Exploring Lourdes in another perspective

Lourdes is one of our regular pilgrimage sites whenever we are in Europe. Unlike Fatima, Lourdes is a market town in the Pyrenees which has lots of activities to offer. The town is best know for its fortified castle and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

For this trip, I intend to explore more than just supermarkets, pizza stores and places within the city centre. It has been years I looked outside my hotel window and spotted a blue cross in the hills. Now I finally get to see the blue cross in close view. Pic du Jer is the mountain most recognisable by its big blue cross that lit up at night.

Pic du Jer

Just got back from Albi, we decided to head for Pic du Jer. The ride a funicular to the peak of Pic du Jer was spectacular.

Pic du Jer is a summit in the Hautes-Pyrénées. The mountain is accessible by funicular up to 950m high. The mountain is 951m above the city of Lourdes. The final 1m is accessible on foot or by mountain bike.

I would suggest going up Pic du Jer as early as the funicular opens. There will be lesser people at the other end and easier to avoid photobombs. When going up in the funicular, I would not bother sitting at the very front unless there is going to be only one driver for the funicular going up.

Breathtaking view

The panoramic view from Pic du Jer is fantastic and bound to leave you. Exactly as I wanted! Cool weather that the sky was so clear that I can still see the alps from the funicular station and the size of the crowd was sufficient to keep the mountain less deserted.

As we made our way to the peak, we ran into some riders. They demonstrated such great charisma. Even though uphill cycling was tough, it never stop them from being polite and respectful.

Getting there

Bus L1 from Gare de Lourdes at EUR1,00. The bus ticket can be re-validated for another journey within the same hour. Tickets can be purchased onboard from the driver. Bus L1 will stop exactly at Pic du Jer stop. Bus timetable can be accessible via TLP mobilities Official website.

Food Glorious Food @ Halles de Lourdes

Finally made it to Halles de Lourdes when it is open. Halles de Lourdes is an indoor marketplace selling local produce, vegetables, fruits, poultry and fish. The market is operating within a building resembling late 19th-century metal architecture.

My favourite, cheese!

Information

Business hours:	Opens daily between 7:00hrs to 13:00hrs
Exceptions:	Close on Sunday between Nov to March
Entry charge:	Free

Marian Candlelight Procession

The Marian candlelight procession has been around since 1872. The procession takes place daily between the months of April to end October where thousands of pilgrims from around the world gather to walk and sing with lighted candles in hand. The procession will start from the Grotto of Apparitions to the esplanade of the Rosary Basilica.

Here is a feedback from someone who has a tendency of slacking yet still attends the procession at the very last hour. Attending the procession and singing along with other pilgrims, I find it hard to explain the inner peace and happiness I had within.