Lourdes Travel Forum

Hi,

How far is the grotto from the train station? Is there a bus to the grotto,what do I say in french, If I say I want to grotto would they understand ?what else is there to view in Lourdes, I understand its the 150th year so is there a procession from one site to the other....I will be there the whole day & then proceed to Paris.

My family and I were in Lourdes just 2 weeks ago, we arrived by train from Paris. From the station, the grotto can be reached on foot in about 10-15 mins. depending on your pace. There are street signs that point to the grotto so it's hard to get lost. Because the town is quite small, the only public transportation available are taxis which are mainly used by those with heavy luggage or by the infirm people who go to Lourdes for healing.

If you're Catholic, apart from joining the nightly candlelight procession, you are encouraged to do the "Jubilee Way" as part of the 150th year commemoration, which is basically to visit the 4 places in town that were significant to St. Bernadette's life: the church where she was baptized, the cachot (abandoned prison) where her family lived, the hospital where she worked, and the grotto. For more details, you could go to the grotto's gate and look for a yellow booth where you'll be given a free kit with materials about this "way". Pilgrims are also advised to join the bathing ritual at the grotto but you have to line up early in the morning for this.

If you just want to look around there's a wax museum, a hilltop fort (you could see it from the train station), and Bernadette's birthplace.

Although the French world for grotto is "la grotte" the grotto in Lourdes is and is signposted as "Sanctuaire".

If you ask someone for the way just say: "Au Sanctuaire, s'il vous plaît."

Grotto is a little misleading. There is the grotto and there will be a long line to go past the little spring. But outside the grotto and still within the grounds of the Sanctuary you will find two large churches to visit. The entire area is fascinating with candles (you can buy) that are taller than you. There is a lovely walk along the Pau River. There are open (and free) faucets where you can get the Lourdes water if you have friends who want some. Take a container or you'll have to buy one nearby. The water is free. If you are flying, plan to check it through or only take 3 ounces or it will be confiscated by Security at the airport.

The town isn't very inspiring, mostly tourist (or pilgrim) shops but the Sancturay grounds are very inspiring even if you are not particularly religious. All the people dressed as nurses pushing the gazillion wheel chairs are volunteers. There is no charge to the pilgrims. I was impressed at their dedication. There are seats along the river if you get tired.

If you can manage the candle-light procession at night, it is unforgettable. The entire area is gorgeous if you can spend a few days near Lourdes and Pau.

Hi, We just got back from Lourdes as we were accompanying 2 handicap ladies in a wheel chair. From the train station to the hotel which is about 3 minutes walk to the Sanctuaire, having our elderly on their wheel chairs, it took us only about 15 minutes walking to the Sanctuaire from the train station. It was simple and Lourdes will not give you or anyone a chance to get lost. You need not speak in French even if that is a French speaking cutiest little town, people or the locals are super use to tourists, guests and visitors, whatever you may call, signs are also written in English, French, Spanish. Try to make it a point to join the 9 pm rosary procession,it is very beautiful, great feeling, touchy and so beautiful for everyone to pray the rosary! No matter what language you speak, you probably will hear your mother tough while saying the rosary, from what we heard on these trip, there were 5 different languages said. You will enjoy Lourdes spiritually, it is such a priviledge to visit Lourdes, please do include us in your prayers. God Bless You! Marie & Antonio