Boé to Lourdes

Bordeaux to Lourdes

Lourdes is a small town in southwestern France that is known for its Marian apparitions. Every year, millions of pilgrims from all over the world visit Lourdes to pray and seek healing at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Language

The official language of France is French. However, English is also widely spoken in tourist areas. In Lourdes, you will find that most people in the tourism industry speak English.

Currency

The official currency of France is the euro (€). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels. Credit cards are also widely accepted.

Distance

The distance from Bordeaux to Lourdes is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles). The journey takes about 3 hours by car.

How to Reach

There are several ways to get from Bordeaux to Lourdes:

• By train: There are several direct trains per day from Bordeaux to Lourdes. The journey takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online or at the train station.
• By bus: There are several buses per day from Bordeaux to Lourdes. The journey takes about 4 hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station.
• By car: The journey from Bordeaux to Lourdes takes about 3 hours by car. You can rent a car at the airport or in the city center.

Expenses

The cost of your trip to Lourdes will depend on your travel style and budget. However, here are some general estimates:

• Accommodation: A double room in a mid-range hotel in Lourdes costs around €70 per night.
• Food: A meal at a mid-range restaurant in Lourdes costs around €20 per person.
• Transportation: A round-trip train ticket from Bordeaux to Lourdes costs around €60. A round-trip bus ticket costs around €40. A rental car costs around €50 per day.
• Activities: A visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is free. However, there are several other activities in Lourdes that you may want to budget for, such as visiting the Grotto of Massabielle (€5), taking a boat ride on the Gave de Pau (€10), or visiting the Lourdes Wax Museum (€12).

Best time to go

The best time to visit Lourdes is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). During these months, the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, Lourdes is a popular destination year-round, so you can visit anytime.

What to Eat

Lourdes is known for its regional cuisine, which is influenced by the Basque and Béarnese cuisines. Some of the local specialties include:

• Garbure: A hearty soup made with cabbage, beans, and pork.
• Poulet basquaise: Chicken cooked in a Basque sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
• Trucha a la navarra: Trout wrapped in ham and grilled.
• Ossau-Iraty cheese: A sheep's milk cheese from the Pyrenees.

Where to Go

In addition to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, there are several other places to visit in Lourdes, including:

• The Grotto of Massabielle: The site of the Marian apparitions.
• The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: A large basilica built in the 19th century.
• The Castle of Lourdes: A medieval castle that overlooks the town.
• The Lourdes Wax Museum: A museum that features wax figures of the saints and pilgrims who have visited Lourdes.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling from Bordeaux to Lourdes:

How long does it take to get from Bordeaux to Lourdes?

The journey takes about 3 hours by car, 3 hours and 30 minutes by train, and 4 hours by bus.

How much does it cost to get from Bordeaux to Lourdes?

The cost of your trip will depend on your travel style and budget. However, you can expect to spend around €100-€200 per day.

What is the best time to visit Lourdes?

The best time to visit Lourdes is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). During these months, the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.

What are some of the local specialties in Lourdes?

Some of the local specialties in Lourdes include garbure, poulet basquaise, trucha a la navarra, and Ossau-Iraty cheese.