Day trip to Lourdes from St. Jean de Pied de Port

[Former member 106277]

Hello. My wife and I have a free day in St. Jean Pied de Port in May before starting the Camino Frances. I am looking for a tour company who can provide transportation and guide to and from Lourdes (day trip). Nothing jumps out on my initial research. Any recommendations? Thank you.

 

[NualaOC]

You could perhaps ask the nice folk in Express Bourricot for advice. They do airport transfers to/from Lourdes Airport, so they might be able to help - or recommend others who can.
Good luck!

 

[Bradypus]

@NualaOC just beat me to suggesting Express Bourricot for advice. SJPDP is a small town in an inconvenient location surrounded by hills. The drive to Lourdes would take about two hours each way. I can't imagine any company in the town offering day trips to Lourdes as a regular service. I'd be expecting a hefty price tag for a one-off bespoke tour.

 

[Former member 106277]

Thank you NualaAC and Bradypus for your advice and comments. If I'm able to put something together will post.

 

[Vacajoe]

Having visited Lourdes before for several days, any visit should include the evening candlelight procession. Whether you are religious or not, it is an incredibly moving event and overwhelming in its humanity. I’m not sure a round trip visit from SJPdP for just a day would be a fulfilling experience since you would likely spend more time in a car then at the site.

 

[NualaOC]

Another thought - might it be easier to spend your first night in Lourdes, rather than Saint Jean Pied de Port? You could then travel to Bayonne and SJPdeP the next morning. It would avoid the long round trip and it could also be a scenic cultural immersion before your Camino.

A quick google search showed this option (with some later ones too):

 

[WalkingInGers]

You may also want to think about the lines waiting to enter the Sanctuary and the Grotto. I would agree with @Vacajoe about the moving experience there with the candlelight procession. Lourdes? You need time there. It is not just another point on the map somewhere.