Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The first step is often to decide what form your visit will take. Would you like to join an organised pilgrimage or plan your trip entirely on your own? This choice will determine the steps you need to take, the length of your stay and, in some cases, even the dates of your trip.

Every year, diocesan pilgrimages bring together thousands of participants from all over France and many other countries. They offer a programme centred on the Shrine’s celebrations and generally take care of organising transport, accommodation and on-site support. To find out the upcoming departure dates, the easiest way is to contact your diocese or the organisation you wish to travel with.

If you prefer to organise your stay independently, Lourdes offers great flexibility. The town has a wide range of accommodation options and is easily accessible by train, car or via Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport. This option allows you to tailor your itinerary to your own pace, take part in the celebrations of your choice and spend time exploring Lourdes and the Pyrenees.

You don’t need to join an organised pilgrimage to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Many visitors choose to come for a few hours, a day or several days so they can take the time to explore the Sanctuary at their own pace. This initial visit allows you to attend one or more services, explore the Grotto of Massabielle, visit the basilicas or take part in the torchlight procession.

For those wishing to deepen their experience, the Sanctuary offers daily activities open to all. Throughout your stay, everyone is free to explore the iconic sites that make Lourdes one of the world’s greatest places of pilgrimage.

A first visit to Lourdes sometimes makes people want to extend their stay. Many visitors return as part of a pilgrimage organised by their diocese, a parish, an association or a movement. These trips, arranged by the organisers, allow you to experience the Sanctuary’s major events as part of a group and to be supported throughout the pilgrimage.

Lourdes is also a place of commitment. Every year, volunteers and hospitality workers devote part of their time to welcoming and supporting pilgrims, particularly those who are ill, elderly or disabled. If you would like to join a diocesan pilgrimage, become a hospitality volunteer or get involved as a volunteer, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the diocesan hospitality groups will be able to advise you according to your plans.