Pic du Jer funicular: complete guide 2026

From the east side of Lourdes town centre, the Pic du Jer funicular takes you up towards the summit (948 m) in a few minutes to enjoy one of the finest panoramas in the Pyrenees. Opened in 1900, this century-old funicular offers a unique experience: a 360° view over Lourdes, the Sanctuary, the Gave valley and the Pyrenees, as far as the Pic du Midi in clear weather.

Key facts: summit at 948 m. Journey of about 6 minutes. Opened in 1900. 2026 season: 27 March to 1 November. Full fare from €14.50, reduced fares from €11 (prices published by the Occitanie regional tourist board). Operator: Edeis, 59 avenue Francis Lagardère, 65100 Lourdes, tel. +33 5 62 94 00 41.

The funicular is one of the oldest tourist funiculars still running in France. Built in 1900 to give visitors an exceptional viewpoint over the town and the Pyrenees, it bears witness to Belle Époque tourism, when Lourdes was already attracting large international crowds.

A century-old installation still in service: modernised over time, it keeps the charm of its origins, with its cabins and its track climbing the mountainside.

Belle Époque heritage: the funicular is a rare testimony to the religious and spa tourism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which Lourdes is keen to preserve.

The journey: from the very first metres you feel the steep gradient. The view changes as you climb: first the forest, then the Gave valley opening up and the Sanctuary coming into sight, and finally a clear panorama over Lourdes and the Pyrenees.

At the top: a bar-restaurant with a panoramic terrace, waymarked trails, and a path leading to the observatory, a 360° viewpoint over Lourdes, Tarbes, Pau, the Argelès-Gazost valley and the Pyrenean peaks, including the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2,877 m) in clear weather. The large summit cross, lit up at night, can be seen from all over town.

2026 season: the funicular runs from 27 March to 1 November, in three periods (27 March – 30 June, 1 July – 31 August, 1 September – 1 November), with opening times that vary by period. It is closed in winter. Always check the day's times on the official website picdujer.com or on +33 5 62 94 00 41 before you go.

Best times to go up: morning and late afternoon, for the light and smaller crowds. In July and August, avoid the middle of the day if you can. Recommended months: May, June, September and October.

2026 prices published by the Occitanie regional tourist board: full fare from €14.50, reduced fares from €11, one package from €35. Full price list and tickets on picdujer.com. Payment by card, cash, cheque and French holiday vouchers (chèques-vacances).

Getting to the lower station: Edeis Pic du Jer, 59 avenue Francis Lagardère, 65100 Lourdes. By liO coach: "Lourdes – Soum" stop, about a 13-minute walk away (Lourdes – Bagnères-de-Bigorre – La Mongie and Lourdes – Vallées lines). On foot from the SNCF station: about 30 minutes (2.7 km). Coach parking on site.

The Pic du Jer for mountain bikers: the Pic du Jer is not only a tourist site, it is also a renowned downhill bike park that has hosted rounds of the UCI Downhill World Cup. Bikes can go up on the funicular, subject to the operator's conditions. Our apartment hotel has secure storage for your mountain bikes.

Combining the Pic du Jer with a visit to Lourdes: the ideal activity alongside the Sanctuary and the castle. Half-day sightseeing: 9:00 Sanctuary, 10:30 castle and Pyrenean Museum, 14:30 funicular and a break at the top. Pilgrimage and nature day: 8:00 Grotto, 11:00 funicular and hike, 17:00 Eucharistic procession, 21:00 torchlight procession.

FAQ. Is the funicular open all year? No: in 2026, from 27 March to 1 November; it is closed in winter. How much time should I allow? 1h30 to 2 hours in total (about 6 minutes up, 1 to 1.5 hours at the top, 6 minutes down). Is it accessible to people with reduced mobility? Please check directly with the operator (+33 5 62 94 00 41). Can I take a bike up? Yes, subject to the operator's conditions. Do I need to book? Tickets are available on picdujer.com and at the lower station. Is there a restaurant at the top? Yes, a bar-restaurant with a panoramic terrace.

Where to stay near the funicular: our apartment hotel À l'Ombre de la Tour is in the heart of Lourdes's historic centre, at 31 rue de la Grotte. 4 charming apartments: studio (2 people), one-bedroom flat with terrace (4 people), duplex (6 people), whole house (12 people). Book direct with no OTA commission = save up to 18% on your stay.