From Bordeaux, depart for the town of Lourdes located at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountain range. After your drive, reach the town and visit the sanctuary with your guide. Spend some time on your own and visit the famous Grotto of Massabielle, the Basilica of the Rosary or just take some time to meditate in this peaceful environment.
7:45 AM : Meet your Guide at your Accommodation in Bordeaux
8:00 AM: Departure from Bordeaux
Guided walking tour of the sanctuary of Lourdes
Free time at the Grotto
Time for lunch and personal discovery
Visit of the birthplace of Bernadette
Visit of the Cachot
6:00 PM: Drop off at your accommodation in Bordeaux
Follow In the Footsteps of Bernadette Soubirous
In 1858, Lourdes become known throughout France and the world after a series of apparitions seen by Bernadette Soubirous. These “Marian apparitions” quickly transformed Lourdes into one of the most important sites of pilgrimage and religious tourism.
Today, around six million people visit Lourdes each year. Due to the consistent stream of pilgrims and tourists, Lourdes has become the second most important center of tourism in France, following Paris. It is now the third most important site of international Catholic pilgrimage.
Your tour to Lourdes
Arrive in Lourdes and start by visiting the sanctuary. Here you will not only see the grotto but will also visit the three churches that were built on the site, one on top of the other. After some free time for lunch, join your guide and follow the footsteps of Bernadette.
First discover the house of the family when the father ran a mill. Bernadette was born in this millhouse on 7 January 1844, one year after the marriage of her parents Louise Castérot and François Soubirous. She lived here for the first 10 years of her life; it’s still possible to see her childhood bedroom, along with the house’s mill machinery.
Then on to the Cachot. In 1857 Bernadette Soubirous’ family fell on hard times and were forced to move to this dingy former prison, where they lived communally in a room measuring just 16 sq metres. It was while living here that Bernadette stumbled across the Grotte de Massabielle, having been sent out to collect firewood.
Return to Bordeaux at the end of the day.
This private tour ensures you enjoy full attention from your guide.
