The Pic du Jer is the mountain that rises directly above Lourdes to the south, reaching 948 metres and providing the best panoramic view of the town, the sanctuary complex, and the Pyrenean foothills beyond. The Funiculaire du Pic du Jer — a funicular railway dating from 1900 — runs from the edge of town to near the summit, making the ascent accessible without a hike.
From the upper station, a short walk leads to the summit viewpoint and also to a cave in the mountainside, the Grotte du Pic du Jer, which cuts 100 metres into the rock. The combination of the funicular ride, summit views, and cave visit makes for a good half-day excursion that provides welcome contrast to the pilgrim sites below. On clear days the view extends south into the high Pyrenees, with peaks reaching well over 3,000 metres visible on the horizon.