A small French town in the Pyrenees foothills, known for its religious significance. Home to the Lourdes Grotto and Sanctuary, it attracts pilgrims seeking healing.
Lourdes, a town of 15,000 residents in southwestern France, is a major Catholic pilgrimage site. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, with its Grotto of Massabielle, marks the spot where Bernadette Soubirous said she saw the Virgin Mary in 1858. Visitors can explore the town's religious sites, participate in healing rituals, and enjoy the nightly candlelight procession. Lourdes sits at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains, with the medieval Château Fort visible on a hill above the town.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
The Sanctuary covers 52 hectares and includes several religious buildings. At its center is the Grotto of Massabielle, where Bernadette Soubirous experienced 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. Many pilgrims consider the rock walls of the grotto sacred. A statue of the Virgin Mary stands in the niche where Bernadette said she saw her. The Sanctuary also contains three basilicas: the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Upper Basilica), the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X.
Lourdes Water and Healing Rituals
The spring water that flows from the grotto plays a central role in many pilgrims' experiences in Lourdes. You can collect water from taps near the grotto to drink or take home. The Sanctuary also maintains bathing pools where you can immerse yourself in the water. The Catholic Church has officially recognized 70 cures attributed to Lourdes water as miraculous, and many visitors find spiritual comfort in these rituals. The baths open daily, but expect long queues, especially during peak pilgrimage season from Easter to October.
Evening Candlelight Procession
One of the most popular events in Lourdes is the nightly candlelight procession, held every evening at 9 pm from April to October. Thousands of pilgrims walk from the Grotto to the Rosary Square, carrying candles and singing hymns. The procession lasts about 90 minutes. You'll see thousands of flickering candles moving through the darkness.
Château Fort de Lourdes
The Château Fort overlooks the town from its hilltop position. This medieval castle has never been conquered and now houses the Pyrenean Museum. You'll find artifacts related to the history and culture of the Pyrenees region in the museum. From the castle walls, you can see Lourdes and the surrounding mountains.
Getting to Lourdes
You can reach Lourdes from major French cities by various means. The fastest option is usually the high-speed TGV train from Paris Montparnasse station, which takes about 6 hours. If you're flying, choose between Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport (10 km away) and Pau Pyrénées airport (45 km). From either airport, take a shuttle bus or taxi to reach the town center. If you're driving, you can access Lourdes via the A64 motorway.
Where to Stay
Lourdes has the second-highest number of hotel beds in France after Paris, with options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Many accommodations cater specifically to pilgrims and are located near the Sanctuary. For a more local experience, consider staying in a guesthouse or B&B in the surrounding villages. Book well in advance if you plan to visit during peak pilgrimage season or for major religious festivals.
