Au Pied du Chateau

Our room was spacious and tastefully decorated, with understated elegance. The hosts were very welcoming, and the hostess offered her cooking skills to arrange dinners in the evenings. The garbure, a traditional Pyrenean soup, was excellent. The house is in Lourdes’ historic center, about a 15-minute walk from the Sanctuary, with parking available. Local shops are close by, and they’re genuine businesses rather than tourist traps.

The space was lovely and very nicely decorated, and I don’t think it deserves a reduced rating. We’re a mixed-race couple with our daughter, and the woman’s welcome felt chilly. Maybe we bothered her, or maybe she doesn’t like Italians, people from the French West Indies, or French people of foreign origin. That’s still a thing these days, and it’s disheartening. After we left, she called to ask if we had “taken” the bathroom towels. I’d already put them in the cupboard so they wouldn’t get dirty, since we had our own. I’m being honest, but taking off a star would feel unfair. Prejudices die hard.

The beds were very comfortable and the place was quiet at night. It’s right beside the castle entrance, and the homemade jams are delicious. We got a very warm welcome, and the location in Lourdes is ideal. Once you’re settled, everything is within walking distance. There’s free parking across the street on weekends. Thank you.

The facilities were well maintained, and the room was clean and pleasant, with a view of the castle. Breakfast was nice too. Still, my sister and I were treated appallingly, with disparaging, condescending, and rude remarks made behind closed doors. The woman came to our room almost as soon as we’d settled in to demand payment for four nights. We were told to leave the room key when going out and even warned about the replacement cost. She also made repeated comments about our unplanned comings and goings, then asked whether I understood what a bed and breakfast was. I know them well and have never experienced anything like this. The suspicious behavior ruined our stay. I won’t get into the sale of supposedly artisanal honey. Other guests had a good experience, though, and that’s great.