The primary attractions of interest in Lourdes are religious in nature, such as the cave where the sightings of the Virgin Mary occurred and the Basilica of the Rosary which was built over the site to protect it. The cathedral, built in Romanesque style, is one of the world’s largest and is a must-see.

Basilica of the Rosary 
The basilica was designed in the Romanesque style with Byzantine influences, in the form of a Greek-style cross. It features two elliptical ramps that embrace a square, which holds nearly 80,000 people. Two circular mosaic panels, crafted in a Vatican workshop, feature above the basilica’s main doors. Situated around the central dome are the 15 Chapels of the Mysteries, ornately decorated with mosaics depicting the rosary’s 15 mysteries: the five joyous mysteries, the five sorrowful and the five glorious. Phone: +33 5 62 42 78 78.

Château-Fort de Lourdes
For a panoramic view of the city and surrounding area, there’s a lift that will take you up to the terrace of Château-Fort de Lourdes. This excellent example of medieval military architecture is home to the Musée Pyrénéen, which features exhibits of regional costumes and handicrafts, including an extensive collection of dolls dressed in nuns' habits. The courtyard boasts scale models of buildings representing several different regional architectural styles. Phone: +33 5 62 42 37 37.

Hospitalité Notre-Dame de Lourdes
During one of her reported appearances to Bernadette, the Virgin Mary asked the faithful to come to the grotto in a procession. In the early years of pilgrimages to the site, there was little in the way of care for pilgrims taken ill other than that provided by charitable workers and local nuns. As numbers of pilgrims grew, facilities became swamped and groups such as the Hospitalité de Notre-Dame de Salut (HNDL) were established to provide aid for sick pilgrims. The HNDL is active during the main pilgrimage season to Lourdes, which runs from Easter to November, and it welcomes pilgrims to the baths during the winter months. Website: www.hospitalite-lourdes.com.

Oval Basilica of Pius X
The Oval Basilica was consecrated in 1958 and is an enormous underground chamber covered by a roof made of concrete. It can accommodate up to 20,000 people for services, making it one of the largest churches in the world. Open daily, the basilica features international masses that are conducted in six languages, including English.

Sanctuary of Lourdes
Annually, from March through October, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes draws pilgrims from Europe and all parts of the globe. The spring water flowing in the grotto below the sanctuary is said to possess special healing properties. Since it opened in 1860, approximately 200 million people - mostly Catholic - have visited the site. The Roman Catholic Church has documented and officially recognized 67 healings here that are considered miracles. The candlelight and sacrament processions are particularly noteworthy. Tours for visitors and pilgrims from all over the world are offered.