Famous for its healing waters and miracles, Lourdes France is remarkable. Spiritual energy breathes through this small village in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. To date, there have been 70 confirmed miracles at Lourdes since the first apparition appeared to a 14-year-old peasant girl in 1858.
Not surprisingly, the pull of the city is powerful, encouraging six million people annually to visit Lourdes, many hoping to be the next miracle.
Torch-lit Marian procession
A torch-lit Marian procession begins at 9 pm every night since 1872. The overwhelming number of infirm wayfarers hoping for the miracle brought a tear to my eye.
They walked for nearly 1.5 hours, candle in hand, praying and singing in 6 languages to receive a blessing from the priest. And they just kept coming. So many of them.
While it was emotional to watch, there was also an unexplainable power, a motivating strength emanating from their belief.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
The centre of all religious activity and religious tourism in Lourdes, the basilica is a masterpiece in its own right. Lourdes is a Catholic pilgrimage destination along the Camino, but unlike Santiago de Compostela, people come to Lourdes to be cured.
Lourdes healing water
The healing waters of Lourdes draw people from around the world. They come, they pray, they drink, they bathe, and all the while, they hope for a miracle.
While many hoped for medical miracles, others came for moral or spiritual healing. Importantly, drinking the water is easy, as it is free-flowing from taps labelled in six languages. Therefore, we joined hundreds of visitors and filled our water bottles at the side of the basilica.
One of our girls and many tourists filled bottles moulded in the shape of the Virgin statue to bring home. They seemed to be for sale in nearly every shop close to the cathedral. And to my surprise, they now ship these same bottles filled with the Lourdes holy water and available from Amazon.
Grotto in Lourdes, France
The Lourdes Grotto is the spot where Saint Bernadette experienced 18 apparitions in 1858. Today, it is open to the public for candle lighting and, at specific times, to bathe in the healing water.
There are two queues, one for men, the other for women. Pilgrims and other visitors wait patiently. Once at the front of the queue, they stand naked, and two same-sex aids guide them into the icy water. One quick dunk and it is over. Many walk away feeling cured, or at least better than when they arrived.
We joined the queue on a rainy Sunday during the peak of the season. It crawled along slowly. The queues tend to be longer on Sunday as they are only bathing people who join the queue from 2-4 pm, rather than also having a morning time slot.
Staring at a several-hour wait and already wet from the rain, we backed out and opted instead to drink the water.
Lourdes healing water miracles
What constitutes a miracle?
The answer is more complex than I imagined. It is defined by rules from the Vatican and summarized here:
To be a miracle:
- The illness must have been incurable without medical treatment or medication that can be shown to have been effective.
- Healing must be immediate, instantaneous, complete, and without relapse.
- The church must sanction each miracle through a rigorous process.
Over 8,000 claims have been made to date, but only 70 meet the strict criteria of a miraculous cure, less than 1% of all claims. The most recent of these was declared a miracle of Lourdes in February 2018. And more on this detailed list of the first 67 Lourdes miracles.
Other things to do in Lourdes France
Underground Basilica
The massive size of the Underground Basilica surprised us. Here, we found modern religious symbols and the illustrated story of Bernadette and the 18 apparitions that appeared to her.
Château Fort
A Roman fortification, the castle on the rocky hill overlooking the city is one of the few secular attractions in Lourdes. While energetic visitors can hike to the chateau, there is also a funicular or a free elevator. Here you will find beautiful views of the city and a museum featuring folk art and local artefacts (Musée Pyrénéen).
Birthplace of Bernadette Soubirous (Moulin de Boly)
Bernadette was born and lived here until she was 10. It was originally a watermill. Today it is a museum offering insight into the life of peasant families in the 1800s.
Photo Credit: Mathieu MD. Wikipedia Creative Commons.
Take a sanctuary and Grotto walking tour in Lourdes
The biggest mistake we made in Lourdes was not taking a tour.
Not so much for the sites, as they are easy to access, but rather for the history and legends. While we can get a lot from reading, there is something quite powerful in hearing about a miracle in the place it happened. If we get back, we will take a walking tour.
This private guided history tour of Lourdes tops our wish list. Highly rated, the reviews indicate that it’s the fascinating stories told by the expert guides that make this 3-hour walking tour so valuable.
Not only will you learn some of the religious history, but you will also see both the Basilica of Saint Pius and the newer Basilica of the Domain. And there are more stories as you visit the Grotto where Bernadette Soubirous experienced 18 apparitions, as well as the fountain and the Baths. Reserve your tour of Lourdes here.
Driving in Lourdes France
Despite having driven in countries all around the world, we were not mentally prepared for driving in Lourdes. We rely on our GPS or Google Maps on our phones. However, it was consistently sending us the wrong way down narrow one-way streets.
As it turns out, every 15 days, the city of Lourdes turns some of the one-way street signs the other way (no kidding). This was a decision made after the one-way streets were initially instituted, and several businesses lost customer traffic. The solution was to turn the streets. So if your GPS is confused, it is because the signs are turned. Be patient and vigilant.
Getting to Lourdes, France
If you are brave enough to face the streets of Lourdes in your own vehicle, we recommend RentalCars.com. A conglomerator, they provide a list of cars and pricing available through local and well-known companies. It’s quick and easy, and they provide English-speaking customer service. We needed a vehicle, as Lourdes was the first stop on your French Pyrenees mountain road trip.
Otherwise, you can arrive by Eurail train, plane, or on a tour.
Take a day tour from Toulouse
This eight-hour adventure will bring you from Toulouse to one of the world’s most spiritual cities, where you will walk in the footsteps of Bernadette Soubirous.
You will see the basilica, be guided around the grounds, and discover the site of the healing waters. Lourdes is a city not to be missed, and if you are staying in Toulouse and have a free day, this tour is ideal. Reserve your private walking tour from Toulouse here.
Where to stay in Lourdes, France
While there are many options, we don’t recommend where we stayed. Had we planned in advance or not visited during the peak of the season, we would have stayed at one of these two four-star hotels.
- Grand Hôtel Moderne: My top pick, this example of classic late 19th century French architecture and decor is perfectly located. An interior mix of Art Nouveau, elegance, and modern convenience, it boasts comfortable beds and delicious meals. Reserve your room at the Grand Hôtel Moderne here
- Grand Hôtel Belfry: Built in 1873, this pet-friendly four-star accommodation looks comfortable and lovely. Superior rooms face the Sanctuary, while standard rooms face the city and fort hill. The buffet breakfast includes organic local products, and the hotel has onsite parking (not an easy thing to find in Lourdes). Reserve your room at the Grand Hôtel Belfry here.
Tips for visiting Lourdes
- The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Grotto is always open.
- Bring your water jugs to the cathedral to fill them from one of the taps with the healing Lourdes water. Water bottles in the shape of the Virgin Mary are available for sale at many locations in town.
Save on your trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels) or VRBO (self-contained).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Campervans or Motorhomes: we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount
- Private guides: we love the private guides at Tours by Locals
- Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
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Some places stay with me forever. I am guessing that Lourdes will be one of them.
Have you experienced the Lourdes healing water?
Discover other areas in western Europe:
Deanna
You mention there are different seasons for visiting – when is the high season and when is the low?
Jeff Albom
May to September is considered the high season with the highest number of visitors in July and August. There does seem to be a bit of a dip in June. The lowest visitor numbers are November to March (cooler weather).
Lori
Years ago my baby sister becames very sick from bronchiolitis. She was in the hospital but wasn’t getting better. My mom was talking to a woman at the hospital and telling her how sick my sister was. The woman offered her a small bottle of Holy water. she said it came from Lourdes, France hich she got during her travels. she told my mom to sprinkle some on my sister and prayed for her.
My mom said my sister was close to dying at the time. after the prayers, she began to get well and grew up healthy. The lady told my mother to keep the water. My sister still has the bottle.
This would not meet the criteria for being a miracle, but my mother was convinced that it was. Perhaps Miracles need to be redefined. The good Lords’ helping hands are present everywhere and should be recognized by the church in some way. just my humble opinion.
janetsiebert
Is that the real healing water that Christ blessed
Rhonda Albom
There have been 70 confirmed miracles at Lourdes since the first apparition appeared in 1858. That feels pretty real to me.
Maria
Hi ma’am where is the miracles of lourdes in France where did we get the healing water it’s easy to get it in the cave ? I appreciate if you can answer me
Rhonda Albom
Thanks for reaching out. The water to fill our own water bottles was around the side of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. To get dipped in the healing waters, there are times when they do this. The line is long, and moves slowly, but even with that, I think was only about a 3-hour wait.
Tommy parle
I went in 1975, I was a 13 year old boy on a Liverpool Pilgrimage,the village was so beautiful, I was amazed by all all the people and their faith,so much so I returned 17 times (twice in 1983),my last visit was 1991,I really wish I could go back now,I miss the place so much.
Crystal
Since we will never be able to travel to Lourdes…..Is there a local company in Lourdes that will ship water from the Grotto to you?
Rhonda Albom
Great question. I found some on Amazon and I will add it to the post above too. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/2nCn3a2
Cathy Sargood
Amazing experience for cousin and I. We met with nuns who were also cousins who invited us to be nuns. Powerful and moving experience
Rachael
Wow! What an interesting place with such great history! I definitely learned something new – the place looks like something from a storybook
Sam
I can’t believe this is the first time I am hearing about Lourdes France! Adding it to my bucketlist!
Michael Anderson
Hi Sam,
You must watch the movie The Song of Bernadette (1943) if you have not done so already. After seeing the movie several times, I have always wanted to travel to Lourdes France.
Tania Muthusamy
A fascinating place I would be interested in seeing. I’m amazed these processions occur every night and yet there have only been supposedly 1% of people that have experienced a miracle cure!
Sarah
The sanctuary is just one word – beautiful! This is the first time I’m coming across something as healing water. It is just so emotional to see the number of people joining every evening, that many people keeping their hopes up for a miracle in their lives. Hope they are able to get what they want 🙂
Kay
I studied abroad in France and I can’t believe I missed out on visiting Lourdes!
Surani
I want a crystal rosary
Carmen Edelson
I didn’t know about the healing water in Lourdes, very cool! I really want to explore more of France. I know Paris well but not the rest of the country!
Mohana and Aninda
The sanctuary of Our Lady of the Lourdes looks magnificent! The towering spires and the brightly lit altar looks beautiful. The town looks pretty too. I love the louvred windows in the houses!
Michael Hodgson
Religion is such a mystery. As are the “rules” that guide the declarations and miracles so many espouse. Power of the mind or power of God or both or are they one and the same. Always an interesting topic of conversation. It would be fascinating to spend a few days in Lourdes observing the faithful, and especially the candlelight march. Great post!!!
The Holidaymaker
I am curious what brought you to this area in the first place, was it personal interest, did you know the history before going? Very interesting and as you said, will have a lasting impression on you.
Rhonda Albom
We were living in Costa Brava Spain about 80 km south of the French border on a long-term home exchange. It was part of a massive road trip we did. We planned as we went, so we did not know the history when we started travelling, but we did before we arrived.
Candy
Such a fun post! I never really thought about what constituted a miracle so the Vatican rules were very interesting. I have heard of miracle youth water in Japan and have always wanted to visit 🙂
Carol Colborn
Last year, I turned 70. I would now like to do my pilgrimages. This has convinced to include Lourdes with Santiago and Fatima.v
Wendy
The driving sounds intimadating, but the town looks beautiful. Is there public transportation? I love the thought of the candle light ceremony and it happens every night. This Lourdes looks like a great place to travel.
Rhonda Albom
We parked our car once and never moved it again. We could walk everywhere.
Richard
Are there car parks within walking distance of the town ?
Rhonda Albom
There were when we were there.
Heather
I have not been there. I hadn’t heard of it before now. The first glance at it is just draw dropping and looks like it is something out of a fairytale movie scene. So every night they walk with candles? That is so interesting. Also interesting that you get naked and are helped into the water. Is this privately or can everyone see?
Rhonda Albom
The impression I got was that it was neither co-ed nor private. However, we didn’t do it. We walked out of the line after 30 minutes.
Jenn and Ed Coleman
Wow, Jenn would so hate having her GPS directing her the wrong way down one-way streets. That’s something that they turn the signs every 15 days. I could see it happening and it might even be more to local businesses but dang that’s hard to follow. It would almost take a miracle for me to keep it all straight.
Joanne
The sanctuary of Lourdes is so beautiful. I had no idea there were so many miracles after the original. I love seeking our former Roman ruins or buildings so the Chateau Fort would definitely be on my must visit list. Thanks for sharing!
Anda
I was really impressed about your story, Rhonda. While I don’t necessarily believe in miraculous healing, I know the power of faith can work miracles sometimes. I am not acquainted with this part of France at all, but I’d love to visit Lourdes someday.
Tony Payne
I guess as long as you didn’t drink the same water that thousands of sick people got dunked in you would be ok 🙂
Nora
That sounds amazing! I wouldn’t picture myself that there were places like this on our planet, it must have been a really strange experience to see them. I am sure I wouldn’t get naked and dip in the cold water, and honestly, I am wondering why people can believe in things like that…
Richard
If you don’t believe then it holds no power for you
Lynne
You are probably well out of this area now but a couple other places worth visiting are the town of Cahors on a river bend of the Lot River north of Toulouse and Rocamadour which is another pilgrimage site high up on a peak above the Dordogne
Joyce
Tres bien.
Margaret
I would like to receive Healing water from the spring of Our Lady of Lourdes for me and my family. We could never afford to travel there . God Bless
Lisa
Hello no. I would have backed away like you LOL
Janis
You hadn’t heard of Lourdes???
Okay, so it is predominently a Catholic thing, at least I think it is
Comedy Plus
I wouldn’t have gotten in that water either so I would have left too. Drinking the water is quite different. I would have done that.
Have a terrific day. 🙂