Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes, Lourdes

A once in a lifetime experience. We felt so blessed to have a the opportunity to visit this wonderful place despite the lengthy journey from Paris. I’ve been to other Marian sanctuaries including the Guadalupe and Fatima, yet enjoyed this one the most. The Sanctuary is breathtaking and the minute you walk in you can feel the peace and beauty that lies inside. There were so many pilgrims yet everything was so well organized that at no point did we feel overwhelmed. The group of volunteers is unlike anything I’ve seen before and the main Basilique is astonishingly beautiful. We enjoyed attending mass in the early morning - and were rejoiced to attend one in our native language on Saturday along with confessions. The visit to the Grotto was absolutely special and the evening procession can’t be put into words - something you have to experience to describe. We stayed for two full days and three nights, which I highly recommend so you can absorb the experience without feeling rushed.

Beautiful serene place to revive your religious spirit. Lots of events happening throughout the day and in different languages. Daily Eucharistic procession at 5pm. Daily candlelight rosary procession at 9pm. Very touching processions. Masses held in various languages in the chapels and Basilica of Immaculate Conception, Basilica of the Rosary, etc. The grotto is beautiful and has Masses and rosaries said at the Grotto. Definitely worth the visit. Lots of shops selling religious, good quality items. Very friendly and safe place overall.