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February 18thSaint Bernadette's day
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Sainte Bernadette

The history of Lourdes is closely linked to that of Bernadette Soubirous, a young girl with an extraordinary fate. Indeed, in 1858, at the Massabielle Grotto, the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to Bernadette, only 14. In a couple of weeks, thousands of pilgrims have come to Lourdes. Nowadays, Lourdes keeps welcoming pilgrims and visitors from all over the world.

In 2023, Lourdes will celebrate its famous Saint. The City and the Sanctuary unite to offer a festive program on February, the 18th.

In July 1866, Bernadette joined the Sisters of Charity of Nevers where she took care of sick and poor people. Her perfectly preserved body has been at rest since 1925 in a glass and bronze shrine, in the chapel. In April, the 16th, on the anniversary of her death, many festivities are being planned in Nevers.

Entrée du Cachot à LourdesLe cachot fut le lieu de vie de Bernadette Soubirous en 1858.
©Le cachot fut le lieu de vie de Bernadette Soubirous en 1858.|Pierre Vincent
    BernadettesoubiroumodeledepageBernadettesoubiroumodeledepage
    ©Bernadettesoubiroumodeledepage|Office de Tourisme de Lourdes

      ST. BERNADETTE’S DAY ON FEBRUARY 18

      There will be many celebrations in Lourdes on Saturday, February the 18th.

      Final programme coming soon

      Procession aux flambeaux à Lourdes
      ©D Viet

        THE ST. BERNADETTE’S PATH

        Learn about the history of the Lourdes Apparitions by following in Bernadette Soubirous’ footsteps. It is a chance to discover the places that were familiar to her: the Boly mill where she was born, the gloomy Cachot, a former dungeon where she lived with her family including at the time of the apparitions in 1858, the Hospice where she was educated by the Sisters of Nevers and where she took First Communion, the parish church where you can still see the baptismal font used at her christening, the old Presbytery where she met Abbé Peyramale, and Bartres, where she lived twice, as a very young child and at the age of 13 in 1857. Lastly, the Maison Paternelle, known as the Moulin Lacadé, was home to Bernadette’s parents after the apparitions.

        A new path is materialized in the city by new floor plates. You just need to follow them to walk in the footsteps of the Saint.

         

        Stopping over

        Places to stay in Lourdes

        As a tremendously important spiritual centre, Lourdes is the chosen starting point for many pilgrims. Its accessibility by train, plane or bus and its numerous accommodation facilities make it an essential stopover where you can plan and begin your journey. Lourdes has various types of accommodation: from small hotels to bed and breakfasts through residences with kitchenettes where you can cook your own meals, find the best option for your stay.

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