Lourdes and the Notre-Dame Sanctuary

a spiritual mecca in the Hautes-Pyrénées region

Lourdes, a city of pilgrimage in the heart of the Pyrenees

Located around 30 minutes from Camping du Monlôo in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Lourdes is world-renowned as one of the world’s leading Catholic pilgrimage centers. Nestling at the foot of the Pyrenees, the town attracts millions of visitors every year to discover its spiritual, historical and natural heritage. Between the fortified castle overlooking the valley and the banks of the Gave de Pau, Lourdes offers a unique atmosphere combining contemplation, culture and Pyrenean landscapes.

The Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Grotto of the Apparitions

The Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes is the spiritual heart of the town. It was here, at the Grotte de Massabielle, that Bernadette Soubirous is said to have seen the Virgin Mary in 1858. Today, the grotto and the basilicas that make up the sanctuary form an impressive architectural ensemble, open to all. Torch-lit processions, religious celebrations and moments of meditation punctuate the life of the site, in a peaceful setting at the foot of the mountains.