What artefact linked to Bernadette Soubirous can be seen in the church?

Visitors can admire the baptismal font from the former Saint-Pierre Church, where Bernadette Soubirous was baptised in 1844.

Why is the forecourt worth a visit?

Completely refurbished in 2025, the forecourt has been transformed into a pedestrian area featuring trees, a fountain made of Arudy stone, improved access, and statues of Bernadette and Father Peyramale facing each other, symbolising their roles in the history of Lourdes.

What is the difference between this church and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes?

The Church of the Sacred Heart is the parish church for the residents of Lourdes, whilst the Sanctuary is the main place of pilgrimage associated with the Apparitions of 1858.

Is entry to the parish church free?

Entry to the Sacré-Cœur parish church is completely free of charge. Visitors are welcome to enter at any time during opening hours to explore the building.

Are there any guided tours of the parish church?

The church is open to visitors all year round. From April to October, you can also explore the building with a volunteer from the Sanctuary as part of the ‘Chemin de Bernadette’ tour. If you would like a more in-depth tour or one tailored to a group, the Lourdes Tourist Office can put you in touch with guide-interpreters to organise a bespoke tour.

The Sacred Heart Parish Church | Lourdes Tourist Office

To discover

The Sacred Heart Parish Church

A visit to Lourdes is not limited to the Sanctuary and the Grotto of Massabielle. In the heart of the town, the parish church of the Sacred Heart of Lourdes and its pedestrianised forecourt are a must-see. Combining history, spirituality and a rich architectural heritage, don’t miss this unmissable visit during your stay in Lourdes.

A bit of history

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Father Peyramale decided to build a new church
The old building, which was too small and had been weakened by a series of earthquakes, was no longer able to cope with Lourdes’ growth following the Apparitions. The construction of a new building was ordered on 16 September 1875.

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Work was halted
The death of Father Peyramale on 8 September 1877 was compounded by financial difficulties. Henri Bourgeois, a civil engineering contractor, was then forced to halt construction of the parish church.

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The building is inaugurated
A notarised deed dated 11 August 1899 resolved the disputes: work could resume. On 8 September 1903, the parish church was inaugurated.

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The church has its bell tower
It took a further 33 years to complete the interior work. On 5 July 1936, the bell tower was consecrated, marking the completion of the parish church in Lourdes.

Bernadette’s baptismal font

The parish church of the Sacred Heart is particularly famous for its baptismal font. This Romanesque marble basin, inherited from the former Church of Saint Peter, is of inestimable value.

It was in this font thatBernadette Soubirous was baptised in 1844. The font is therefore both a work of art and a sacred relic. With its carved faces and marble polished by the passage of time, it symbolises the deep attachment of the people of Lourdes to their saint.

Notable features Architecture and Art

The renovation of the forecourt and the church square

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;
Redesignedlighting and elegant street furniture.
The renovation also showcases 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.