Lourdes is a good base for exploring the Pyrénées. You can take tours into the snowcapped mountains across the border to Spain or go horseback riding near Lac de Lourdes, 3km (1 3/4 miles) northwest of town. Among the outstanding sites is Bagnères-de-Bigorre, a renowned thermal spa 23km (14 miles) east of Lourdes on D935.

Visit Pic de Jer, a rocky peak 933m (3,061 ft.) above sea level, high over the surrounding land formations, for a view of the surrounding countryside. To reach its summit, board the Pic de Jer funicular, which departs from the south side of esplanade des Proceswinos in the center of Lourdes. Round-trip fares are 8.50€ ($11) for adults and 6.50€ ($8.45) for students and children ages 6 to 14. At the summit, you'll see the entrance to some caves, Les Grottes de Jer (tel. 05-62-94-00-41 for both the funicular and the grottos), a sightseeing attraction that's open June to August daily 10am to 6pm, mid-March to May and September to November daily from 1:30 to 6:15pm (closed Dec to mid-Mar). Entrance to the grottos costs 3.50€ ($4.55) adults and 2.50€ ($3.25) students and children 6 to 12.

Farther afield, 23km (14 miles) southeast of Lourdes in the hamlet of Aste, you'll find even bigger and much more dramatic caves, Les Grottes de Médous (tel. 05-62-91-78-46). An underground river formed them, along with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Reach them by following signs to les Grottes de Médous along D26. During July and August, they're open daily 9am to noon and 2 to 6pm; May to June and September to mid-October, they're open daily 9 to 11:30am and 2 to 5pm (closed mid-Oct to Apr). Admission costs 7€ ($9.10) for adults and 3.50€ ($4.55) for children 5 to 10.

If you're in the mood for a full-fledged outing from Lourdes into the Pyrénées, drive south along D921 to a mountainous national park, Cirque de Gavarnie (Heights of Gavarnie), whose summits reach 1,350m (4,429 ft.). The distance from Lourdes to the center of the region is 52km (32 miles).