Paris Digest
Paris city guide since 1997
Lourdes, the pilgrimage city, is the second most visited city in France. Most visitors are pilgrims from all over the world. The story of Bernadette, the many pilgrimages and the beauty of nature in the Pyrenees will touch everyone. Visit France.
The small city of Lourdes in south-western France is known worldwide for the 18 apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes to 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.
Lourdes is a place of pilgrimage. 200 million people have visited the shrine since 1860. 6 million pilgrims visit Lourdes each year, three times a many as in Mecca. The Catholic Church has officially recognised 67 miraculous healings, stringently examined for authenticity.
Lourdes is 668 kilometers south from Paris. By car, it is a long way unless you stay a week in this lovely area. You could also be on your way to Spain. On the way from Paris to Lourdes, visit the Loire Valley Castles and the Bordeaux wine country and the lovely and lively 18th century Bordeaux city.
There are direct flights by Air France to Pau near by and direct TGV trains. Check train schedules and buy tickets.
Lourdes is a pilgrimage city. For the faithful, it is the encounter with our Lady of Lourdes and the pilgrims. Masses take place in various languages. Check Sanctuary web site for mass schedule.
For skeptics, Lourdes is a fascinating place to be respected. Skip Avenue Bernadette Soubirous, the commercial street leading to the sanctuary. Attend a mass in Pie X Basilica or at the Grotto. Stay in the gardens feeling the pilgrim faithful atmosphere. You will be deeply moved.
Villa l'Orante offers pet-friendly accommodation in Lourdes. Free private parking is available on site. Every room is fitted with a flat-screen TV. There is a kettle in the room. Rooms come with a private bathroom with a bath or shower, with bath robes and free toiletries provided. Villa l'Orante features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared lounge at the property. Notre Dame de Lourdes Sanctuary is 400 meters away and House of Sainte Bernadette 400 meters.
Lourdes is at the foot of the Pyrenees, the beautiful mountains at the border between France and Spain. Three sights close to Lourdes are worth the trip: the Gavarnie Cirque (Distance between Gavarnie and Lourdes is 40 kilometers), the Pyrenees National Park and Pic du Midi. Enjoy nature around Lourdes.
Lourdes city web site
Gavarnie web site
Pyrennees National Park web site
Pic du Midi web site
Bernadette was born in Lourdes in 1844 from poor parents. On February 11, 1858, she was sent to gather firewood, when a beautiful lady appeared to her in a grotto. Three days later, Bernadette and other girls returned to the grotto, and saw the lady again. On February 18th, Bernadette said the vision asked her to return each day for a fortnight. With each visit, Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary. On February 25th, the vision told her to drink of the water of the spring, to wash in it and to eat the herb that grew there as an act of penance. The next day, the grotto's muddy waters had been cleared and fresh clear water flowed. On March 2nd, Bernadette told her family the lady said "a chapel should be built and a procession formed.". On March 25th, Bernadette asked the woman her name, she finally said "I am the Immaculate Conception." Church authorities and the French government rigorously interviewed the girl, and by 1862 confirmed she spoke truth. 69 cures have been verified by the Lourdes Medical Bureau after rigorous medical examinations, no one was able to explain what caused the cures.
