Home » Short Breaks » Articles » Lourdes

Lourdes

4th July 2006

Steeped in religious history as a traditional site for pilgrims, Lourdes is increasingly attracting visitors looking to enjoy its rich location and heritage.

Located in the Hautes-Pyrenees in France, Lourdes is the country's largest Catholic religion pilgrimage destination – attracting seven million Catholic pilgrims each year - and there are a vast number of shrines and chapels for visitors to see.

The town's religious pedigree began in 1858 when 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous had 18 visions of the Virgin Mary in the Grotte de Massabielle by the Gave de Pau river. The site was marked by a statue of the Madonna of Lourdes in 1864 and now contains a moisture-blackened overhang with a white and blue Virgin Mary waxwork.

Many of the town's sights are swamped with stalls selling religious paraphernalia although there are a number of highlights for visitors. The waxwork museum, Musee Grevin, has over 100 life-size figures depicting the lives of Bernadette and Christ.

Lourdes' religious spectacles tend to centre around the Grotte de Massabielle and both the Basilique du Rosaire et de l'Immaculee Conception (1871-1883) and the Basilique St-Pie-X – which can house 20,000 people – are highly recommended.

Lourdes castle is situated on the approach to the central Pyrenees and has great views. Occupied in the 14th century by the English but later becoming a state prison there is a superb museum inside the castle with guided visits available throughout the year.

© Adfero Ltd

Recommended Lourdes Breaks

4* Mercure Lourdes Imperial from £274
4 Star
The Mercure Lourdes Imperial Hotel has 93 comfortable bedrooms. The hotel is situated in the centre of town, close to the famous Grotto. Please note: The hotel... More Info