Lourdes isn’t just a place for spiritual reflection; it’s also a destination offering a variety of tours and experiences that reveal its rich culture, history, and local flavor. Whether you’re interested in tasting Pyrenean delicacies, walking in Bernadette’s footsteps, or exploring its museums, Lourdes has something to suit every curiosity. One of our favorite options is the Gastronomic tour in Lourdes—a delightful way to connect with local cuisine while strolling through the town’s streets. If you prefer a more comprehensive sightseeing pass, the Lourdes Attraction Pass offers easy access to key attractions, perfect for those on a tight schedule. For a personal touch, the Lourdes: Guided Tour with a 19th-century washerwoman immerses visitors in a period-appropriate experience, making history come alive.
For those who want a deeper understanding of Lourdes’ spiritual significance, guided tours like The Story of Lourdes Walking Tour in English and the guided tour by a 19th-century washerwoman provide detailed narratives and authentic insights. And if you’re traveling from outside France, there’s the Lourdes: Guided Tour with Transport from Pamplona—a great way to combine travel logistics with sightseeing. Below, we’ve reviewed each tour to help you find the best fit for your interests and schedule.
1. Gastronomic tour in Lourdes
Rating: 5.0/5 (17 reviews)
Price: $80.70 per person
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Location: Lourdes, France
Are you an epicurean eager to experience Lourdes beyond its religious sites? This Gastronomic tour in Lourdes offers a 100% local and gourmet experience. During this 4-hour walk, you’ll taste some of the best Pyrenean pub fare, regional cheese, wine, and sweets, all while discovering the town’s hidden culinary gems. The tour is designed to be friendly and convivial, with generous tastings that give you a real flavor of Lourdes.
What makes this tour special is its focus on local produce and authentic flavors. Maeva, the guide, is praised for her warmth, her ability to explain in both French and English, and for creating a fun, informal atmosphere. Guests have raved about how full they felt—probably enough to skip dinner! The tour also includes sweet and savory tastings and a walk through the heart of Lourdes, combining food, wine, and cultural stories into a sensory journey.
This tour is perfect for food lovers who want to blend sightseeing with tasting, and for those who appreciate a local, genuine experience rather than just visiting the major sites. The value for money is excellent given the generous tastings and small group size.
Bottom line: A fun, tasty, and intimate way to explore Lourdes’ culinary traditions with a friendly guide.
2. Lourdes: Attraction Pass with 2 Museums and the Little Train
Rating: 4.4/5 (78 reviews)
Price: $27 per person
Duration: 2 days
If you’re after easy, budget-friendly sightseeing, this Lourdes Attraction Pass makes visiting the town’s highlights straightforward and economical. It covers over 7.5 kilometers of Lourdes, including access to Le Petit Lourdes, the Wax Museum, and a charming little train ride. The pass also provides audio-guided tours in eight languages, making it suitable for international visitors.
What makes this pass appealing is its convenience. Instead of buying individual tickets, you get two days of unlimited access to key attractions and transportation. The train ride is a highlight, offering a relaxed way to see the town and learn its history. Plus, with audio guides, you can explore at your own pace, making this an excellent choice for families or those with limited time.
The reviews highlight good value, with many appreciating the ease of access and variety of options. It’s best suited for those wanting a flexible, low-cost overview of Lourdes’ main sights. Keep in mind that it doesn’t include the more detailed or immersive experiences like museums or guided tours.
Bottom line: An affordable, flexible way to explore Lourdes’ main sights comfortably over two days.
3. Wax Museum Wonders: Exploring the Mysteries of Lourdes
Rating: 4.8/5 (11 reviews)
Price: $11 per person
Duration: 2 days
For a visual and interactive experience, the Wax Museum Wonders brings to life famous personalities and stories related to Lourdes. Visitors are amazed by the lifelike wax figures, which are arranged in scenes that tell stories of faith, miracles, and history. This museum offers an immersive experience that’s ideal for families or anyone interested in visual storytelling.
The museum’s highlights include interactive displays and a guided tour that informs visitors about the figures and their significance. The affordable price makes it accessible for all budgets, and the two-day ticket allows flexibility to visit at your own pace. The reviews commend the high-quality figures and the engaging nature of the exhibits.
This tour shines for visitors who want a quick, engaging overview of Lourdes’ spiritual stories without extensive walking or waiting. It’s also an excellent stop for younger audiences or those who prefer museum-style experiences.
Bottom line: A captivating, cost-effective way to explore Lourdes’ religious and cultural stories through art.
4. Le Petit Lourdes
Rating: 3.7/5 (3 reviews)
Price: $11 per person
Duration: 2 days
Step into Lourdes’ past with the Petit Lourdes Museum, which retraces the story of Bernadette Soubirous and the town’s origins. The museum’s authentic masonry construction and audio guides in 8 languages give visitors a chance to connect with Lourdes’ early days in 1858.
The museum is designed to transport visitors to the time of Bernadette, offering insights into her life, the apparitions, and how Lourdes became a pilgrimage site. The inclusion of free parking and the meticulous craftsmanship of the exhibits make it a practical choice for travelers seeking a more authentic, local experience.
While some reviews mention the museum’s small size and limited number of reviews, it’s a worthwhile visit for those interested in Bernadette’s story and Lourdes’ origins. It’s best suited for history enthusiasts and visitors wanting a quiet, reflective stop.
Bottom line: A modest but meaningful museum offering insights into Lourdes’ foundation and Bernadette’s life.
5. Lourdes: guided tour by a 19th-century washerwoman
Rating: 5/5 (2 reviews)
Price: $23 per person
Duration: 2 hours
Travel back to 1884 with this guided tour led by a guide in period costume, offering a unique historical perspective. The tour focuses on how Lourdes evolved after the apparitions and explores the impact on the town through the eyes of a washerwoman of the period.
What makes this tour stand out is its interactive storytelling and the authentic costume, which bring history to life. It’s rich in anecdotes and provides a lively account of Lourdes’ transformation during the late 19th century. The intimate two-hour format allows for detailed storytelling without feeling rushed.
Ideal for history buffs or those interested in living history, this experience offers a personalized view of Lourdes’ past. Reviewers highlight the informative nature and engaging presentation.
Bottom line: An immersive, entertaining way to learn about Lourdes’ post-apparition history through a lively, period-costumed guide.
6. Lourdes : Footsteps of Bernadette with Food & Wine tastings
Rating: 4.2/5 (reviews)
Price: Not specified
Duration: 2 hours (check availability)
Follow Bernadette’s footsteps on this walking tour, which combines visits to her former home and the food market, ending with local food and wine tastings. The tour starts at Les Halles, a lively market where you can meet local producers and sample Pyrenean cheeses, wines, and regional specialties.
What makes this tour special is its focus on authentic local life and personal stories. You’ll learn about Bernadette’s life in Lourdes, see her house, and enjoy the culinary delights the region has to offer. It’s a great choice for those wanting a true local experience that combines history, culture, and gastronomy.
The itinerary includes a visit to the Maison Natale de Bernadette, a walk through Moulin de Boly, and tastings that highlight Pyrenean food and wine. It offers a blend of storytelling and sensory enjoyment.
Bottom line: A charming way to connect with Lourdes’ spiritual and culinary traditions on a small-group walk.
7. Lourdes: Guided Tour with Transport from Pamplona
Rating: 4.6/5 (reviews)
Price: Not specified
Duration: 9 hours
Travelers staying in Pamplona or nearby will appreciate this full-day guided tour, which includes transport to Lourdes. It covers all major pilgrimage sites, including the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the three temples, and the medical center where miracle files are stored.
The tour is ideal for those who want an immersive experience without the hassle of planning logistics. It offers a rundown of Lourdes’ miraculous stories and religious significance. The 9-hour itinerary makes it a full day, perfect for visitors with limited time in the region but a desire to understand Lourdes’ spiritual importance.
Participants praise the knowledgeable guides and the ease of travel. This tour is best suited for religious pilgrims or history enthusiasts keen to see everything in one day.
Bottom line: A hassle-free, full-day trip that covers Lourdes’ main sites with expert guidance.
8. Lourdes: Half-Day Private Tour
Rating: Not available
Price: $1,426 per group (up to 2)
Duration: 3 hours
For a personalized experience, consider this half-day private tour. It includes air-conditioned transport, private guiding, and pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or city center. This option is ideal if you want an intimate, flexible visit, tailored to your interests.
Although specific reviews aren’t available, the customizable nature means you can focus on the spiritual sites, historical anecdotes, or local culture that interest you most. With a three-hour window, it’s suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed, private experience over group tours.
This is best for small groups or couples seeking personal attention and flexible scheduling. It’s a good choice if you prefer a tailor-made itinerary without the crowds.
Bottom line: A flexible, private option perfect for a customized Lourdes experience.
9. The Story of Lourdes Walking Tour in English
Rating: 5/5 (2 reviews)
Price: $232 per group (up to 10)
Duration: 3 hours
This guided walking tour provides a comprehensive look at Lourdes’ miraculous story and St. Bernadette’s life. Led by a native English-speaking guide, it covers the Sanctuaries, museum, birthplace, and Bernadette’s home.
The tour’s strength is its personalized approach and passionate narration, which makes the history accessible and engaging. The 3-hour itinerary is designed to give a full picture of Lourdes’ spiritual significance, ending at the Pont Vieux.
Ideal for English-speaking visitors who want a thorough, well-guided experience. The reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guide and the customizable nature of the tour, making it a great option for first-time visitors or those wanting a deeper understanding.
Bottom line: An informative, personalized walking tour perfect for visitors seeking a detailed narrative in English.
How to Choose the Right Lourdes Tour
When selecting a Lourdes experience, think about your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re passionate about local food, the Gastronomic tour offers a delicious taste of Lourdes’ culinary scene. For a cost-effective overview, the Lourdes Attraction Pass provides access to key sights and transportation. Those interested in history and story-telling might prefer the guided tours with period costumes or the walking tour in English.
Travelers on a budget will find the museums and food tastings very affordable, while those looking for a personalized experience should consider the half-day private tour. If you’re traveling from Pamplona, the guided tour with transport saves planning effort and gives a full-day itinerary.
Book early, especially in peak season, and consider combining experiences—perhaps a food tour followed by a museum pass—to get a well-rounded visit. Think about your preferred pace, whether that’s immersive, educational, or relaxing.
Final Thoughts
Lourdes offers a surprising variety of tours to suit all interests—from gastronomy to history and spirituality. For a delicious introduction to local flavors, the Gastronomic tour is hard to beat. If you want a comprehensive sightseeing pass, the Lourdes Attraction Pass makes exploring easy and affordable. For personalized, in-depth insights, the walking tours in English or the private tour** provide a more tailored experience.
No matter what you choose, booking early will help you make the most of your visit. Lourdes isn’t just a pilgrimage site; it’s a place that can surprise you with its layers of stories, food, art, and history. Use this guide to pick the experience that best suits your curiosity, and enjoy your time in this remarkable town.