At the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in southwestern France, nestled between the spectacular mountain river, Gave de Pau, is Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. It is estimated that over 6 million people from all over the world visit this area per year.
The holiest site at Lourdes is the Grotto of Massabielle where many believe that the Virgin Mary appeared to a 14 year old girl named Bernadette Soubirous, in 1858 on several occasions. La Source, the spring water from the grotto is believed by some to possess healing properties. You can purchase the water to drink or bathe with.
Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes and the sanctuary and Basilica of St Pius X, which is the world’s largest underground church. There is a blessing of the sick daily and a nightly candlelight procession for those that wish to participate.
Even for those that are not religious, it is a beautiful area. Visit the Lourdes Market held in the heart of town where you can purchase local crafts and products. You can take a railway car to the summit of the Pic du Jer to see a panoramic view of Lourdes. It takes only 6 minutes to get to the top and the view is spectacular. The terrace of the Lourdes Castle also gives a nice view of the town.
Groups interested in traveling to the region can book a custom trip, or they can choose from pre-designed itineraries. Individuals can also book tours that include Lourdes.
Why Europe Remains the World’s Most Rewarding Travel Destination
After more than 35 years of sending clients to Europe, our advisors at Atlas Travel Center can tell you something the guidebooks don’t always say clearly: every European country rewards slow travel. The travelers who come home raving aren’t the ones who checked twelve cities off a list — they’re the ones who lingered in a market, had a conversation with a local winemaker, or watched the light change over a harbor at sunset. Europe is best savored, not rushed.
That said, there are real logistics to master — and that’s where our expertise makes a meaningful difference. Rail passes versus point-to-point tickets, which airports have the smoothest connections, how far in advance to book the most popular museums and restaurants, which neighborhoods to stay in versus which to avoid — these are the details our agents have spent decades learning firsthand. Many on our team have visited the destinations they book, which means the advice you get from Atlas is grounded in real experience, not just brochure copy.
How Atlas Travel Center Plans European Trips
We work with a carefully vetted network of overseas partners — local guides, boutique hotels, and transportation providers — who share our commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether you want a fully escorted tour with a group, a custom independent itinerary, or a river cruise through the heart of the continent, we design the experience around you. Our group travel program is especially popular for European destinations: we handle all the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Start Planning Your European Journey
Contact Atlas Travel Center to speak with an advisor who knows Europe deeply. We’re CLIA-certified, ARC-accredited, and have held an A+ BBB rating throughout our 35+ years in business. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to a destination you love, we’ll make sure your European trip is everything you’re imagining — and more.
