"Lourdes, France" Top 5 Page for this destination Lourdes by Emmjai

Lourdes Travel Guide: 155 reviews and 230 photos

This small town in the Pyrenees is known for its association with Saint Bernadette, a young girl to whom Mary the mother of God appeared 18 or so times in 1858. It is associated with healing, and as a result of this, attracts millions of visitors (<<Pilgrims>>) each year, for all over the world. Whether they are all hoping for a miracle cure I cannot say, but there have only been 60 or so in the 150 years that the shrine has attracted attention.

It is a place that seems to polarise people; those who enjoy their time there return year upon year, I have visited some 15 or more times, and have seen it change over the 25 years these visits have taken place. Some people hate the seemingly thousands of tacky souvenir shops (I just ignore them), Do take your sense of humour along; although a place of pilgrimage, laughing (not prayer) is what I do most when I am there!

Mind your ankles. Amateur wheel chair drivers abound and it can be painful!

Accueill Notre-Dame

Many pilgrims stay in the Accuill Notre-Dame, a type of hostel for those too disabled to stay in the hotels. Each pilgrimage group bring their own 'staff' mainly volenteers, who care for these 'sick' pilgrims during their stay.

Pilgrims on the move

<<Voitures>> are the old fashioned wheel chairs that are used through out Lourdes to transport those unable to walk between the accueill, the grotto and the bars!

Pros and Cons

Pros:An great escape
Cons:tacky souvenir shops
In a nutshell:Laughter and Love

Last visit to Lourdes: Apr 2006
Intro Updated Apr 26, 2006
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Reviews (16)

A modern statue Off The Beaten Path (4)

Statues abound in Lourdes, but I think this one particularly attractive more travel advice

Le Cachot Things to Do (7)

Almost everywhere you go in Lourdes there are places associated with Bernadette and her family. The Cachot was were they... more travel advice

In the footsteps of Bernadette Things to Do (7)

The reason that most people visit Lourdes is because of the apparitions of Our Lady to a young girl now known as Saint... more travel advice

Aquarium de Lourdes Things to Do (7)

A small aquarium showing mainly the fish and watery environment local to the area. Great fun to visit though, as lots of... more travel advice

Nightlife (2)
See All Torchlight procession
Hotels (1)
Hotel National

Comments (16)

Maryimelda Oct 15, 2007 at 6:24 PM Report Abuse

I've been to Lourdes 3 times & find it full of peace joy & love. I tire of people trashing Lourdes because of the shops. The sanctuary has none & this is what counts. The shops must pay or there wouldn't be so many. I enjoyed your page. Thank you.
johannt Apr 7, 2007 at 4:49 AM Report Abuse

Emmjai, Do you recall where you took the photo of the Virgin Mary reading a book and title 'Modern Lourdes'? Can you let me know by emailing jthalakada@gmail.com? Many thanks, Johann
roamingpaddy Nov 30, 2006 at 3:21 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the memories of Lourdes mary Jane,I have been there,well done!
jmhenry1123 Jan 30, 2006 at 10:34 AM Report Abuse

I'm going to Lourdes in August. I hope to find some inspiration there!
tioga Nov 30, 2005 at 9:43 PM Report Abuse

Going to Lourdes next September, your tips very helpful, thanks.
eugini2001 Jan 31, 2005 at 3:07 PM Report Abuse

That's very interesting,I think it will be another reason after Paris to visit France! They sell this water here for 75$ with a month delivery,but it's good too,because this fact made me curious about this place!
sue_stone Nov 25, 2004 at 12:32 AM Report Abuse

This is the first time I have ever read about Lourdes!! Sounds really interesting : ))
btrix Feb 13, 2004 at 12:32 AM Report Abuse

i like your garuarnie pic.... nice angle =) !
gosiaPL Nov 27, 2003 at 2:28 AM Report Abuse

Nice pics & info. Never been to Lourdes, it seems to be a 'must' that I would enjoy :-)
Procaccini Sep 27, 2003 at 10:51 AM Report Abuse

Yes, I enjoyed my 2 visits to Lourdes: your page is very interesting and have beautiful pics and info!