Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Lourdes, world center of pilgrimages

In the Heart of the Pyrenees, Lourdes: From Village to Sacred Destination

Nestled between mountains and rivers, Lourdes was once a quiet village in the Pyrenees. Everything changed on February 11, 1858, when Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have seen a “beautiful lady” in the Grotto of Massabielle—an event that would forever transform the destiny of the town.

Since that moment, Lourdes has welcomed millions of pilgrims each year from around the world. Drawn by the spiritual power of the sanctuaries, they come seeking inner peace, comfort, or simply a moment of reflection in a place that is both natural and sacred.

Lourdes, a place of pilgrimage for millions worldwide

Each year, over six million people choose to come to Lourdes, drawn by the spiritual, human, and universal dimension of this extraordinary place.

Whether as part of an organized pilgrimage led by a diocese or an association, as a family journey of faith, or simply as a personal quest, every visitor experiences a unique and often unforgettable moment.

From the Grotto of Massabielle to the basilicas, through the fountains, the Way of the Cross, and the torchlight processions, Lourdes offers a symbolic and spiritual path that resonates differently with each individual.

People come for many reasons: prayer, reflection, search for meaning, healing, or simply gratitude. Yet all are moved by the distinctive atmosphere of peace, silence, and fraternity that pervades the sanctuaries.

More than a destination, Lourdes is a place of welcome and encounter, where cultures, languages, and beliefs meet in mutual respect. This rare combination of fervor, humanity, and simplicity leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Lourdes, More Than a Pilgrimage

Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, this city became world-famous after the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. Every year, millions of visitors from around the globe are drawn here. But beyond its religious significance, Lourdes touches the heart with its unique atmosphere—filled with peace, welcome, and emotion.

Here, everyone arrives with their own story, their hopes, their silence, or their prayers. Some follow in the footsteps of Bernadette Soubirous, others discover the sanctuaries for the first time—guided by the beauty of the place, the strength of faith, or simply the desire to experience a moment of serenity.

What makes Lourdes truly special is its deep sense of humanity, felt in every moment: in a glance shared between strangers, a helping hand, or a flickering candle’s glow. Lourdes is a place of reflection, but also of life, encounter, and connection.

Whether you are a believer, a seeker, or simply curious, Lourdes offers a space to reconnect, to reflect, and to feel welcomed. A timeless pause in the heart of the mountains—one that leaves a lasting impression.

Highlights in Lourdes

Every year millions of pilgrims come to participate in the various events in Lourdes, here are the main ones:

  • The anniversary of the apparitions from February 9 to 12
  • The Knights of the Order of Malta in May
  • Belgian national pilgrimage
  • Military pilgrimage every year in May
  • The Assumption from August 12 to 16
  • Lourdes cancer hope in September
  • The Italian national at the end of September
  • The Rosary from the 1st Tuesday of October
  • The guardians biannual pilgrimage at the end of October

The Sanctuaries of Lourdes

Place of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette and of the famous grotto of Lourdes.

Today there are 22 places of worship on the grounds of the Sanctuaries.

Tel. : 33 (0)5 62 42 78 78

www.lourdes-france.org