Lourdes Excursions
Excursions in the surroundings:
DP1 – THE CAVES OF BETHARAN –3 hours $46 p.person*
From February to October
Underground marvels of the Pyrenees: On our way to a site not far from Lourdes, a visit to the subterranean caves of Bétharram, one of the most famous natural curiosities in the Pyrenees.
Discovered in 1819 by shepherds, the methodical exploration of the cave system took a total of 10 years and revealed 5,200 metres of underground tunnels. The tourist operation started in the beginning of the 20th century, and the Bétharram caves were the first caves to open to visitors. Here you’ll discover the key to the formation of almost all living and dead caves including their five different floors stacked one over the other, like those of a house, having been dug over several different periods. A ride aon a small boat and a tour by train will introduce you to the amazing architecture of Mother Nature: the hangings, stalagmites, stalactites and columns to be discovered on your visit.
Not included: entrance fee to The Caves
DP2 –BEAUCENS VILLAGE & ITS FAMOUS DUNGEON OF EAGLES –3 hours $46 p.person*
From April to September
A date with the raptors: On our way for a stop close by to Lourdes in a charming village of the Vallée des Gaves, and the ruins of an old feudal castle from the 11th century. The ideal setting for the raptors and their unique show. On a slope across from Saint-Savin, the “Donjon des Aigles” (Dungeon of Eagles) of Beaucens offers an impregnable view of the Argelès Valley and the Pyrenees mountains.
The three key points to this international attraction: an historical site, original presentation of the most prestigious collection of birds of prey in the world (more than 45 species) and above all the exceptional afternoon show put on daily with the birds flying to a musical accompaniment not only beautiful but rich with emotion as well. In addition to the raptors, the free-roaming parrots perch on the hands of the visitors adding an exotic touch to the colourful and poetic exhibition.
Not included: entrance fee to The Donjon des Aigles
DP3 – THE VILLAGE OF SAINT-SAVIN & ITS ABBEY –3 hours $46 p.person*
From Easter to mid-October
A breathtaking balcony over the Gaves valley: On our way to a site, not far from Lourdes, in the picturesque village that sits on top of the Argelès Valley. Historic heritage site, and panoramic views are on the itinerary.
Saint-Savin used to be one of the greatest religious centers in the Bigorre region, and today is an interesting stopover in the Gaves Valley. Well placed on a outcropping that dominates the valley and faces the Beaucens slope, the village is an original “Bigourdan” heritage site. The church, having survived the French Revolution, belonged to a Benedictine abbey from the 7th century but unfortunately is no longer in existence. It was of great importance, however, during the Middle Age. Of note are: the lantern bell covering a 14th century tower visible from almost everywhere in the entire valley, the handsome roman gate ornamenting the façade, and one of the oldest organs in France, dating back to 1557. The chapter house or the Treasure room is a sacred art museum containing many rare objects as well as pieces from the former abbey cloister
Not included: entrance fee to the chapter house
DP4 – THE CIRQUE OF GAVARNIE – HALF DAY $102 p.person*
From mid-May to the end of October: Dep. 9.30 or 12.00 – Ret. 16.00 or 19.00
A Giant in the Pyrenees: We’re on our way to the heart of a UNESCO world heritage site, one of the Great Sites of the Midi-Pyrénées region: The Cirque of Gavarnie! At Gavarnie, the Pyrenees are imposing. The most famous Cirque in the Pyrenees lends itself to the natural décor, in the very centre of the National Park of the Pyrenees. Get ready for a magnificent natural landscape!
From our departure in Lourdes, we’ll trace the River, Gave de Pau, to its beginning. Upon reaching the village of Gavarnie, cradle of the Pyreneisme (equivalent of « Alpinism » in the Pyrenees.), we’re reminded of how Victor Hugo must have felt when he saw this rocky barrier on the border of Spain for the first time. He even describes the site in one of his poems: “It’s a mountain and a mural at the same time. It’s the most mysterious façade of the most mysterious of architects, the coliseum of nature, it’s Gavarnie.” At the edge of the village, there is a path that leads to the ‘Hotellerie of the Cirque’ or the ‘Cirque Hotel’ in an hour and a half. You can either hike up the path by foot or you can ride donkeys or horses, making the trek even more exotic. Once you arrive at the heart of the cirque, your reward will be the magnificent site of the highest waterfall in Europe. Prepare yourselves for shocking view and an experience unlike any other.
DP5 –CAUTERETS – PONT D’ESPAGNE – HALF DAY $102 p.person*
All year-round: Dep. 9.30 or 12.00 – Ret. 16.30 or 19.30
Natural wonder in the heart of the National Park of the Pyrenees: On our way for a tour of one of the most beautiful places in the Pyrenean Massif: Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne, Great Tourist Site in the Midi-Pyrénées region. The Pont d’Espagne (Spanish Bridge) and its bubbling waterfalls, evoke the romantic spirit of the Pyrenees, like only the mountains can do it. It is a remarkable site for all to see.
From our departure in Lourdes, the route will take us towards the charming and animated mountain village known as Cauterets, famous for its thermal baths, ski slopes, and its delicious “berlingots”, that even the most selective will appreciate. In Cauterets water reigns supreme. The many waterfalls that tumble over the rocks and line the scenic road winding through the pines to lead to a natural site known as the Pont d’Espagne, gateway to the Pyrenees National Park. Only a short walk down the path and you can get a view of the famous little bridge hanging over the hurtling water that gave its name to the area. A little bit higher easily accessible by a chairlift and praised by the famous author Victor Hugo and the Romantics; you will be able to admire the panoramic view of the famous Lac de Gaube and its crystalline waters. There you have the perfect view for a little contemplating, or deep thought. Facing you, the silhouette of the Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees, dominates the scene. Without a doubt this is a majestic place not to be missed.
Not included: meal - possible use of the chairlift
DP6 – THE PIC DU MIDI DE BIGORRE– HALF DAY $154 p.person*
All year-round: Dep. 9.30 - Ret. 15.30
True emblem of the Bigorre region: On our way to a trip in the heart of the Pyrenees, the majestic Pic du Midi de Bigorre, and its famous observatory. At a height of 2,877 metres the Pic is the Eiffel Tower of the region, the symbol of identity for all the locals. A visit to the Hautes-Pyénées wouldn’t be complete without an unforgettable excursion to the Pic du Midi. Don’t hesitate to reach for the stars.
From our departure point in Lourdes, our route takes us towards La Mongie ski station. You’ll start your meeting with the symbol of “Bigourdans” people. In barely 15 minutes you’ll be able to climb 1,000 metres of level difference during an unforgettable ascent in the cable car that takes you up close and personal to the magnificent peaks of the Pyrenees. From the celestial terrace you’ll be able to gaze southward at the Pyrenees chain, and to the plains in the north. You’ll have the best seat in the house. This is the best place, from the Atlantic, to the Mediterranean, to view these mountains. The summit is famous for its beauty but also for its observatory, world-renowned for its scientific significance. In the observatory museum you can enjoy the exhibitions in Europe’s highest museum. A visit to this spot will help you understand why it is held so dear in the hearts of all Bigourdans, an experience that will not soon be forgotten
Not included: meal - entrance fee to the observatory
DP7 – PAU – 5 hours - $123 p.person*
All year-round
Capital of Béarn and homeland of Henri IV: We’re on our way to a detour to one of the classic stops on a voyage in the Pyrenees. It’s the city of Pau, the capital of Béarn. Pau is famous as the homeland of Henri IV, King of France and Navarra. It’s also known for its privileged position, and its view of the Pyrenees. Its charm and mild living has seduced many English who began settling here in the 19th century. The Pyrenean city of Pau has a natural and cultural heritage that you won’t want to miss.
From our departure in Lourdes, we’ll follow the right bank of the Gave de Pau, passing the city of Saint Pé de Bigorre. We’ll enter Pau by the road famous for being part of the racing circuit that like Monaco, is carved out of the everyday streets of the city. Next we’ll head to the Pau Castle, the birthplace of ‘Henry the Good’ (King Henry IV of France) in 1553, and to the National Park which showcases the rest of the gardens that surrounded the castle in the 16th century. We’ll continue the visit with a walk along the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées from which you can see the mountain chain in the distance on a clear day, along with the Jurançon and Gan slopes which are home to two famous vineyards. At the end of the Boulevard des Pyrénées we’ll reach the charming Beaumont Park rich in trees of all species along with a delightful lake. In that park we’ll find the Casino and the Convention centre of the city. We’ll finish by a city tour before returning to Lourdes
Not included: meal - entrance fee to the castel
DP8 – BAGNERES DE BIGORRE & THE VALLEY OF CAMPAN, THE ASPIN PASS & PAYOLLE – 5 hours $148 p.person*
From April to November
At the source of the Adour River: We’re on our way to the heart of the high valley of the Adour River. The names: Payolle and the Aspin pass, Bagnères de Bigorre, and the Campan Valley all evoke the luscious green scenes and pastoral landscapes of the source of the Adour. Here you’ll discover the tradition, heritage, and high summits that reflect the identity of the Bigorre region.
We’ll be heading east after our departure from Lourdes. Direction Bagnères de Bigorre, the picturesque and animated town, also renowned for its thermal spas and resorts and famous since the Roman times. By going up River along the Adour, we’ll reach Campan, famous for its Mounaques, a sort of life-sized doll. These dolls are made out of cloth and are often dressed in traditional regional costumes. They are often placed along the roads and serve as a symbol of the High Bigorre region. We’ll continue towards Sainte-Marie de Campan, intersection of the Tour de France Giants: the Aspin and the Tourmalet passes. By way of the Aspin pass we will arrive at the charming tourist stop of Payolle, a large grazing area, where families can enjoy many outdoor activities in the summer as well as the winter. The Payolle Lake curves around a pine forest bringing you to the imposing silhouette of the Pic du Midi. Another charming section through which the second part snakes, the lush green area of the Aspin pass. Around the corners, you are likely to come across a herd of cows. At a height of 1,489 metres, the panorama at the pass is expansive. The harmonious arrangement of the mountains and the contrast between the snowy peaks and vibrant forests will leave a lasting impression
Not included: Meal - Possible rent of donkey or horse
DP9 – THE AZUN VALLEY, THE AUBISQUE & THE SOULOR PASSES – 5 hours $154 p.person*
From May to November
One foot in Bigorre, the other in Béarn: On our way for a trip to a mountainous region, in both the Bigorre and Béarn regions: The Val d’Azun (Azun Valley), and its inseparable ‘twins’, the Aubisque and the Soulor passes. The perfectly preserved nature and Pyrenean heritage, and lots of fresh air are on the itinerary for this walk where we’ll straddle two departments: the Hautes-Pyénées and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
From our departure in Lourdes we’ll head to the west, passing close by the famous Bétharram caves, all the while staying next to the Gave de Pau until we reach Coarraze. We’ll climb back up to the “Béarnais” foothills to reach the characteristic Ossau Valley until its capital, Laruns (a mountain station and also a point of departure for many excursions). Enjoying an ideal placement, Laruns is the crossroad of the Pourtalet pass, allowing access to Spain and the Aubisque pass. We’ll climb the last, crossing a small thermal bath station, Eaux-Bonnes, where you can still see many remnants of the Empress Eugénie’s influence in the station’s architecture. A few kilometres further we’ll pass by Gourette, a famous Béarnais winter resort, before reaching the summit of the pass. From there you’ll be able to appreciate a sweeping panoramic view. We’ll follow the impressive cornice that overlooks the Ouzom valley and dominates the Litor Cirque. It offers one of the most stunning views on the tour, without a doubt. At the top of the Soulor pass the view is no less impressive. The rapid descent will take us into the Val d’Azun and its charming villages. This corner of the Pyrenees, outside of the normal tourist flows, has been able to keep its authenticity.
DP10 – THE TOURMALET FROM LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR TO BAGNERES DE BIGORRE – 5 hours $154 p.person*
From June to November
Loop around the Pic du Midi: On our way to a detour into the heart of a sensational territory. Rich in vitality with varied and intense countryside, it’s the Grand Tourmalet. This loop around the Pic du Midi has elements of thermal spas, cultural and pastoral heritage and will encourage you to relive the historical adventure of racing cyclists that forged the history of this area counting among the most characteristic of the Route des Pyrenees.
From the departure point in Lourdes we will head towards Argelès-Gazost, the charming thermal hot spot. Then we’ll continue to ascend the path of the River the Gave of Pau, and its famous gorges until we reach the very typical mountain village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Luz is also a dynamic town and thermal station and it’s located at the foot of the Col du Tourmalet. Several kilometres higher, the pass crosses the highest thermal station in the Pyrenees, Barèges. Only a few kilometres further before we reach the summit of this giant of the Tour de France, and the highest pass in the French Pyrenees. From this terrace, the panoramic views will take your breath away. From the other slope of the pass, we’ll cross the ski station, La Mongie, which is the departure point for the excursions to the Pic du Midi. Next we’ll descend little by little into the verdant valley of Campan with mountainous and pastoral scenery, finally reaching Bagnères de Bigorre. The city of beautiful thermal architecture is known for its relaxing and curing thermal water. This panoramic itinerary, to the terrace of the Pyrenees, will allow you to discover the Pic du Midi and its territory from every facet
*for 2 people taking part in the excursion as a minimum
Not included: meal
Nov 11
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