From Toulouse to Lourdes: Guided Small Group Day Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Visit the renowned Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
- See the historic Massabielle Grotto
- Discover the stunning basilicas and monuments
- Learn about Bernadette Soubirous's journey
- Experience a significant pilgrimage site
Full description
Travel from Toulouse to the famous pilgrimage town of Lourdes on this full-day small-group tour in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Lourdes became internationally known after the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the young Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 at the Massabielle Grotto.
Since then, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has become one of the most visited religious sites in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims each year.
During the visit, explore the sanctuary complex, see the famous grotto where the apparitions occurred, and discover the basilicas built above the sacred site. You will also have time to walk through the town of Lourdes and experience the peaceful atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims and visitors from around the world for more than a century.
Discover the Pilgrimage Town of Lourdes
Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees in southwestern France, Lourdes is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world.
The town became internationally famous after the events of 1858 when Bernadette Soubirous reported seeing apparitions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto along the Gave de Pau river.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
At the heart of the town lies the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a vast religious complex covering more than 50 hectares and including several churches and places of worship.
The sanctuary includes:
• The Grotto of Massabielle, where the apparitions occurred • The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Upper Basilica) • The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary • The Basilica of St. Pius X, an underground basilica that can host thousands of pilgrims The Grotto and the Spring
During the apparitions, Bernadette uncovered a spring that pilgrims continue to visit today. The water from this spring has become a powerful symbol of faith for visitors coming to Lourdes.
A Place of Faith and Reflection
Each year, millions of visitors from around the world travel to Lourdes seeking spiritual reflection, prayer and healing.
A Meaningful Day Trip from Toulouse
This full-day excursion offers travelers based in Toulouse the opportunity to discover this historic and spiritual destination while enjoying the landscapes of the Pyrenees region.
Included / Excluded
- Transportation in premium air-conditioned minivan
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Orientation visit of Lourdes and the sanctuary
- Free time to explore the sanctuary and town
- Small group experience (max 8 guests)
- Personal travel insurance & expenses
- Meals & drinks (lunch)
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour available from April to end of October
- Minimum 2 participants required
- Visitors should respect the spiritual atmosphere of the sanctuary
- Some religious ceremonies may limit access to certain areas at times
- Tour is operated with English speaking driver/guide
Know before you go
- Modest dress recommended when visiting religious sites
- Moderate walking within the sanctuary complex
- Please be ready 10 minutes before arrival time
- 8-hour Lourdes tour from Toulouse
Cancellation policy
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Reviews
Great experience, guide was super knowledgeable and friendly. Victor brought us around the different sites and showed us so many cool sites
Alex was the most experienced, knowledgeable, and chilled tour guide of all the 5 tour guides we experienced. We learned a lot from him about the culture, history, and geology of the region. He also provided great context to understand the regions' wines. This tour to Cassis and the calanques was beautiful and would get a 5 stars if it weren't for the fact that this expensive tour did not include lunch. The wine tasting was good but I had better in Bordeaux and it included lunch.
Matt was an awesome tour guide. His passion for D-day made the experience that much better. He was very knowledgeable. Even my children were glued to his every word. Great experience!