Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes: History, Visits, and Tips

Every year, more than three million visitors pass through the doors of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Pilgrims from five continents, religious groups, families, the sick, tourists, and curious individuals come together in this exceptional place located at the foot of the Pyrenees. The spiritual heart of the city, the sanctuary is today one of the most important places of Catholic pilgrimage in the world.

A Story Born from the Apparitions of 1858

The story of the sanctuary begins in 1858 when a 14-year-old girl, Bernadette Soubirous, claims to have seen a “Lady” in the grotto of Massabielle eighteen times. As the apparitions progress, this Lady introduces herself as “the Immaculate Conception,” a declaration that will profoundly mark the Catholic Church.

Quickly, Lourdes attracts visitors who come to witness the events and discover the sites of the apparitions. Over the decades, the city’s fame has greatly exceeded French borders to become an international spiritual destination.

Even today, the traces of this history are omnipresent in the city, and many sites allow visitors to follow in the footsteps of Bernadette Soubirous, from her birthplace to the Cachot where her family lived.

The Grotto of Massabielle: The Heart of the Sanctuary

It is impossible to visit Lourdes without stopping at the famous Grotto of Massabielle. This is where Bernadette claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary. Thousands of people gather here every day in a surprising silence despite the crowds.

Visitors can touch the stone polished by millions of hands, leave a prayer intention, light a candle, or simply sit for a moment to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds the grotto.

Whether day or night, this place remains one of the most moving spaces of the sanctuary.

The Chapels of Light: The Candle Tradition in Lourdes

On the other side of the Gave de Pau, facing the Grotto of Massabielle, are the Chapels of Light, one of the most impressive places in the sanctuary. Here, pilgrims come to deposit and light candles to entrust a prayer intention, to give thanks, or simply to mark their visit to Lourdes. This tradition dates back to Bernadette Soubirous herself, who went to the Grotto with a candle during the apparitions of 1858. The current Chapels of Light have been designed in a vast area for reflection located on the right bank of the Gave. Their discreet architecture harmoniously integrates into the sanctuary landscape and accommodates several thousand candles simultaneously. Visitors are often struck by the vision of hundreds, even thousands, of flames burning day and night. The atmosphere is particularly peaceful, with the crackling of the candles and the characteristic scent of warm wax. Even without any particular religious practice, this place offers a moment of calm and reflection that leaves a lasting impression on the minds of visitors.

A Lesser-Known Feature: The Candles of Lourdes

Each year, millions of candles and lights are lit at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes by pilgrims from around the world. However, few visitors know that these candles are made right in Lourdes, at the Candle Factory of Lourdes, a diocesan-owned company that can be visited.

The Candle Factory perpetuates a unique know-how and plays an essential role in the life of the Sanctuary. In both an economic and environmental approach, the candles that are not fully burnt and the wax residues collected after their use are gathered and recycled in order to make new candles.

This reuse system allows for a second life for the wax used by pilgrims and is a beautiful example of circular economy at the heart of one of the largest pilgrimage sites in the world.

Three Remarkable Basilicas to Discover

The sanctuary area spans over 50 hectares and houses several major religious buildings.
   

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Built above the grotto, this neo-Gothic basilica is often called the “upper basilica.” Its soaring architecture and magnificent stained glass windows illustrate the story of the apparitions and the Christian faith.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

Located at the level of the large esplanades, this basilica is easily recognizable by its mosaics depicting the mysteries of the Rosary. Its Romano-Byzantine style gives it a particularly warm atmosphere.

The Basilica of St. Pius X

Inaugurated in 1958 to celebrate the centenary of the apparitions, this enormous underground basilica can accommodate nearly 25,000 people. It is used for major international gatherings and significant ceremonies.

Its construction also represents a remarkable technical achievement for its time. Built largely below the level of the Gave de Pau, which runs alongside the Sanctuary, the basilica required significant engineering work to ensure its waterproofing and safety. A discreet and invisible pumping and drainage system continually helps to protect the building from water infiltration and ensure its proper operation.

The Processions: A Highlight of the Visit

Among the most significant experiences during a stay in Lourdes are the processions held daily during the pilgrimage season.

The afternoon Eucharistic procession brings together many faithful every day on the vast esplanades of the sanctuary.

But it is especially the famous candlelight procession that leaves a mark on minds. Every evening, as night falls, thousands of pilgrims advance, singing and praying, a candle in hand. This tradition, which has become emblematic of Lourdes, offers a particularly moving spectacle even for non-practicing visitors.

The Water of Lourdes: A Source Known Worldwide

During one of the apparitions, Bernadette claimed to have received the invitation to dig into the ground inside the grotto. A spring then began to gush and has never dried up since.

Today, visitors can freely access the sanctuary fountains to drink this water or fill their bottles. Every year, millions of liters are taken around the world.

The water of Lourdes is not sold. It is made available free of charge to all visitors, in accordance with the tradition of the sanctuary.

A Place Open to All

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is freely accessible all year round. Entry is open to all visitors, whether they are pilgrims, believers, casual onlookers, or passing tourists. This openness helps to make the sanctuary a meeting and discovery place appreciated well beyond just the religious framework.

With over 50 hectares of developed land, the area is particularly vast. To facilitate movement for people with reduced mobility or visitors who have difficulty walking, wheelchairs can be borrowed from the sanctuary’s reception services. Numerous adapted pathways allow easy circulation between the Grotto, the basilicas, the fountains, and the various reflection spaces.

Contrary to some misconceptions, it is not necessary to be a believer to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Its historical heritage, remarkable architecture, carefully maintained green spaces, and unique ambiance also attract many visitors interested in culture, history, or simply discovering one of the most famous sites in France.

The sanctuary welcomes millions of visitors from around the world each year, making Lourdes one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Sanctuary of Lourdes

What are the opening hours of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes?

During the summer season, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is open to visitors every day from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.

What should one absolutely see at the Sanctuary?

• The Grotto of Massabielle
• The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
• The Basilica of the Rosary
• The pools
• The processions
• The fountains

Is entry to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes free?

Yes. Access to the Sanctuary is free. However, some guided tours or specific activities may be subject to special conditions.

How long does it take to visit the Sanctuary of Lourdes?

A first exploration can be done in two to three hours. However, many visitors choose to spend a full day participating in celebrations, processions, and discovering the entire area.

Can the Sanctuary be visited all year round?

Yes. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes welcomes visitors throughout the year, and access to the grounds is free. Celebrations, timings, and certain activities may vary depending on the season.

The main pilgrimage period generally extends from Easter to All Saints’ Day. During this period, the sanctuary is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and the famous torchlight Marian procession takes place every evening at 9 p.m.

Outside this period, the sanctuary remains open but closes earlier, generally from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Marian processions are replaced by candlelight rosaries or ceremonies adapted to the winter season.

Regardless of when you visit, it is recommended to check the official sanctuary timings before your arrival, as these can change based on celebrations and special events.

What is the best time to visit Lourdes?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are generally the most pleasant times to visit Lourdes. Temperatures are often mild, the days are long enough to enjoy the visits, and major pilgrimages are already taking place.

Summer is also a very lively period, with numerous international pilgrimages and a particularly rich schedule. However, during episodes of high heat, visits can become more challenging, especially in the vast mineral areas of the Esplanade of the Rosary, which retain heat during the day. Fortunately, visitors can find some coolness in the basilicas, particularly in the large underground basilica of St. Pius X.

It is also important to know that some celebrations usually held outdoors may be adapted depending on weather conditions. In case of extreme heat, bad weather, or rain, some ceremonies and gatherings may be moved to the basilica of St. Pius X to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims.

Regardless of the season chosen, Lourdes retains a special atmosphere and welcomes visitors throughout the year.

Is the water of Lourdes free?

Yes. The water of Lourdes is completely free and accessible to all visitors. The fountains located near the Grotto of Massabielle allow for drinking the water on-site or filling bottles to take with you.

The water of Lourdes is not sold by the Sanctuary, and everyone can help themselves freely at the fountains provided for pilgrims. Each year, many visitors leave with some bottles of water for themselves or their loved ones.

According to Catholic tradition, this water is associated with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. However, the Sanctuary specifies that the water of Lourdes is not miraculous water in itself. It is primarily a sign of faith and an important element of the spiritual journey of pilgrims.

Can you take water from Lourdes home?

Yes. Visitors can fill their own bottles for free at the fountains located near the Grotto of Massabielle and take water from Lourdes home. Many shops in Lourdes also offer specially designed containers for transporting the water.

Pilgrims traveling by car, train, or coach can generally transport their bottles without particular difficulty. However, travelers flying, especially from Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport, must comply with the regulations regarding liquid transport.

In the cabin, containers larger than 100 ml are generally prohibited, except for exceptions provided by security checks. To transport a larger quantity of Lourdes water, it is often advisable to place the bottles in checked baggage in the hold, ensuring they are well protected against leaks or shocks.

Before your departure, it is recommended to check your airline’s guidelines and the security rules applicable at the airport to avoid any unpleasant surprises during the security check.

Is the Sanctuary accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Yes. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is particularly attentive to welcoming people with reduced mobility. Most major visitor sites are accessible by wheelchair thanks to adapted facilities.

For visitors in need, wheelchairs can be borrowed for free from the Sanctuary’s Information Office, subject to availability and against a deposit of an identification document or a guarantee according to the policies in effect at the time of the visit.

The Sanctuary’s reception teams are also available to guide pilgrims and assist them in organizing their visit under the best conditions.

Can elderly people easily visit the Sanctuary?

Yes. The Sanctuary is designed to welcome visitors of all ages. The main prayer and visit sites are accessible without major difficulty, and numerous benches allow for breaks throughout the tour. People with difficulty walking can also borrow a wheelchair from the Sanctuary reception service.

Where to stay to visit the Sanctuary of Lourdes?

Our rental apartments in Lourdes provide easy access to the Sanctuary on foot. Located near the city center, they also serve as an excellent starting point to discover the Château Fort, the Pic du Jer, and the main tourist sites in the area.