Procession au Sanctuaire de Lourdes
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Moments of faith
A story of faith…

The Processions

Every day, the pilgrims in Lourdes are invited to take part in the processions held in the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. As moments of fervour and emotion, the processions are a fundamental part of a pilgrim’s day in Lourdes. An unmissable experience during your time in Lourdes…

The eucharistic procession

At 5 pm every day, from April to October, the Lourdes pilgrims gather for the eucharistic or Blessed Sacrament procession. The procession begins in the Sanctuary meadow and ends at the Basilica of St. Pius X with time for the prayer of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the blessing of the pilgrims, the sick first and foremost.

Participer à une procession
Participer à une procession
Participer à une procession
Did you know ?

The eucharistic procession dates back to 1874. When the weather is less favourable, it takes place directly inside the Basilica of St. Pius X.

The Marian procession

The Marian procession or torchlight procession has existed at the sanctuary since 1872. It takes place daily at 9 pm, from April to the end of October.

Every evening, once night has fallen on the town, thousands of pilgrims gather to walk and sing, flaming torch in hand, from the Grotto of Apparitions to the esplanade of the Rosary Basilica. At the head of the procession, a statue of the Virgin is carried by the pilgrims. This is followed by participants walking in groups behind their pilgrimage banners. Sick pilgrims are always anxious to attend when they can.

You can carry a candle with its paper wind protector on which the traditional song of Lourdes is printed, recalling the story of the Apparitions. Whether you take part or just watch, it is always touching to witness this “magic” moment that brings people together from the four corners of the earth. It’s impossible not to be swept away by the power and beauty of all those flames, whose light spreads far beyond the sanctuary.

Our favourite

The ramps leading to the Crypt, above the Rosary Basilica, offer an exceptional viewpoint over the torchlight procession.

Lourdes - La procession aux Flambeaux
Lourdes - La procession aux Flambeaux
Lourdes - La procession aux Flambeaux
Useful info

Plan your visit

The processions take place in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes:

Avenue Mgr Théas
Sanctuaire ND de Lourdes
65100 LOURDES

Parking:

There are several parking areas available near the Sanctuary.

By train

If you are coming by train, Lourdes station is about 1 kilometre away from the St. Michael’s Gate entrance to the Sanctuary.

By bus

Take the L4 or L5 bus.

Download the Lourdes bus route map

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