The Sanctuary of Our Lady of LOurdes
Join us on a spiritual journey from Paris to Lourdes, France, as we visit the world-renowned Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. In this post, we share our high-speed TGV train experience, first impressions of Lourdes, and an in-depth look at the sanctuary's sacred sites including the Grotto, basilicas, and Stations of the Cross. Whether you're a pilgrim, traveler, or history enthusiast, discover why Lourdes is a place of peace, healing, and reflection.
Roger Hilario
6/11/20254 min read
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A Spiritual Journey Through Lourdes: Pilgrimage, Peace, and the Power of Faith
After a whirlwind couple of days exploring the romance and grandeur of Paris, my wife and I set our sights on a quieter, more spiritual destination: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in the south of France. Located about 830 kilometers from Paris, Lourdes is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world. Known for its miraculous spring and deeply moving atmosphere, Lourdes draws millions of faithful—and curious visitors—each year.
A Scenic Ride on the TGV
To make our way from Paris to Lourdes, we opted for the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), France’s high-speed train. Covering the distance in about five hours, the train offered not just speed but comfort and stunning countryside views. Reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h, the TGV truly felt like a modern miracle, especially compared to the 10+ hour bus ride alternative. We highly recommend this mode of travel—not just for efficiency, but for the scenic experience.
We filmed the journey, and you can find a link to that video in the description.
Arrival in Lourdes: A City Steeped in Spirit and History
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a taxi driver who, despite a slight language barrier, seemed to know exactly where we were headed as soon as we mentioned the name of our hotel. (Book your stay here). As we drove through the charming cobblestone streets lined with quaint cafés, souvenir shops, and historic stone buildings, we felt a shift in energy—from the bustling pace of Paris to the peaceful rhythm of a town devoted to faith.
The Sanctuary: Faith Made Tangible
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is believed to be the sacred site where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. This humble shepherd girl reported 18 apparitions of Mary near the Grotto of Massabielle. Since then, Lourdes has become a global beacon for those seeking healing, spiritual renewal, or quiet reflection.
The sanctuary complex includes:
The Grotto of Massabielle, where pilgrims gather to pray and touch the smooth stone worn by generations of faithful hands.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, an exquisite church where we attended Mass shortly after arriving.
The Miraculous Spring, whose waters are believed to have healing properties.
The Baths, where pilgrims immerse themselves in the sacred waters, seeking physical or spiritual healing.
An Early Morning Mass at The Grotto
The next morning, we rose early with the hope of attending another Mass. Though our hotel couldn’t provide a schedule, we were in luck: a French-language Mass was being held right at The Grotto. Despite the language barrier, the rhythm of the service was familiar, and being able to celebrate it in such a sacred setting was an experience we will always treasure.
Exploring Lourdes: Stations of the Cross and More
The Sanctuary grounds also feature two versions of the Stations of the Cross:
The Low Stations of the Cross, accessible to those with reduced mobility, was inaugurated in 2008. These 17 stations, carved in Carrara marble, are located in a shaded area along the Gave de Pau River and provide a quiet place for reflection.
Le Chemin de Croix des Espélugues (The High Way of the Cross) sits on a steep hillside above the sanctuary. This more physically demanding path is considered one of the most significant in the world. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we weren’t able to walk this route. However, we’ve included clips from other travelers to give you a glimpse. (Link in the description.)
A City with More to Offer
Beyond its spiritual significance, Lourdes has much more to offer. We took a ride on the Petit Train Touristique, a hop-on-hop-off tourist train that travels to various attractions around town. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed exploration or have mobility concerns.
One memorable stop was Le Petit Lourdes, a charming open-air miniature village that faithfully recreates the town as it appeared during St. Bernadette’s time in the mid-19th century. Built by artisan Georges Simian, it’s a delightful way to step back in time and see what Lourdes looked like before its global fame.
Final Thoughts
We’ve only scratched the surface of what Lourdes has to offer. If you're planning a trip or curious to know more, feel free to leave a comment or question below. And if you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, like, share, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more travel videos and personal stories from the road.
Thank you for joining us on this spiritual journey. Until next time—safe travels and stay inspired.
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