General information about the trip

Individual supl.: 175€
Registration and meeting deadline: 09 juny 19:00 h

Lourdes, Rocamadour and Bordeaux: faith, history and beauty in southwest France

This journey will take us to discover some of the most spiritual, historic and beautiful places in southern France and the French Basque Country. A trip designed for those who wish to combine pilgrimage, heritage, unforgettable landscapes, culture and shared experiences.

From the emotion of Lourdes, one of the world’s great Marian sanctuaries, to the majesty of Rocamadour, a town suspended on the cliffs and a historic pilgrimage site, we will enjoy a journey full of meaning.

We will also discover cities and villages full of character such as Toulouse, Cahors and Bordeaux, as well as charming places in the French Basque Country like Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Bayonne, where history, gastronomy and the beauty of the Atlantic coast will accompany us during the final stage of the trip.

An itinerary for both soul and senses, combining spirituality, culture, nature and the joy of discovering together some of the most emblematic places in southwestern France.

LOURDES, ROCAMADOUR AND BORDEAUX PROGRAM

Day 1 — Bilbao · San Sebastián · Lourdes

The journey will begin early in the morning with our flight arriving in Bilbao at 06:50 am. After meeting all participants, we will begin our road trip towards France.

During the journey we will make a stop to rest and enjoy the landscapes announcing our arrival into French territory.

Our next stop will be San Sebastián, one of the most elegant and beautiful cities in northern Spain. We will have free time to stroll along La Concha Bay, discover the historic center or enjoy its extraordinary gastronomy.

Free lunch.

In the afternoon we will continue towards Lourdes, world famous for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette and for being one of the most important pilgrimage centers in Christianity.

Arrival at the hotel, room distribution and time to begin discovering this very special place. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Paradise in Lourdes.

Day 2 — Bétharram Caves · Lourdes

After breakfast we will head to one of the region’s most surprising natural sites: the Bétharram Caves.

This spectacular visit will allow us to discover a fascinating underground world formed over millions of years. We will explore galleries, lakes and geological formations of extraordinary beauty, combining sections on foot, by boat and by small underground train.

A unique experience that impresses both for its geological interest and for the spectacular scenery.

Lunch included.

In the afternoon we will return to Lourdes, where we will have free time to enjoy the city according to each traveler’s interests.

• Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
• Attend a religious celebration.
• Walk through the Grotto of Massabielle.
• Visit the fortified castle of Lourdes.
• Stroll through the shopping streets and pedestrian areas.
• Take part in the traditional Torchlight Procession.

Dinner included and overnight stay in Lourdes.

Day 3 — Lourdes · Toulouse · Cahors

After breakfast we will leave Lourdes and head towards Toulouse, known as “The Pink City” because of the characteristic color of its brick buildings.

Upon arrival we will enjoy a guided tour to discover the main attractions of this important southern French city:

• Saint-Sernin Basilica.
• Capitole Square.
• Jacobins Convent.
• Historic center.
• Banks of the Garonne River.

Toulouse is also one of the country’s great university and cultural cities, combining history, dynamism and a unique atmosphere.

After the visit we will have free time for lunch.

Free lunch.

In the afternoon we will continue towards Cahors, one of the medieval jewels of the French Camino de Santiago.

We will visit the city, highlighting:

• The famous Valentré Bridge, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
• Its perfectly preserved medieval streets.
• The charming historic center.

Cahors has for centuries been an important stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, giving special meaning to our visit.

Arrival at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Cahors.

Day 4 — Rocamadour

After breakfast we will depart for one of the most impressive places in all of France: Rocamadour.

Built on a spectacular cliff and considered one of the most beautiful villages in the country, Rocamadour has for centuries been one of Europe’s great pilgrimage destinations.

During the day we will discover:

• The Sanctuary of Rocamadour.
• The Chapel of Notre-Dame.
• The famous Black Madonna.
• The Way of the Cross.
• Its stepped medieval streets.
• Magnificent viewpoints over the Alzou Valley.

The beauty of the surroundings, the spirituality of the place and its extraordinary heritage make this one of the highlights of the trip.

We will have enough free time to enjoy the village at our own pace.

Free lunch.

Late in the afternoon we will return to Cahors. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 — Cahors · Medieval villages · Bordeaux

After breakfast we will head towards Bordeaux, making several stops to discover some of the most beautiful and authentic villages in southwestern France.

Along the route we will visit medieval towns that have preserved their historic character, with arcaded squares, cobbled streets, ancient churches and an atmosphere frozen in time.

Depending on the final organization of the trip, some possible villages included during this day are:

• Saint-Émilion.
• Monpazier.
• Domme.
• Pujols.
• Villeneuve-sur-Lot.

Free lunch during the route.

Arrival in Bordeaux during the afternoon. Time for a first introduction to the city.

Organized dinner, pending final confirmation, and overnight stay.

Day 6 — Bordeaux · French Basque Country · Bilbao

Our final day will begin with a visit to Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage city considered one of the most elegant cities in France.

• Place de la Bourse.
• Water Mirror.
• Grand Theatre.
• Saint-André Cathedral.
• Monumental gates and wide avenues.
• The renovated riverfront along the Garonne River.

After the visit we will begin our return journey to Bilbao.

Along the way we will stop at some of the most emblematic places in the French Basque Country, such as:

• Saint-Jean-de-Luz, an elegant seaside town linked to maritime history and famous for its coastal charm.
• Bayonne, a historic city known for its cathedral, walls and strong connection to the Camino de Santiago.

Afterwards we will continue to Bilbao airport for check-in procedures.

Return flight scheduled for 10:20 pm.