About Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
In 1858 a poor local girl, Bernadette Soubirous, reported eighteen visions of a lady in the Massabielle grotto beside the Gave de Pau river. The lady named herself the Immaculate Conception, and a spring uncovered at her request became a source of hope for the sick. Today the sanctuary spreads across both riverbanks with several churches, including a vast underground basilica.
Millions arrive each year, many of them ill or disabled and accompanied by volunteers. Pilgrims touch the rock of the grotto, drink from the spring taps, and may enter the baths. Each evening from spring to autumn a torchlight procession winds through the domain singing the Ave Maria, a moving sight even for visitors who do not share the faith.
What to see
- Grotto of Massabielle
- Evening torchlight Marian procession
- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Rosary Basilica
- Underground Basilica of St. Pius X
- Spring water taps and the baths
Visiting Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes: practical guide
- Best time
- April to October
- Hours
- Sanctuary grounds generally open daily from 5:30 to midnight
- Entry
- Free
- Dress code
- Modest clothing in churches and at the grotto
- Nearest airport
- Tarbes Lourdes Pyrenees Airport (LDE), 10 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Join the 21:00 torchlight procession
- Bring a bottle for spring water
- Lodging fills quickly around 11 February and 15 August
Festivals and special days
- Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (11 February)
- Assumption (15 August)
- Feast of St. Bernadette (16 April)
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes?
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is in Lourdes, Occitanie, France, Europe. GPS coordinates: 43.0975, -0.0583. The nearest airport is Tarbes Lourdes Pyrenees Airport (LDE), 10 km.
What is the best time to visit Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes?
April to October
Is there an entry fee for Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes?
Free Opening hours: Sanctuary grounds generally open daily from 5:30 to midnight
What should I wear when visiting Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes?
Modest clothing in churches and at the grotto
Which religion is Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes sacred to?
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship.
