The Lac de Lourdes is a spectacular basin of water surrounded by undulating verdant terrain. The stunning lake covers an area of 128 acres (52 hectares) and sits just outside the city center of Lourdes. It makes for a serene and picturesque setting. Bring the whole family to enjoy the range of activities around this glacial lake.
Capture photos of the rows of trees lining the shoreline, with grassy knolls and tree-lined mountains filling the background. Read a book on one of the wooden benches and sit on the wooden terraces dotted along the shore. Rent a pedalo to take you out on the water. Join the paddle surfers on the lake and let the children frolic in the playground.
Have a meal in one of the restaurants beside the lake and you’ll be dining with a scenic view. You can also bring snacks and refreshments for a picnic at one of the shelters and designated tables bordering the water. Go on a hike along pathways that meander through the dense woodland and listen to the sounds of nature.
Practice your swing at the Lourdes Pyrénées Golf Club which runs parallel to the southern shore of the lake. Enjoy the excellent views as you play the 18 holes. The golf club has a restaurant serving upscale French cuisine.
Lac du Lourdes was initially formed by a glacier during the Ice Age. Hear local tales of the legendary curse of the lake. It was said that the souls of anyone who drowned here were imprisoned for eternity at the bottom of the lake.
You can find the Lac de Lourdes in the northwestern outskirts of the city. Drive west from the Lourdes railway station for 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) to arrive at the center of the wide lake within 10 to 15 minutes. See some of the highlights in the region, including the Camping de la Forêt and the Palais des Sports. The lake is open to the public at all times and free to access.
