The fortunes of the city of Lourdes are said to have transformed stunningly overnight in the middle of the 1800s. At this time, the Virgin Mary made an appearance and showed up to Bernadette Soubirous, a young peasant girl. This quaint little town at the foothills of the Pyrenean then became one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the continent, as well as the world.
The city today brings in no less than six million visitors in a year, who come here for one reason or the other, such as spiritual salvation and physical healing. Here are some things that you can do when visiting Lourdes.
- Take a Dip in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
Your visit to the city of Lourdes will not be complete until you take a trip to the site, which kickstarted the religious tourism here in the first place. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is also known as the grotto. This is the exact location where Miss Soubirous stated that she experienced the first 18 visions of the holy apparition.
When she had her ninth encounter with the Virgin Mary, Soubirous was allegedly told to wash in the grotto. Today travelers from across the globe stand in line for hours, just to take a dip in the cold waters of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
- Visit the Chateau Fort
Chateau Fort de Lourdes or the Fortress of Lourdes is 1000 years old and the only important secular attraction in town. It sits at the top of a rocky outcrop, located right at the edge of the city. The fort is well-known for never having been conquered in all its years.
Chateau Fort houses the Musée Pyrénéen, which is a museum full of regional art and artifacts. Take in the reconstructions of the interiors and educate yourself about the beliefs and festive costumes that are distinct to the area. To arrive at the entrance of the fort, you need to walk up the steep and short path. Make sure to take in the views that greet you over and beyond the city to the Pyrenees.
- Enjoy the Views from Pic du Jer
This jagged outcrop overshadows the city of Lourdes and rises to a height of 1,000 meters. It offers breathtaking views of the area and beyond. All you need are three hours and a complete stash of bottled water to arrive at the summit on foot. On the other hand is the 120-year-old funicular, which allows you to take a scenic trip that is 15 minutes long.
Once you disembark at the top of Pic du Jer, you will see a restaurant, as well as a couple of trails that lead to different caves and viewpoints. This towering masterpiece is also a lovely sight from below, especially at night. View it in all its beauty as it stands crowned with its huge, illuminated cross.
- Explore Le Cachot
Most of the history of this wonderful city revolves around the visions that Bernadette Soubirous had, as well as her story and her family. Le Cachot is an important part of the tale where this young woman encountered the Virgin Mary in her visions. The location was originally a rundown prison but was since reconstructed to create accommodation for the Soubirous family. Today, visitors can take a trip to this site and explore the tiny room where the family was living when Bernadette started to have these apparitions.
- Tour Moulin de Boly
The Moulin de Boly is where Bernadette Soubirous was born and stands at the heart of the city. It was initially a watermill where the young girl spent the first 10 years of her life. The site was renovated in the year 2012 and is now a museum, which features a watermill, kitchen, and bedroom. You can choose an informative tour of Moulin de Boly and learn additional details about the simple lives that the peasant families used to live back then. Pilgrims can visit this place if they are seeking an intimate display of the early life of Bernadette.
- Picnic at La Ferme du Bon’Air
If you want to take a break after visiting sites of religious interest, you can go to La Ferme du Bon’Air. It is a farm that provides an intriguing, fun, and pleasant experience, mainly because of the lush greenery that surrounds you. You can also meet the locally reared animals, such as guinea pigs, ponies, and many more. Be sure to have a picnic here, as there are various locations to have a leisurely lunch in. If you happen to visit the town with children, La Ferme du Bon’Air will act as a welcome diversion for them, after visiting the many historic sites.
- Collect Some Fabled Water
Pilgrims from across the globe visit the spring of La Source to collect the fabled water of Lourdes. The origin of this custom lies in one of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette. According to the young girl, she had been instructed in one of her visionary encounters to go to the source.
Despite the fact that no priest has blessed this water, nor is it classified as holy water, people believe that it is special. You can find many an anecdote of pilgrims drinking this water and finding themselves cured of numerous afflictions and diseases. You could collect some of this water to take home for an ailing friend or relative, or you could just enjoy a drink as you explore this historic site and its religious roots.
The city of Lourdes is a haven for those seeking to dip their foot into the history of the apparitions that once appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. In addition, it offers picturesque views and serene parks for a break from the stress of everyday lives. Thus, be sure to add this wonderful city to your travel itinerary so that you can visit it the next time you decide to take a vacation!
