The Fountain Trail

Inthe Middle Ages, there were two water sources supplying the fortified town: the lower one, within the walls, and the upper one, outside the walls. The former still exists today; it is theFontaine aux Trois Becs, which was the most frequently used for centuries.

Today, it appears as it was redesigned in 1881. A beautiful staircase made of Lourdes stone leads up to the three copper spouts from which the water flows. A retaining wall gives the whole structure a neat and tidy appearance, reflecting the hygienic ideals of the time. A niche above the spouts intrigues us: it once housed a statue of a golden eagle, which has sadly disappeared!

The one at the top was calledthe Fontaine d’Enjouan. At that time, it stood outside the city walls. Today, the fountain that stood in the Place du Porche until 1934 has been moved there. It is situated in front of the hospital; its water, which came from Bartrès, fed the Lapacca stream.

The present-day fountain is a monolithic block of marble, whose decorations pay homage to the leading families of Lourdes in the 19th century. It features the coats of arms of the Maransin, Duprat and Dembarrere families, as well as the town’s coat of arms. It was built in the 1850s, at a time when the local council was implementing a policy to improve the town’s water supply.

A few steps further down the street, near the Lourdes Hospital, an unassuming fountain topped by a statue of Bernadette catches the eye. Situated beneath the present-day hospital – formerly the hospice of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers – it marks the spot where Bernadette Soubirous received her First Communion.

Continuing on from this square, you reach the Place du Marcadal. As its name suggests, the market was also held here.

But it was also the square where travellers on their way to the spa resorts would stop for a few hours. That is why the town councillors decided to install an ornamental and monumental fountain there: the Fountain of the Dolphins, or Nelly Fountain. A popular local artist was commissioned: Joseph Nelly, who carved beautiful blocks of lumachelle stone for this work, which was completed and installed in 1855.

Since the summer of 2025, the forecourt of the Sacré-Cœur has been completely transformed. The redevelopment work has turned this entrance into a green, welcoming pedestrian area.

Among the new features:

• 11 trees planted to provide shade, and flowerbeds;
• A fountain made of Arudy stone, 5 metres in diameter;
• Redesigned lighting and elegant street furniture.

The renovation also highlights the statue of Bernadette, which now faces that of Father Peyramale, reinforcing the link between history and spirituality. Particular attention has been paid to accessibility: ramps, adapted signage and pathways for people with reduced mobility.

The square in front of the parish church is also home to numerous shops and cafés with pleasant terraces.