Lourdes

For over a century Lourdes has been a spiritual destination for catholic pilgrimages, but the small, quaint market town in south west France offers so much more for its visitors. 

Exploring the region has never been easier following the launch of bmibaby’s new service from Manchester Airport to Lourdes last month. Commencing on 30 April 2010, the low-cost airline now operates up to two services a week to Lourdes, and is the only low-cost airline to do so from Manchester. 

It is hard not to talk about Lourdes’ religious roots. In 1858, Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old local girl, is said to have seen Our Lady of Lourdes. After a further 17 sightings that year, Lourdes was transformed into one of the world’s most spiritual destinations, welcoming more than five million visitors annually. 

The area where the sighting took place has become a sanctuary to Our Lady of Lourdes, with the grotto (shrine) becoming the focal point for pilgrims to visit in the town. The spring water in the grotto is said to have healing properties. 

Away from the sanctuary there is so much to see, including a fantastic array of museums, an imposing castle and a host of sporting activities, including watersports, golf and walks in The Pyrenees National Park. 

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, the wider region of south west France has 35 peaks of more than 3,000m that form a natural barrier and offer breathtaking scenery to explore. 

Several of the beautiful summits in the Pyrenees range are situated close to Lourdes, including the Midi d’Ossau peak, Balaïtous, Vignemale, Marboré, the cirques of Gavarnie, Lys, Troumouse, Estaubé, Barroude, as well as some breathtaking natural sights, such as the famous waterfalls of the Pont d’Espagne and the Brèche de Roland. 

During the summer months the peaks offer views across the region that have to be seen to be believed. If you’re an adventurous traveller, the time to visit the region is during the winter when you can take to the slopes to experience some of the best pistes in south west France.   

Place to see:
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Even those with no religious inclination can’t help but get caught up in the mystique surrounding Lourdes. You’ll soon feel rejuvenated after a visit to the grotto and a drink of the holy water. 

Where to stay:
Lourdes has the largest number of hotels in France outside Paris, so finding a place to stay is easy. The region boasts a range of quality hotels, apartments, guest houses and campsites. For more details, visit www.lourdes-infotourisme.com. 

bmibaby facts:
bmibaby has launched a new service from Manchester Airport to Lourdes, which  operates up to two flights a week, departing on Mondays and Fridays. Fares to Lourdes start from just £39.99 one way including all taxes. 

In addition to Lourdes, bmibaby flies to a selection of niche French routes from Manchester Airport, including Bordeaux, Toulouse and Perpignan. 

Proving popular with holidaymakers in Greater Manchester, bmibaby currently flies up to five times a week to Perpignan, three times a week to Toulouse, and will be increasing its service to Bordeaux from twice weekly to four times a week in July. 

For more information or to book flights, visit www.bmibaby.com.

Want to win a flights and accommodation to Lourdes?
Check out the competition page to see how you could have the chance to win a pair of flights and three nights’ accommodation in the beautiful Ferme du Buret farmhouse.