mon: 10am - 5pm, Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm; 15 Apr - 14 Oct: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Cost: 18 USD
Official website: Château-Fort De Lourdes
Department of tourism: Visit Château-Fort De Lourdes
History
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