My mom and I will be staying in Lourdes for four days and would like to take a day trip. I was thinking of Pax, Toulouse, Bordeaux or Biarritz. We would like to do some shopping while doing some sightseeing. I did some research on Biarritz and it sounds just what I am looking for but the cheapest train ride requires 2 changes and is over 4 hours. : (
Of the above choices, is there another alternative or any other places that you can recommend visiting for the day from Lourdes? Is there many shops in Toulouse? i know that it's about a 2 hour train ride. Thanks.

do you mean Dax or Pax?

Biaritz is neat if you like beach towns - this one a classy old venerabled seaside resort - once a popular watering hole for Brits - neat old Victorian era architecture, etc.

Very different than the other three largish towns - not very familiar with Daz but Bourdeaux I felt was a big loud city with some imposing old architecture in its churches or municipal buildings but in other ways just a large town - Toulouse I loved much more - loads of neat old streets and an unGodly number of old lovely churches and university buildings - loved Toulouse - saw not much for me at least in Bordeaux though I have not visited there recently so the grimy parts may have been spruced up.

Carcassonne is not far beyond Toulouse and would be my choice overall for a day trip from Lourdes - one of Europe's most immaculate medieval fortified city - Ersatz yes as it was basically rebuilt out of rubble in the late 1800s but also a medieval fortress town in mint condition - most love Carcassonne but a longer day trip - about 45 mins or so beyond Toulouse.

Bordeaux is nearly 4 hours by train - Carcassonne 2.75 hr so it if you havn't seen it is within reach of your perameters.

Maybe you mean Pau?

Yes Pau a lovely old city that is much closer to Lourdes than the other options too.

As above, Bordeaux will take a minimum of 3.5 hours by rail and you have to change in Pau anyway...I've been to and stayed in Pau. Nice enough place; kind of a watering hole for the well-off. If you are into fortifications I'd do Carcassonne instead. I think Bordeaux has too much for a day trip which would take a minimum of seven hours just to get to and return.

Yes, I meant Pau. Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it!

We've been to Pau twice, and it really underwhelmed us. There didn't seem to be much "life" in Pau, and my wife though the shopping was really poor. They did some nice civic enhancements to the streets since our first trip about 8 years ago. We were there last year on a sunny day in early July while staying near Lourdes in a gite for 2 weeks.

Last year we also spend two weeks in a gite just outside of Biarritz (second visit). It's OK - but it wouldn't make my "top 25" list of cities in France. It is kind of a resort, with many resort-type shops

Toulouse is fabulous - one of our two favorite cities in France after Paris. Fantastic shopping. We were there last year too - our 4th visit. We often start or end trips to France there because many airlines service Toulouse. Lots to do & see in Toulouse. Follow the walking itinerary in the Michelin Green Guide.

We visited Bordeaux in '09 (fourth visit) and stayed overnight. Nice town - but it would not make my "top 10" in France.

Stu Dudley

Tarbes is the main city next to Lourdes -- in fact, they share the same airport.