The Rock
Passing through the Grotto and touching or resting a hand on the rock has become one of the characteristic gestures associated with a Lourdes pilgrimage.
🇫🇷 LourdesOccitanie · PyreneesPilgrimage & history
Lourdes — a small Pyrenean town known around the world
Few French towns have a name as instantly recognisable as Lourdes. At the foot of the Pyrenees, its story changed completely in 1858, when 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous reported 18 apparitions at the Grotto of Massabielle. Today millions come for faith, reflection, history or simple curiosity — and you don't have to be religious to understand why the atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else.
🙏 SanctuaryWorld pilgrimage centre
🪨 GrottoMassabielle
🕯️ ProcessionEvening tradition
⛰️ PyreneesMountain setting
LourdesBernadette SoubirousGrotto of MassabielleFrench Pyrenees
🙏 The Sanctuary
The heart of Lourdes
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes grew from the events of 1858 and the Church's recognition of the apparitions in 1862. The Sanctuary today describes its mission as welcoming everyone who comes — organised pilgrims, individual visitors, practising Catholics and people simply passing through.
That openness matters. Even if you aren't visiting for religious reasons, the scale of the site, its history and the sight of pilgrims arriving from all over the world make Lourdes culturally fascinating.
🌍 A global destination
Millions of visitors come to Lourdes, making this small town one of the world's best-known pilgrimage destinations.
♿ Built around welcome
The Sanctuary places particular emphasis on accessibility and on welcoming sick and disabled pilgrims, with ramps, lifts and adapted routes across the site.
🪨 The Grotto of Massabielle
Where the Lourdes story began
The Grotto of Massabielle is the spiritual centre of Lourdes. This is where Bernadette Soubirous said she experienced the 18 apparitions in 1858 and where the spring associated with Lourdes emerged.
Visitors can spend time quietly in front of the Grotto, pass through it, drink water from the Sanctuary fountains, light candles and attend prayer or Mass. Access to the Grotto itself is free.
The Water
The spring discovered during the apparitions remains central to Lourdes. Visitors can drink or collect the water from designated fountains.
The Candles
Lighting a candle is another longstanding Lourdes tradition, with dedicated candle areas within the Sanctuary.
⛪ Three Very Different Basilicas
Built above, beside and underneath one another
The Sanctuary's three principal basilicas make the site architecturally fascinating as well as spiritually important. They were created at different stages as Lourdes grew into an international pilgrimage centre.
Immaculate Conception
The Upper Basilica rises directly above the Grotto. Built in the nineteenth century, its tall spire is one of the defining images of Lourdes.
Rosary Basilica
The Romano-Byzantine Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is particularly notable for its extensive mosaics.
Saint Pius X
The enormous Basilica of Saint Pius X is underground — a striking contrast to the historic churches above it and designed for very large gatherings.
🕯️ The Torchlight Procession
The Lourdes image that stays with people
One of Lourdes' best-known experiences is the evening Marian torchlight procession. Pilgrims gather carrying candles while prayers and hymns are shared in different languages — a visible reminder of just how international Lourdes has become.
The procession operates during the main pilgrimage season; because schedules can change, it's worth checking the official Sanctuary programme for the dates of your visit.
🏰 Beyond the Sanctuary
There is another Lourdes outside the pilgrimage precinct
It's easy to forget that Lourdes existed long before 1858. Above the town stands the Château Fort de Lourdes, a fortress with centuries of history that now houses the Pyrenean Museum.
And then there is the setting itself. Lourdes sits at the foot of the Pyrenees, which means a visit can be combined with mountain scenery and a completely different side of south-western France.
🏰 Château Fort
The fortified castle dominates the town from its rocky position and houses collections devoted to the history and cultures of the Pyrenees.
⛰️ The Pyrenees
Lourdes isn't isolated from its landscape. The surrounding mountains are part of the destination and give you a reason to look beyond the Sanctuary itself.
📸 Lourdes in Pictures
Our Lourdes memories
Some of our own photos from Lourdes — the Sanctuary, its remarkable religious art, the Grotto area and the basilicas that dominate the pilgrimage site.
🎟 Plan Your Own Lourdes Visit
Browse Lourdes & Pyrenees experiences
Use the widget below to browse current Lourdes and Pyrenees activities. These are planning options and don't imply that we personally took the exact activities displayed.
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Common questions
Lourdes FAQ
Why is Lourdes famous?
Lourdes became internationally famous after Bernadette Soubirous reported 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary at the Grotto of Massabielle in 1858.
Can you visit Lourdes if you're not religious?
Yes. The Sanctuary welcomes visitors from all backgrounds, and the town also has historical interest, a fortified castle and a spectacular Pyrenean setting.
Does it cost to enter the Sanctuary?
Access to the Sanctuary is free, as are participation in Masses, processions and the rosary.
What should you see at Lourdes?
The Grotto of Massabielle, the three main basilicas and the Sanctuary esplanade are the key sights. If you have more time, explore the Château Fort and the wider Pyrenean setting.
Is Lourdes accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
The Sanctuary places a strong emphasis on accessibility, with obstacle-free routes, ramps, lifts and facilities designed to help people with reduced mobility participate in visits and processions.
🇫🇷 More France
Lourdes adds another completely different chapter
From wine country and medieval villages to pilgrimage towns beneath the Pyrenees — our France travels have covered an extraordinary range of places.