Experience a private day tour from Bordeaux to Lourdes. Explore sacred sites, including the Sanctuary and Bernadette’s historic places, with expert local guides.
Lourdes Sanctuary Day Tour from Bordeaux - Private
Summary Description
Highlights
- Visit the Most Important Sites of Lourdes
- Get to Know the Historical Places of Bernadette’s Life
- Hand-Picked Guides Only. English-Speaking, Local Experts
Description
Experience an unforgettable day with our **Lourdes Sanctuary Day Tour from Bordeaux – Private**, immersing yourself in the rich spiritual and historical heritage of one of France’s most cherished destinations. Your journey begins with a comfortable pick-up at your Bordeaux accommodation in a fully equipped Mercedes minivan featuring free WiFi onboard. Accompanied by a knowledgeable English-speaking, local guide, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the revered sanctuary, exploring the most significant sites connected to Bernadette Soubirous. Delight in free time at the iconic Grotto of Massabielle and the Basilica of the Rosary, or use these tranquil moments for personal reflection. Discover the birthplace of Bernadette and the humble Cachot, deepening your understanding of her incredible story. This comprehensive day tour includes all transfers and a hand-picked expert guide—ensuring a seamless and enriching experience from Bordeaux to Lourdes and back.
Follow In the Footsteps of Bernadette Soubirous In 1858, Lourdes become known throughout France and the world after a series of apparitions seen by Bernadette Soubirous. These “Marian apparitions” quickly transformed Lourdes into one of the most important sites of pilgrimage and religious tourism.
Today, around six million people visit Lourdes each year. Due to the consistent stream of pilgrims and tourists, Lourdes has become the second most important center of tourism in France, following Paris. It is now the third most important site of international Catholic pilgrimage.
Your tour to Lourdes
Arrive in Lourdes and start by visiting the sanctuary. Here you will not only see the grotto but will also visit the three churches that were built on the site, one on top of the other. After some free time for lunch, join your guide and follow the footsteps of Bernadette.
First discover the house of the family when the father ran a mill. Bernadette was born in this millhouse on 7 January 1844, one year after the marriage of her parents Louise Castérot and François Soubirous. She lived here for the first 10 years of her life; it’s still possible to see her childhood bedroom, along with the house’s mill machinery.
Then on to the Cachot. In 1857 Bernadette Soubirous’ family fell on hard times and were forced to move to this dingy former prison, where they lived communally in a room measuring just 16 sq metres. It was while living here that Bernadette stumbled across the Grotte de Massabielle, having been sent out to collect firewood.
Return to Bordeaux at the end of the day.
This private tour ensures you enjoy full attention from your guide.
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of the sanctuary
- Pick up and drop off at hotel
- Travel in spacious, comfortable & fully equipped Mercedes minivans
- Free Wifi access on board
- Visit the important sites on the footsteps of Bernadette
- Entrance fees to monuments, museums or attractions
- Meals and drinks
- Personal insurance and expenses
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Bordeaux, France
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate
- Tour is operated in English, other languages on request
- Price is per group, not per person
- This product is on request. We will confirm availability within the shortest possible time after we receive your order.
- Please be ready 10 minutes before departure time
- Currency is in Euros.
- Tour involves some walking, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 48 hours
Cancellation Notes: For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: Up to 48 hours prior to departure: no cancellation fees except the booking fees. 48 hours prior to departure and less > no refund. No show - no refund.
Options and Pricing
| Price per person base one person | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 - 64 years) | €880.00 |
| Price per person based two persons | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 - 64 years) | €440.00 |
| Price per person based three persons | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 - 64 years) | €293.00 |
| Price per person based four persons | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 - 64 years) | €220.00 |
| Price per person based five persons | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 - 64 years) | €176.00 |
| Price per person based six persons | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 - 64 years) | €147.00 |
| Price per person based seven persons | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 - 64 years) | €126.00 |
| Price per person absed eight persons | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 - 64 years) | €110.00 |
Points of interest
- Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes, Avenue Monseigneur Théas, Lourdes, France
- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Lourdes, France
- Grotte de Massabielle, Avenue Monseigneur Théas, Lourdes, France
- Maison natale de Bernadette : Moulin de Boly, Rue Bernadette Soubirous, Lourdes, France
- Le Cachot, Rue des Petits Fossés, Lourdes, France
- Basilica of St. Pius X, Boulevard Rémi Sempé, Lourdes, France
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Avenue Monseigneur Théas, Lourdes, France
Terms and Conditions
All our terms & conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
Additional Information
It is possible to take a bath in the Grotto of Massabielle while in Lourdes. Be aware though that there can be a very long queue and that the water is icy-cold. If this option is chosen, it is not possible to follow the footsteps of Bernadette.
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
FAQ
Do I need to be Catholic or religious to visit Lourdes?
Not at all. While Lourdes is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, it welcomes visitors of all faiths and none. Many people come simply out of curiosity, cultural interest, or to experience the extraordinary atmosphere of devotion and community that the sanctuary creates. Your guide will provide historical and cultural context that makes the visit meaningful for everyone.
What will we see at the Lourdes sanctuary?
The sanctuary complex is vast and rich in atmosphere. Key sites include the Grotto of Massabielle, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the underground Basilica of Saint Pius X, the miraculous spring and baths, the Way of the Cross, and the esplanade where the famous torchlight processions take place. Your guide will help you navigate the site and bring the history and significance of each place to life.
Is it possible to attend a Mass or the torchlight procession during the tour?
Depending on your arrival time and the time of year, it may be possible to attend a Mass at one of the sanctuary's many chapels or to witness part of the evening torchlight procession. Please mention your interest at the time of booking and your guide will do their best to incorporate this into the day's itinerary.
Can we visit the town of Lourdes as well as the sanctuary?
Yes. Beyond the sanctuary, the town of Lourdes itself is worth exploring — including the medieval Château Fort de Lourdes, which offers panoramic views over the town and the Pyrenees. Your guide can include a town visit as part of the day depending on your interests and pace.
Is the tour suitable for elderly visitors or those with limited mobility?
Yes. The Lourdes sanctuary is well set up for visitors with reduced mobility, with wide esplanades, ramps, and dedicated services for those who need assistance. Please inform us of any specific mobility requirements at the time of booking so your guide can plan the day accordingly and ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the base price, but your guide can recommend good restaurants in and around Lourdes. There are plenty of dining options near the sanctuary to suit all tastes and budgets, and a relaxed lunch is a natural part of the day's rhythm.
What is the best time of year to visit Lourdes?
Lourdes is open and welcoming year-round, but the pilgrimage season runs primarily from Easter to mid-October, when the sanctuary is at its most animated with international pilgrimages, processions and ceremonies. Visiting outside the peak season offers a quieter and more contemplative experience. The sanctuary itself is accessible all year, though some facilities may have reduced hours in winter.
How far is Lourdes from Bordeaux and how long is the journey?
Lourdes is approximately 200 km southeast of Bordeaux, around 2 to 2.5 hours by car. All transport is included in your private tour — your driver-guide will collect you from central Bordeaux and return you at the end of the day, allowing you to rest, reflect and enjoy the scenery without any driving stress.
About operator:
Ophorus Tours is both a licensed Tour Operator, member of Atout France and ETOA, and a Transportation company with headquarters in Bordeaux. We operate since 2005 and conduct Walking Tours, Day Trips, Private Tours, Shore Excursions and multi-regional Tours throughout France.
Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world.
Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...
Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world.
Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...
Basic Information
- Duration: 10 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 8
- Category: Private Tours
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