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Les fontaines au Sanctuaire Notre Dame de LourdesLOURDES. Photo prise pendant le Pèlerinage National du 13 au 19 août 2019. Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes; Les Fontaines - geste de l'eau
©Les fontaines au Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Lourdes|Eric Martin
A powerful symbolof Lourdes
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Lourdes water

Lourdes is associated with the symbolism of water, which is particularly important to pilgrims wishing to come to Lourdes. It’s an integral part of the visitor’s spiritual journey.

The fabulous story

of Lourdes water

Bernadette Soubirous acted on the instructions of Our Lady on the day of the ninth apparition, on 25 February 1858. She said to the young girl: “Go and drink from the spring and wash yourself there”. Bernadette then discovered a muddy spring that no-one had known was there until that point. The precious Lourdes water comes from that spring.

Fontaines du Sanctuaire
©P.Vincent

    The Sanctuary taps

    On contact with this water, several residents of Lourdes and the surrounding area were “miraculously” cured. Ever since, Lourdes water has been supplied to the Sanctuary’s taps. It’s free of charge and easy to access, and many pilgrims are keen to bring some back home. Its miraculous nature is down to faith. This is not holy water as it’s sometimes called: the water from the Spring can only be blessed by a priest.

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    Did you know ?

    The water is highly symbolic at the Sanctuary and is ever-present on the pilgrim trail in Lourdes.

    You will find it in the Grotto of Apparitions, and also access it at the various taps and in the Baths.

    Useful info

    Plan your visit

    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

    Nearby

    Visit the sanctuary

    The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes covers an area of 52 hectares. Within the Domain, you will find 22 places of worship. Some of these gathering places really must be seen if you want to make the most of your visit. From the Massabielle Grotto to the Church of St. Bernadette through the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, set forth to discover the Sanctuary and its history.

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