Lourdes

Lourdes is a market town in the Pyrenees mountains. It is located in the Occitanie region of southwestern France and is part of the Hautes-Pyrénées department. Prior to the mid-nineteenth century, the town was known for the Château fort de Lourdes, a fortified castle perched atop a rocky escarpment in the town's heart.

Due to the Marian apparitions claimed to have been seen by the peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous, who was later canonized, Lourdes rose to prominence in France and abroad in 1858. Shortly after, the city of Lourdes, with the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, became one of the most important pilgrimage and religious tourism destinations in the world. Renowned for Our Lady shrine, Lourdes is a very beautiful and awe inspiring pilgrimage site. Without a doubt, this market town is a must-see among all the places to visit in France.

• Key attractions: Rosary Basilica, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ossau Valley, Jardin Massey, and Chateau fort de Lourdes