Lourdes

In short: Lourdes: from Lourdes to Grotto of Massabielle. Length: Place of pilgrimage, duration: 1 to 3 days. Best time: April to October.

Overview

In 1858, 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous reported apparitions of Mary in the Grotto of Massabielle. Since then Lourdes has become one of the largest Catholic places of pilgrimage in the world, and a particularly large number of sick people come here.

At its centre are the grotto, the spring and the evening candlelight procession, which takes place during the season. The sanctuary lies right on the Gave de Pau river, with the basilica rising above it.

On foot you reach Lourdes via the Voie du Piémont. The town itself is strongly shaped by pilgrimage tourism, with many hotels and shops selling devotional items, though for many people that is part of it.

What to expect in Lourdes

The sanctuary includes the grotto, several basilicas and the fountains where pilgrims collect water from the spring. During the season, from spring to autumn, candlelight processions take place in the evening. Many groups travel with sick people, and volunteers are at work everywhere.

The town itself lives from pilgrims and has a great many hotels. For a quieter visit, choose a day outside the large pilgrimages.

Getting there and combining it with the Camino

Lourdes lies at the foot of the Pyrenees and has a railway station, with Tarbes-Lourdes airport nearby. Many Camino pilgrims make a detour, as the Pyrenean routes pass close by.

Who is this route for?

This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in France, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.