trip to lourdes

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Your guide to visiting Lourdes: Everything you need to know

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Planning a holiday can be time consuming and at times confusing. I have created this guide about Lourdes to help you prepare for your trip to this historic town. My first visit to Lourdes was back in 2013 when I came to the Pyrenees on a cycling holiday. I am now lucky to call this part of France home and Lourdes is somewhere I visit on a weekly basis to shop or grab a coffee. Whether you are coming on a pilgrimage to visit the famous grotto, for health purposes, or to enjoy the stunning mountains this guide will help you prepare for your visit.

Lourdes is located in the southwest of France in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. It is one of the most important religious sites in the world and over 5 million pilgrims visit each year. The main tourist season runs from Easter to October and July and August are the busiest months. Over the winter months, many hotels, and businesses close, and while it is still possible to visit Lourdes at this time of the year, your accommodation choices will be reduced.

While most visitors to Lourdes are coming as pilgrims to experience the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes, it is also a great base for other activities in the Pyrenees . There is a range of activities within the town itself, but it is also a great base for those who wish to explore the Pyrenees mountains and everything they have to offer. Most of the major attractions within the Pyrenees National Park are within a 1-hour drive of Lourdes. There are also options to catch a bus to some destinations in the park.

How to get to Lourdes

Lourdes is easily accessible by road, rail, and air giving you plenty of options to get here. I would advise booking well in advance as trains and planes do sell out given the popularity of Lourdes as a tourism destination. On more than one occasion our plans for a weekend away from Lourdes have been stopped due to a lack of availability on the trains.

If you are planning to drive to Lourdes you will most likely arrive via the A64 which is the main Autoroute that runs from Toulouse to Bayonne. Lourdes itself is located 18km south of the A64 and is nice and easy to get to and the turnoff is well signposted. The driving distance from Toulouse airport is 180km, from Bordeaux airport 255km, and from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport 855km as a guide.

If you plan to hire a car while you are visiting Lourdes you can do so at the Lourdes Airport or at the train station in town. I generally hire cars from the airport as not all rental car companies operate from the station. As a tip also, we find that car hire from Toulouse airport can be significantly cheaper than Lourdes. While this option is not feasible for everyone it is something to keep in mind.

The SNCF train station in Lourdes is located a short walk from the city centre and there are plenty of trains on a daily basis in both directions. From Lourdes, you can catch direct trains to Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Paris with stops at smaller towns along the way on TGV, Intercite, and TER services. We have a separate guide to the French rail network if you would like more information about trains in France.

For direct travel to and from Paris, you can choose either the high-speed TGV service via Bordeaux to Paris Montparnasse station or the overnight service via Toulouse to Paris Austerlitz station. There are 4 TGV services a day with travel times of 4 hours 50 minutes and 1 overnight service that takes 10 hours. I have used both services and would recommend either, it really depends on what suits your travel plans best.

Lourdes has an airport that is located 17km to the north of the city that is serviced by bus or taxi if you do not have a car. There are two main airlines operating regular passenger service from the airport, Volotea, and Ryanair. Volotea offers daily flights to Paris Orly airport and twice weekly flights to Naples, Venice, Palermo, Rome, and Catania. Ryanair offers flights to London Stanstead, Dublin, Milan, Malta, and Rome. Schedules vary based on the season so double-check with the airlines. The major car rental companies operate from the airport.

Pau airport is located 54km from Lourdes and offers daily flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle on Air France and Paris Orly on Transavia. There are no direct shuttle or bus services from Pau Airport to Lourdes. You can catch a bus from the airport into Pau and from there catch a train to Lourdes. The major car rental companies are located at the airport if you wish to rent a car.

The closest major international airport to Lourdes is Toulouse Blagnac, a distance of 180km by car. You can catch a train from Lourdes to Toulouse Matabiau station and from there catch either a bus or the tram to the airport. The bus to the airport leaves from the train station whereas you will need to catch the Metro to link up with the tram service. I recommend allowing 2 hours to get to Toulouse airport from Lourdes by car and 4 hours by rail.

Getting around Lourdes

Lourdes is not a large city and if you don’t mind walking a bit you will be able to access most attractions on foot. There are some steep hills and streets to negotiate at times. For those who aren’t keen to walk, there are local buses that run regularly throughout the day to take you around town There is also a small tourist train that operates during the tourist season that takes you between the major attractions. If you wish to travel to some of the towns and villages surrounding Lourdes there are bus services available if you don’t have your own transport.

The TLP Mobilities website has all the information you need about bus services within Lourdes as well as buses to the airport and Tarbes. Tickets can be bought onboard from the driver or at the Lourdes Tourist Information Center. You can use a credit/debit card to purchase a ticket on the bus but we have found it does not always work, especially if you have an international card, so have some cash handy.

For bus services into the mountains, you will find information on the liO Occitane website . From Lourdes, you can travel on the 962 bus to Bagneres de Bigorre or the 965 bus which travels to Cauterets, Luz Saint Saveur, or Gavarnie. Purchase tickets onboard. You will need cash to purchase your tickets and they cost €2 regardless of your destination. I catch these buses regularly and find them to be a great service to help you get around.

Accommodation options in Lourdes

As you would expect from a town that hosts over 5 million visitors annually, there is no shortage of accommodation options for you to choose from. As an interesting fact, Lourdes boasts over 270 hotels making it second to Paris for most hotels per square kilometre in France. Whether you want a luxury 5-star property or a cheap budget hotel there will be something to suit your style and budget. Prices per night start at €35 for a budget hotel and increase to over €200 per night for a luxury hotel.

If hotels are not your thing you can consider one of the many campgrounds in and around Lourdes. Here you can pitch your own tent, park your camper van or rent one of the onsite cabins or vans. If you prefer a house or apartment you will also find plenty of properties ranging in price and style on sites such as Airbnb.

Eating and drinking in Lourdes

There are five supermarkets in Lourdes, E.Leclerc, Carrefour (2), Lidl, and Netto with E.Leclerc being the largest. Supermarkets in France are typically open 8:30 am – 8 pm Monday to Saturday and 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Sunday. Carrefour City is a smaller supermarket in the centre of Lourdes. Its opening times are longer being 7 am – 9 pm Monday to Saturday and 8 am – 8 pm on Sunday. This is handy if you don’t get to the larger supermarkets before they close.

Les Halles is the fresh food and vegetable market in Lourdes. It is open Monday through Saturday and is worth a visit to sample some of the local produce. You can purchase fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and bread. I highly recommend the boulangerie located inside Les Halles, their croissants are some of the best I have ever tasted.

Lourdes boasts over 100 restaurants and cafes serving a wide variety of cuisines for those who wish to eat out. There is something to suit all budgets so everyone should find something that suits their taste and budget.

When to visit Lourdes

Based on my experience I think the best time to visit Lourdes are the months of May and September. During these months there are fewer people visiting making for a more pleasant experience. July and August are the busiest months and I suggest avoiding these months if you are not a fan of large crowds and your holiday schedule allows it. The months of November to April are considered the off-season and many hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, cafes, and attractions take the opportunity for a break and close.

Things to do in Lourdes

While the majority of visitors to Lourdes come on pilgrimage to visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes and the cave where Mary appeared to Bernadette, there are plenty of other things to keep you busy during your stay. Lourdes is a great base for a range of activities including cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and sightseeing in the beautiful Pyrenees. I have put together two separate articles with things to do in and around Lourdes. The first article focuses on things to do in Lourdes itself and the second article focuses on day trips from Lourdes to the surrounding area.

How many days do you need in Lourdes?

How long you stay in Lourdes will depend on what you wish to see and do while you visit. If your plan is to visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes only, then you can easily complete this within a day. This will give you time to see the various places of worship, attend one of the daily ceremonies and wander through the surrounding streets. If you would like to see some of the other attractions within the town I would suggest a minimum of 3 days. This will give you time to explore the main attractions, but also time to relax and enjoy the area without having to rush.

Amenities and services

Lourdes is the main centre for the mountains and surrounding towns and villages so you will find a range of amenities and medical services should you require them. This includes a hospital, doctors, dentists, chemists, petrol stations, mechanics, banks, outdoor stores, and hardware stores. If you can’t find what you are looking for in Lourdes, Tarbes is a much larger city and is only 23km by car. Tarbes is also serviced by train and bus from Lourdes.

More information about visiting the Pyrenees

If you are visiting the Pyrenees for the first time we have you covered with additional information. Start with our How to Get to the Pyrenees page that goes into a bit more detail on the options for travel to the Pyrenees generally. Our Things to Do in the Pyrenees expands on the information already provided on this page with a range of attractions a bit further, but still doable, from Lourdes.

Experience the Lourdes pilgrimage

Day pilgrims.

Allowing everyone to discover or rediscover the beauty and simplicity of this place of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary and her message of peace, comfort and hope which is so relevant today. ______________

Coming to Lourdes

Further information on the Lourdes Tourist Office website ______________

Accommodation / Meals

Tarbes-Lourdes International Airport (TLP) is located fifteen minutes from the Sanctuary. Lourdes is also accessible from Pau airport (PUF, 45 km away) and Toulouse-Blagnac airport (TLS, 180 km away).

You can reach Lourdes by train, departing from the main cities of France. When you arrive at Lourdes station, you will find city buses that will take you to the Sanctuary.

You can get to Lourdes by car, via the A64 motorway from Toulouse or the A65 from Bordeaux. Several parking areas are available in the city.

Praying to Our Lady of Lourdes

Entrust your prayer to the “chapelains”.

Prayer intentions received today

Candles lit today

Offering of Masses received today

News from the Sanctuary

Find information about the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes ______________

Come to Lourdes and walk in Bernadette’s footsteps

• 15 April 2024

Walk in the footsteps of Bernadette in Lourdes, following a route that takes in the key places where she lived in 1858.

Come to Lourdes and become a “Pilgrim for a day”

• 8 April 2024

Venez à Lourdes et devenez « Pèlerin d’un jour ». Les activités proposées par le Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes pour la saison 2024.

Living the Easter season in Lourdes

• 1 April 2024

The Easter celebrations in Lourdes began on Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem as King of Peace, and continued through Holy Week: Maundy Thursday (institution of the Eucharist), Good Friday (the Passion) and Holy Saturday with the Easter Vigil leading … Continued

The statue of the Virgin of Lourdes is 160 years old

• 28 March 2024

The Virgin appeared to Bernadette eighteen times in 1858. In 1863, the sculptor Joseph Fabisch was chosen to create the statue of the Virgin.

Celebrate Easter with the colours of the HCPT pilgrimage

From 30th March to 7th April, the joyful HCPT pilgrimage (Handicapped Children Pilgrimage Trust, an English-speaking association supporting sick or disabled children on pilgrimage), recognisable by its caps and hats decorated with all sorts of accessories, will be spreading its … Continued

“I am the Immaculate Conception”

• 22 March 2024

In Lourdes, on 25th March 1858, the Lady said her name The feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on 25th March, nine months before 25th December, the date of Christ’s birth. In Lourdes, we also celebrate an event in the … Continued

The Lourdes pilgrimage

Join a pilgrimage near me ______________

Young people in Lourdes

The Young People’s Pastoral Care team at the Sanctuary gives advice and helps develop a programme for your pilgrimage. ______________

Serving in Lourdes

The Lourdes Apparitions

Discover the history and the message of Lourdes ______________

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Explore Lourdes

Plan Your Trip to Lourdes: Best of Lourdes Tourism

Essential lourdes.

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Lourdes Is Great For

Cultural tours.

Eat & drink

Art & history

• Belfry & Spa by Ligne St Barth
• Grand Hotel Gallia Chapelle & Spa Nuxe
• Grand Hotel Moderne
• Hotel Sainte Bernadette
• Panorama Hotel
• Chez Tonton's
• O Piment Rouge
• Asian Delices Food
• Made In Italy
• Eleanor Restaurant
• Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Lourdes
• Grotte de Massabielle
• Chateau Fort of Lourdes
• Le Petit Lourdes
• Le Via Crucis/ Way of the Cross/ Chemin de Croix
• Private guided tours of Lourdes
• Private Guided History tour of Lourdes
• If Our Lady of Lourdes was told to me ... guided tour for your tribe!
• Private tour in charming villages around Lourdes
• Our lady of Lourdes sacred Private Walking tour

Welcome to the Sanctuary Notre-Dame of Lourdes 

• The authen...

The authentic pilgrimage in Lourdes

In 1858 the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 time to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle. For 3 days, you’ll experience the message left by Holy Mary to Bernadette during the time of the apparitions. You’ll drink at the source of peace, faith and healing. May your pilgrimage to Lourdes be a source of great blessing for you.

Highlights :

• Welcoming at the information center at 8.30 am
• Daily Mass at 9.00 am
• Video “The apparitions of Lourdes”
• Prayer at the Grotto, drink at the fountain, light a candle
• Confession Chapel
• Rosary at the Grotto (in English on Mondays and Wednesdays – in French the other days)
• Free access to all guided tour propose by the Sanctuary
• The Way of Cross (guided or on your own)
• The Blessed Sacrament procession at 5.00 pm (from April to October)
• The torchlight Marian procession at 9.00 pm (from April to October)
• Free visit at Bernadette Museum
• Free visit at the miraculous museum
• The little house of Bernadette for kids
• Rosary family (multimedia animation)

Recomended donation : 5€

More details :

Information Center +33 (0)5 62 42 20 08 or [email protected]

THE AUTHENTIC PILGRIMAGE IN LOURDES

When : on registration Where : Information center of the Sanctuary at 8.30 am the day of your arrival. Durée : 3 jours Tout public

Experience the Lourdes pilgrimage

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75% DE VOTRE DON POUR LE SANCTUAIRE DE LOURDES SONT DÉDUCTIBLES DE VOS IMPÔTS* dans la limite de 554 euros par an.

* Rehaussement de la réduction d’impôt pour les dons effectués au profit des associations cultuelles entre le 2 juin 2021 et le 31 décembre 2022 : vote définitif de la mesure dans la loi de finance rectificative n° 2021-953 du 19 juillet 2021. L’article 18 prévoit que le taux de la réduction d’impôt prévue au 1 de l’article 200 du code général des impôts est porté à 75 % pour les dons et versements, y compris l’abandon exprès de revenus ou produits, effectués entre le 2 juin 2021 et le 31 décembre 2022, au profit d’associations cultuelles ou d’établissements publics des cultes reconnus d’Alsace-Moselle. Les versements réalisés en 2021 sont retenus dans la limite de 554 euros. Pour les versements réalisés en 2022, cette limite est relevée dans la même proportion que la limite supérieure de la première tranche du barème de l’impôt sur le revenu de l’année 2021. Le montant obtenu est arrondi, s’il y a lieu, à l’euro supérieur. Il n’est pas tenu compte de ces versements pour l’application de la limite de 20 % du revenu imposable. Précision : ce plafond de 554€ est bien distinct de celui dit “amendement Coluche” qui permet de bénéficier d’une réduction à 75% pour certaines associations caritatives et humanitaires dites « organismes d’aide aux personnes en difficulté ». Il est bien possible de cumuler ces deux avantages.

©Matt Munro/Lonely Planet

The sprawling town of Lourdes, 43km southeast of Pau, has been one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites since 1858, when 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous (1844–79) is claimed to have been visited 18 times in a rocky grotto by the Virgin Mary.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Lourdes. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes

The spiritual centre of Lourdes is the subterranean grotto where Bernadette Soubirous is believed to have experienced her visions in 1858. From the Porte…

Château Fort

Lourdes’ imposing castle stands on a sheer hill just behind the town. There’s been a stronghold here since Roman times, but the present building combines…

Panoramic views of Lourdes and the central Pyrenees are on offer from this rocky outcrop just outside town. There are two routes to the top: a punishing…

In 1857 Bernadette Soubirous’ family fell on hard times and were forced to move to this dingy former prison, where they lived communally in a room…

Grottes de Bétharram

Grottes de Bétharram is a network of subterranean caverns that has been carved out from the limestone, glittering with impressive formations of…

Grotte de Massabielle

Underneath the soaring spires of the Basilique Supérieure is the fabled Grotte de Massabielle, where people queue for hours to enter and take a blessed…

Moulin de Boly

Bernadette was born in this millhouse on 7 January 1844, one year after the marriage of her parents Louise Castérot and François Soubirous. She lived here…

Porte St-Michel

This gate into the sanctuary is the first you'll reach when approaching from across the river (where you'll find the majority of lodging and dining…

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Pilgrimages to Lourdes France

Pilgrimage to France and Pilgrimages to Lourdes in 2024 or 2025.  For the story of Lourdes and Pilgrimage information, look at our Our Lady of Lourdes Story, Apparitions, and Pilgrimage Facts.

Lourdes France Pilgrimages are lovely any time of the year. However, the best time of the year to go on Pilgrimage to Lourdes for good weather is May – October inclusive.

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Lourdes France Pilgrimages – Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

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Visit Lourdes

Venture beneath the magnificent 19th-century church in Lourdes and into the grotto where a young woman encountered the Virgin Mary. Look around the house where she lived and travel to a nearby vantage point to enjoy spectacular mountain scenery.

Start your Lourdes visit at the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame on the south bank of the Gave de Pau. In the small cave beneath the Basilique du Rosaire, 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous reported that she was visited by the Virgin Mary 18 times. Leave a candle near the entrance, join the Mass in the grotto or stand in line to bathe in the marble bathtubs filled with Lourdes waters.

No visit to the grotto is complete without also witnessing the beautiful church aboveground. This was completed in 1899 in a Romano-Byzantine style. Admire the three tall spires that dominate the exterior. Step inside to see the interior walls decorated with exquisite mosaics.

Follow the river east to the Maison Paternelle de Ste-Bernadette. This rickety home was bought for Bernadette and her family by Lourdes’ abbot after her visions. Today it is a museum run by her descendants with a range of artifacts including photos and the bed where she slept.

Leave the sprawling streets to visit the Pic du Jer mountain peak just south of town. Tackle the 3-hour hike to this natural lookout or choose the shorter funicular ride. Experienced bikers can attempt the steep trail. Reach the summit for breathtaking views back across town and toward the giant Central Pyrenees. Make a gentle stroll back down.

Lourdes is a small town in southern France, approximately 28 miles (45 kilometers) southeast of Pau and an 8-hour drive south of Paris. Because it attracts millions of pilgrims annually, you will find numerous accommodations with hotels to suit all budgets. Sit in small cafés or eat at some of the excellent hotel restaurants that are often open to people staying elsewhere.

Experience one of Europe’s most beautiful pilgrimage locations at Lourdes.

• Lourdes Hotel Deals
• Vacation Rentals in Lourdes

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Check Lourdes hotel availability

Popular places to visit.

• Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The smaller basilica in the Sanctuary of Notre Dame de Lourdes is an artistic marvel, famed for its colorful mosaics and themed chapels.

• Massabielle Grotto

Join the millions of visitors who flock to one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world, a place associated with miraculous visions and healing waters.

• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

One of the most eye-catching monuments in Lourdes is the basilica that sits above the grotto, part of a wider sanctuary of impressive churches.

• Basilica of St. Pius X

Marvel at a 20th-century subterranean cathedral with a huge capacity, built to accommodate the masses of devoted pilgrims visiting Lourdes.

Ride a historic funicular railway up the side of a mountain for stunning views of the pilgrimage town of Lourdes, framed by the Pyrenees.

• Lourdes Covered Market

Get a taste for Lourdes through its eclectic array of honeys, jams, wines and cheeses in this quaint covered market.

Things to do

Gastronomic tour in lourdes, private tour of lourdes and the three sacred temples, reviews of lourdes, 5/5 - excellent.

Ill keep coming back to Lourdes whenever I can.

I think the winter is the off season so not a lot is open. Still beautiful, but just check to make sure restaurants and stores are open!

A Worldwide known Place of Pilgrimage, Lourdes is a peaceful Place of Worship. Staying in Apart'Hotel Le Pelerin was comfortable, handy,. It made our stay easier and more relaxing.

It was a beautiful city to visit especially Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine.

After lunchtime restaurants are open again at 6 or 7 o'clock p.m. Between 3 and 6 p.m. you cannot find restaurant to lunch.

Beautiful Sanctuary with Basilica and Grotto. Lourdes was fascinating, but visiting towards the end of the season provided limited choices for restaurants.

• Cities near Lourdes

Saint-Pe-de-Bigorre

• Places of interest
• House of Sainte Bernadette
• Stations of the Cross
• Lac de Lourdes
• Birthplace of Bernadette - Moulin de Boly
• Lourdes Wax Museum
• Chateau Fort Pyreneen Museum
• Abri Saint Michel
• Chemin de Croix
• Porte St-Joseph
• Tourist Office of Lourdes
• Eglise Paroissiale du Sacré Coeur
• Museum of Miracles of Lourdes
• Le Petit Lourdes
• Entrée des Lacets
• Lourdes Golf Club
• Voie Verte des Gaves
• Antoine-Beguere Stadium

15 Things To Know Before Visiting Lourdes, France

Lourdes is a lesser-known town in France that offers just as much to tourists, and this is what travelers should know about when booking a trip there.

Read update

What visitors should know before visiting Lourdes

France is a favorite destination of travelers worldwide but many people instantly think of Paris or the French Riviera when visiting the country. Although those are mandatory destinations for first-time visitors, travelers can expand their itinerary to other romantic and historic locations within the country.

Lourdes, France, is a popular destination for Catholics, as the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a local woman in 1858. Located within the Pyrenees Mountains, the region is also popular among hikers . The city is famous for its reportedly miraculous healing water and religious buildings, but visiting Lourdes is more than a religious experience, but is an immersion in history.

UPDATE: 2023/07/09 17:54 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

Visiting Lourdes, France, is a once in a lifetime experience for Catholics and history fans. This article has been updated with information about the best time to visit and Basilica of St. Pius, the world's largest underground Basilica.

17 Best time To Visit Lourdes

The best time to visit Lourdes depends on what travelers are seeking. The peak pilgrimage season from April to October is ideal for attending religious processions, and a chance to witness the Sanctuary at its busiest. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

However, travelers looking for an affordable and less crowded experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (January to March). During those months, the accommodation prices are more affordable and the city tends to be less crowded.

16 Transport In Lourdes

Lourdes is a region that can be accessed using four modes of transport. That is by plane, train, car or bus. For a car, the place is connected to several highways that also link to major cities such as Pau, Toulouse, and Tarbes. The entire region has good national roads and enough parking lots.

A tourist can also opt to get in using the bus service. The MonCitybus is the most popular network. For the trains, the TGV train connects to several stations, and it is easy to access other areas of the country. One can also take a train to neighboring European countries such as the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.

Just 14 kilometers to the north there is Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees making transport by air easy for tourists.

15 It Has The World’s Underground Basilica

Wandering the streets of Lourdes is an unforgettable experience, but the city’s underground also features some landmarks. The Basilica of St. Pius X is a massive religious building within the Boulevard Père.

This architectural marvel was completed in 1958 and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers. Masses are held regularly, allowing visitors to partake in a spiritual service within this awe-inspiring setting. It is advisable to check the schedule for mass times, as they may vary. Due to its significance and popularity, the Underground Basilica attracts a considerable number of pilgrims and visitors, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons. Arriving early is recommended to secure a seat for the mass.

14 The Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes

The Sanctuary of our lady of Lourdes is one of the most significant places a tourist should know about before visiting Lourdes. For a tourist who is interested in visiting a religious tourist destination in Lourdes, then this is a must-do. It is also called the Grotto, and it is a site remembered as where young Miss Soubirous saw the first of her Virgin Mary visions.

It is a church that has been there for several years and remains a tourist attraction.

Related: A Tour Of The Most Beautiful Villages In France

13 Several Religious Events

Lourdes is a religious city. As a result, there are many religious activities and centers one will find in this area. For a traveler who is a catholic, there are many churches within the city for one to attend masses. One of the most known locations to take such masses is the Sanctuary Complex and the masses are in different languages.

However, other events take place at different times such as the Torchlight Procession and International Mass.

12 Chateau Fort Is A Major Non-Religious Attraction

Not everything in Lourdes is all about religion. As a result, it is easy for a tourist to enjoy other attractions. One of them is the Chateau Fort . It is located on top of a rocky hill on the edge of Lourdes city. The fortress receives several visitors per year.

As people walk up to the fort, there are many things to enjoy, one of them being the amazing views and sceneries. However, one can opt to take a lift.

Related: Top 10 Places To Visit In The South Of France

11 Trip To Pic du Jer Offers Great Views Of The City

For a traveler looking for a way to see the entire views of towns such as Tarbes, taking a trip to Pic du Jer is a good option. One looking for fascinating views of Lourdes should take this journey up to Pyrennes. It is a trip that takes up to three hours to complete. However, the experience is worth it.

Tourists enjoy taking the road on a 100-year-old railway. The railway itself makes the journey great. The old tracks plus the splendid views offer the last experience.

10 The Best Market Is Les Halles

Les Halles is a huge covered market with many people in Lourdes. It is a good option for tourists as well. The major commodities in the market are vegetables and fruits. During the weekends one can get the best treats. Another special thing about the Les Halles market is the local produce of spreads, cheese, and condiments. One can also get various kinds of pickles and honey.

The traditional foods and food supplies in the market give visitors a great treat of European culture.

9 Grottes de Betharram Is A Must visit

Grottes de Betharram is one of the most visited natural features in Lourdes. The feature is located just 20 minutes west of the city. It is a labyrinth full of magical limestone caves that run under the foothills of the Pyrenees. The area comprises several levels that were formed due to millions of years of water erosion.

The system here is vas such that it allows navigation by small electric trains and boats. A day in this place will offer a tourist a chance to appreciate and enjoy nature.

Related: Dos And Don’ts When Visiting France For The First time

8 Visit Le Cachot

Le Cachot holds a lot of history about the Soubirous family. It is one of the oldest features that carry the history of the family and this one is a place where the family was imprisoned for several years. The place is so unique that it attracts thousands of people every year.

With the prison having rooms as small as 16m2, it raises many questions about the life of people who were imprisoned there.

7 A Challenge To Climb The Holy Stairs

The name may be the Holy Stairs but they are not the normal stairs. Instead, the place is climbed by kneeling. It is made up of 28 stairs and they represent the step difference between pilates and Jesus that was climbed before his death.

Travelers who are into religious attractions will find meaning and a lot of sense in climbing the place. One can join local religious people in the climb.

6 Le Petit Train Goes Around Lourdes

Lourdes is a city with many attractions and one may want to move around and see all the attractions. Taking a ride on the Le Petit is the best option for this. Although it is a small train, there are comfortable seats and tourists can see all over the town and many things found there. It is a ride that takes 45 minutes and one can witness monumental places and iconic destinations from the comfort of a moving train.

5 Lourdes Is One Of The Top Christian Pilgrimage Sites

Lourdes is the top-visited pilgrimage site in France and one of the top pilgrimage sites in the Christian world. It receives around 6 million pilgrims every year who come ot venerate the site. The story of Lourdes started in 1858 when Bernadette Soubirous is said to have witnessed a beautiful apparition in the small village.

The story goes that he saw a vision of Our Lady surrounded by a brilliant light. Learn more about the history and story of the sight on Marian Pilgrimages . Lourdes can be a part of a greater pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago .

Related: Ireland's Traditional Pilgrimage Hikes Are Both Beautiful And Symbolic

4 Touch The Rock

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has been built over the site. It has been expanded gradually and now covers 50 hectares. Pilgrims queue to the spot where the Virgin Mary is set to have appeared. What they do is go single file to touch the rock lightly with their fingertips.

They also see the water of the grotto from the spring and pray. Whether one is religious, spiritual, or just looking for something to see and do. Join the queue and touch the fabled rock. Learn more about what to do when visiting the sanctuary on the Lourdes website .

3 There's Also Excitement To Be Lived Nearby

Surrounded by the great beauty of the Pyrenees, activities keep going after leaving the city's perimeter. From hikes along gorgeous trails, to even more extreme options like parachuting down through the mountains and into the meadows. The Lac de Lourdes is also open for any fishing enthusiasts to try their luck at catching one of the many species that swim around the area. And golfers will get an absolute kick out of the golf club surrounded by the beautiful landscape that Lourdes has to offer.

Related: Cheese To Meet You! Start Salivating With These 10 Delicious French Fromageries

2 Explore The Gastronomic Side Of Lourdes

Just like any other place in France, the cuisine of Lourdes makes itself stand out. From freshly made cheese to cozy coffee shops for a quick dessert along the way, there's always somewhere to satisfy a sudden hunger when visiting Lourdes. And the town even has its own set of traditional French dishes for foodies to enjoy , such as the Pyrenean lamb, trouts caught right on Lac de Lourdes, and a special type of pastry made from corn flour.

1 It's Like Lourdes, But Smaller

For those who would prefer to stroll around a much smaller version of the town as if they were giants, Le Petit Lourdes is a unique museum that holds a smaller version of old downtown Lourdes. Complete with depictions of buildings from the 19th century, river canals, bridges, and even one of the town's most famous grottoes with a tine statue of the virgin. This is a fantastic way of somewhat experiencing the town's past when it was first built, as long as having to use a magnifying glass to appreciate all the details isn't a huge problem.

NEXT: Road Trip France: Getting From Paris To Mont St. Michel, And What To See Along The Way

1-Day Lourdes Itinerary

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• Lourdes in 1 day
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Table of contents

1-day itinerary, basilica of our lady of the rosary.

Basilica of St. Pius X

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

Church of saint bernadette, maison paternelle de sainte-bernadette, château fort musée pyrénéen, funiculaire du pic du jer, where to eat, l'epi d'or, grand hôtel gallia & londres bike & nuxe spa, café brasserie les brancardiers.

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Popular road trips from Lourdes

What's the weather like in lourdes.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Lourdes for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Lourdes in January
• Weather in Lourdes in February
• Weather in Lourdes in March
• Weather in Lourdes in April
• Weather in Lourdes in May
• Weather in Lourdes in June
• Weather in Lourdes in July
• Weather in Lourdes in August
• Weather in Lourdes in September
• Weather in Lourdes in October
• Weather in Lourdes in November
• Weather in Lourdes in December

All road trips from Lourdes

• Lourdes to Barcelona drive
• Lourdes to Paris drive
• Lourdes to London drive
• Lourdes to Madrid drive
• Lourdes to Rome drive
• Lourdes to Amsterdam drive
• Lourdes to Lisbon drive
• Lourdes to Florence drive
• Lourdes to Valencia drive
• Lourdes to Milan drive
• Lourdes to Berlin drive
• Lourdes to Prague drive
• Lourdes to Venice drive
• Lourdes to Bordeaux drive
• Lourdes to San Sebastian - Donostia drive
• Lourdes to Seville drive
• Lourdes to Edinburgh drive
• Lourdes to Dublin drive
• Lourdes to Budapest drive
• Lourdes to Zaragoza drive
• Lourdes to Vienna drive
• Lourdes to Bilbao drive
• Lourdes to Toulouse drive
• Lourdes to Brussels drive
• Lourdes to Turin drive
• Lourdes to Porto drive
• Lourdes to Marseille drive
• Lourdes to Munich drive
• Lourdes to Granada drive

Explore nearby places

• Aspin-en-Lavedan
• Berberust-Lias
• Agos-Vidalos
• Ourdis-Cotdoussan
• Saint-Pe-de-Bigorre
• Saint-Pastous
• Lamarque-Pontacq
• Sere-en-Lavedan
• Argeles-Gazost
• Ayros-Arbouix
• Vier-Bordes

All related maps of Lourdes

• Map of Lourdes
• Map of Aspin-en-Lavedan
• Map of Bartres
• Map of Poueyferre
• Map of Lezignan
• Map of Omex
• Map of Segus
• Map of Lugagnan
• Map of Loubajac
• Map of Berberust-Lias
• Map of Peyrouse
• Map of Juncalas
• Map of Agos-Vidalos
• Map of Cheust
• Map of Ourdis-Cotdoussan
• Map of Benac
• Map of Ouzous
• Map of Boo-Silhen
• Map of Ayzac-Ost
• Map of Saint-Pe-de-Bigorre
• Map of Saint-Pastous
• Map of Salles
• Map of Lamarque-Pontacq
• Map of Sere-en-Lavedan
• Map of Argeles-Gazost
• Map of Ayros-Arbouix
• Map of Vier-Bordes

Lourdes throughout the year

• Lourdes in January
• Lourdes in February
• Lourdes in March
• Lourdes in April
• Lourdes in May
• Lourdes in June
• Lourdes in July
• Lourdes in August
• Lourdes in September
• Lourdes in October
• Lourdes in November
• Lourdes in December

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Tours & Trips including Lourdes 2024/2025

Find the right tour for you through Lourdes. We've got 56 adventures going to Lourdes, starting from just 6 days in length, and the longest tour is 27 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

56 Lourdes tour packages with 1,197 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Paris, Lourdes and Barcelona

Was great. We really enjoyed the trip.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Romantic France ( 9 days )

Best of France (13 Days)

The places we visited were interesting and enjoyable. A few long driving days to cover the distance required to get around France, but manageable. The optional extra winery tour was a disappointment as only two very young wines made available for tasting and the lunch afterwards at Amelia Canta was of a very low quality. However, the included Be My Guest and Farewell Dinner were of a high quality. The driver's driving expertise was exceptional and the Tour Guide kept everything running efficiently. The accommodation was good value for money. Being on a tour enables expedited entry to sites which is a bonus as the queue at Versailles was ridiculous. The highlights for me were definitely Monet's Garden and the Omaha Beach Memorial. Both truly memorable.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highlights of France (13 Days)

She is knowledgeable, approachable and helpful. She always has answer for questions.

Days of Devotion (12 Days)

• Wine tasting

Jewels of Southwest France

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Fátima, Lourdes & Shrines of Spain - Faith-Based Travel

It was an excellent tour and our tour guide is very good. Very knowledgeable ! We have an excellent driver too keeping us safe all the time!

Spiritual Highlights of Iberia, Lourdes & Italy - Faith-Based Travel

Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with Barcelona (Fatima to Barcelona) (2025)

Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with Barcelona (Fatima to Barcelona) (2024)

Magnificent France ( 10 days )

Paris, Lourdes and Madrid

We thoroughly enjoyed our vacation, it was our first time in Europe. The buses were always on time and clean, the hotels also of good quality and clean, and the guides very friendly and informed of the places where they took us to visit. Sometimes there were some uncoordinations, but they were arranged with the good attitude of the guides and tourists.

Dreaming of France of Alsace

Explore your France ( 15 days )

France and Barcelona

What people love about lourdes tours.

We really enjoyed the tour and will recommand to others! only thing I want to mention is about "Pedro" one of tour guides, he did not behave well and making cheap jokes and cross the boundaries.... but wereally enjoyed the tour, everyone else are great! its one of m unforgetable trips!

It was a great tour I enjoyed very much.

Fabulous tour. Amazing tour guide Giovanni made it so easy and fun. Loved the whole tour and would defiantly recommend this tour.

• France Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 7 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

Our travel experts at Joe Walsh Tours are here to support you and your group every step of this special journey. Our pilgrimage to Lourdes tours are coordinated by our experienced team of representatives in Lourdes, led by experts Fionnuala Brua and Caroline Trainor.

Pilgrims can choose from short breaks to week-long pilgrimages, with weekly departures from the UK from February to October. Our Lourdes tours include a detailed religious programme led by a Spiritual Director and accommodation in some of the best hotels in Lourdes, adapted to host people with reduced mobility in comfort.

We also offer travel packages combining your pilgrimage to Lourdes with a few days relaxing by the coast, in the elegant seaside town of Biarritz or the city of San Sebastian; as well as our Great Pilgrimages of Europe escorted tours visiting the continent’s greatest shrines such as Lourdes, Santiago de Compostela and Fatima.

See all departures below and join our upcoming trips. For additional information about pilgrimage to Lourdes tours or to book your place, please contact our Pilgrimage travel specialists.

Tours & Departures

Society of Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 24 May 2024

71st Middlesbrough Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

• 26 May 2024
• Teesside International Airport

Lourdes Pilgrimage from London Stansted

• 22 June 2024

Diocese of Hallam Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 28 June 2024

Dunkeld Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 12 July 2024

Glasgow Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Liverpool Archdiocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 19 July 2024

Diocese of Lancaster Pilgrimage 2024 YOUTH SECTION

• 22 July 2024

Portsmouth Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

Diocese of Lancaster Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 23 July 2024

Wrexham Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

Diocese of Salford Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 26 July 2024

Diocese of Plymouth Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

Oblates of Mary Immaculate Pilgrimage to Lourdes from Edinburgh

• 15 September 2024

Oblates of Mary Immaculate Pilgrimage to Lourdes from London

Oblates of mary immaculate pilgrimage to lourdes from manchester, the story of bernadette soubirous.

Pilgrims visit Lourdes for its curative powers and to bathe in what is known as ‘Bernadette’s Spring’; today Lourdes is a place of hope for those in need of healing and peace.

It is here where Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to 14-year old Bernadette Soubirous back in 1858, instructing her to dig in the ground until a puddle of water appeared; a puddle that would later become a pool and a sacred spring.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, with its sacred grotto and two Basilicas, includes 22 places of worship and numerous facilities for pilgrims and the sick, as well as Bernadette’s spring.

Initially, the site was a regional pilgrimage destination but since 1873, Lourdes’ therapeutic reputation began to grow across France and internationally, when healings and miracles were reported.

THINGS TO DO ON A PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

There are many wonderful things to do and see in Lourdes, these are our top suggestions:

• Say a prayer at the Grotto
• Take part in the captivating candlelit evening procession
• Visit the village where Saint Bernadette was born
• Admire the natural beauty of the Pyrenees and Lourdes Lake
• Walk the peaceful Chemin de Croix
• Taste the local delicacies at Lourdes Halles food market

Find more travel inspiration, read our latest articles about the Pilgrimage to Lourdes on our PILGRIMAGES TRAVEL BLOG .

OUR HOTELS IN LOURDES

The Joe Walsh Tours team works with some of the best hotels in Lourdes and our tours include a choice of accommodation options in 3-star and 4-star hotels.

Most of our hotels are wheelchair accessible and adapted to host pilgrims with reduced mobility.

GRAND HOTEL GALLIA & LONDRES

The elegant Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres is renowned for its cuisine served in exquisite surroundings. This charming Belle Epoque style hotel was built in the 19th century by Bernadette’s niece.

This magnificent historic hotel is owned and managed by the Vinuales family, the same owners as the Hotel Solitude, and offers the highest standards of service.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR HOTELS IN LOURDES

LOURDES TRAVEL PACKAGES

Our classic Pilgrimage to Lourdes travel packages include:

• Direct return flights from the UK to Lourdes
• Airport transfers in Lourdes
• Full support from our knowledgeable local guides and representatives in Lourdes
• Hotel accommodation in our selected properties
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• A detailed programme of religious ceremonies, events and special masses led by the tour’s spiritual director
• Guided tours and visits
• Social evenings
• Day trips such as Saint Bernadette’s Village, Cirque de Garvanie, the Basque Country, Pont d’Espagne and the Shrine of Betharram in Pau.

OUR TEAM IN LOURDES

Our team in Lourdes is led by experts Fionnuala Brua and Caroline Trainor .

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The Catholic Travel Guide

Lourdes, France: Our Lady of Lourdes, Site of Healing and Hope

The story of lourdes:.

Lourdes, one of the most visited shrines in the world, holds a special place in the hearts of many.

We suggest you know the whole history of Lourdes and young Bernadette Soubirous’ apparitions of the Blessed Mother,  in order to get the most out of your visit here.

On February 11th, 1858 , Bernadette Soubirous, her sister Toinette, and a friend of theirs, Jeanne, went looking for wood on the meadows that led towards “the place where the canal rejoins the River Gave”.  This was an area where driftwood sometimes washed up and they could get firewood.

Toinette and Jeanne crossed the icy water crying out with the cold, Bernadette hesitated to do this because of her chronic asthma. She remained behind near the Grotto….a dirty, hidden, damp and cold place. It was called the “pigs’ shelter” because that was where the pigs feeding in the area usually took shelter from the cold.  Bernadette suddenly heard “a noise like a gust of wind”, but “none of the trees were moving”.  Raising her head, she saw, in a hollow of the rock a small young lady, who looked at her and who smiled.  This was the first apparition ….but the lady did not speak or identify herself.

On February 14th , Bernadette had felt called to return to the grotto, and after convincing her mother that she would be safe, she set out for the grotto, taking a bottle of holy water with her to spray on the apparition if it was from the devil. The lady did appear to her, which was the second apparition .  Bernadette threw some holy water on the apparition, but the lady only smiled and did not speak.

On February 18th the third apparition took place, and the Virgin Mary spoke for the first time, making three statements .

     The first statement:  A neighbor suggested she take a paper and pencil to write down the lady’s name (although Bernadette could barely read or write).  Bernadette  held out a sheet of paper and a pencil so that she might write down her name, but the Lady replied: “ what I have to say to you does not have to be written down “.  This was the first statement she made that day.

     The second statement of the Virgin Mary was: “ Would you do me the kindness of coming here for 15 days? ” Bernadette was overwhelmed. It was the first time that anyone had addressed her in a formal way. Bernadette described these words by saying that the Virgin looked at her “as one person looks at another person”.

     The third statement of the Virgin was: “ I do not promise to make you happy in this world but in the next .”

There were additional apparitions reported…we have not listed them all here…you can find the chronology here .

The ninth apparition was really the culmination of the apparitions here at Lourdes , the Lady asked Bernadette to scrape the ground at the back of this “pigs’ shelter”, saying to her : “ Go to the spring, drink of it and wash yourself there “. She moved on her knees to the back of the Grotto, kissed the dirty disgusting ground and ate some bitter grass. She scraped the ground three times trying to drink the muddy water, then smeared mud on her face. Then she turned to the crowd with her hands apart. There was only a little muddy water to begin with for Bernadette to drink, then little by little it became clear running water. The miraculous spring was finally revealed, and has continued to flow ever since, providing water for the physical healing of some, and spiritual healing for millions.

Then, during the thirteenth apparitio n, March 25, 1858, The crowd became larger and larger. The Lady told her her: “ Go and tell the priests that people are to come here in procession and to build a chapel here .” Bernadette spoke of this to Fr. Peyramale, the Parish Priest of Lourdes.

He wanted to know only one thing: the Lady’s name. He demanded another test; to see the wild rose bush flower at the Grotto in the middle of winter . Three times Bernadette asked the question. On the fourth request, the Lady responded in dialect “Que soy era Immaculada Conceptiou”. (“ I am the Immaculate Conception “).

With these words the Mother of God confirmed what Pope Pius IX had proclaimed as the dogma of the Immaculate Conception four years earlier in 1854 . Bernadette, who had never heard of this title , didn’t understand the meaning of these words, but went to the priest to tell him the Lady’s name. He knew immediately that it was the Mother of God, and the Bishop of Tarbes, Monseigneur Laurence, confirmed this.

The Immaculate Conception is, as the Church teaches, “Mary, conceived without sin, thanks to the merits of the Cross of Christ”

We celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11 .

About the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes:

There is much to see here, but it is perhaps useful to see things in chronological order :   first see where the two places where the Soubirous family lived just prior to…and during…the apparitions.  Then the grotto, and move on to the other sites in Lourdes that were built after the apparitions.

Start with The Boly Mill,  where Bernadette was born and where her family lived during more affluent times: her father was a miller and they had enjoyed relative prosperity during the early years of Bernadette’s life.  Unfortunately for the Soubirous family, water mills were slowly being phased out as other power sources became available, and financial problems came upon the family.  By 1854 they were destitute and the parents, with their four children, were evicted from the Boly Mill.

The final stage of her parents life they lived in the Maison Paternelle, which  belonged to Monsieur lacade, the Mayor of Lourdes. In 1863 Farther Peyramale rented it out to the Soubirous family, and then in 1867 the house was given to Bernadette’s father.  In 1866 Bernadette’s mother died and her father died in 1871.

The Grotto: the grotto at Massabielle where St Bernadette’s visions took place is very simple and is much the same as when the apparitions took place.   There are no added decorations here, just  a plain stone altar and lectern for Mass to be celebrated.  Above the main recess is the niche where the apparitions took place and Fabisch’s statue now stands. A large stand of candles next to the altar is kept burning throughout the year. During the pilgrimage season, 2 pilgrimage masses are usually celebrated each morning at the grotto.

The spring can be seen at the rear of the grotto, protected by a glass cover. When Mass is not being celebrated, you can walk through the grotto and touch the rocks directly under the statue (so many people have done so that the stones have become polished). Also at the rear  is a metal box into which written prayers or petitions may be deposited (they are collected, offered in prayer daily and afterwards burnt).

Rows of benches allow visitors to sit and pray or contemplate. Pilgrims are asked to remain silent while in the vicinity to create an atmosphere of devotion. One of the spots where Bernadette prayed to the Virgin is marked by a special paving slab.  Some of the rock walls around the grotto bear clear signs of deliberate alteration, presumably to improve access for pilgrims. It is therefore no longer clear what the original configuration of the grotto was.

Note:  the grotto had been closed to visitors during the covid-19 pandemic, but was re-opened on February 11, 2022.

From there you may wish to visit  The Crypt , the first–and smallest–of the churches to be built here, and is today among the smallest. Saint Bernadette’s father actually worked on its construction and was present at its official opening, on Pentecost Sunday, 1866.  You will notice enormous pillars inside, which actually help support the weight of the Upper Basilica.

And as you enter you will see a plaque showing the statement of the Bishop who approved the apparitions.  It reads:” We judge : that Mary Immaculate, the Mother of God, really did appear to Bernadette Soubirous, on eighteen occasions from 11th February 1858 at the Grotto of Massabielle, near the town of Lourdes ; that these apparitions bear the characteristics of truth; that the faithful can believe them as true. We humbly submit our judgement to the judgement of the Sovereign Pontiff, who is responsible for governing the Universal Church ”

The Rosary Basilica is the third of the churches to be completed.  It was consecrated in 1901 and has a capacity of 1,500 worshippers. Its style is influenced by Byzantine architecture. The nave is open and circular, surmounted by a dome. The exterior of the dome is surmounted by a dramatic gilded crown and cross, which were a gift from the people of Ireland in 1924.

The exterior facade of the basilica was modified in 2007 to include a depiction of the Luminous Mysteries, which were added to the Rosary by Pope Saint John Paul II in 2002.

The Basilica of St. Pius X , called “the Underground Basilica”, is the largest of the churches here, and certainly not a favorite of many:   In our opinion (and of many others) it more closely resembles a giant parking garage: a  modern, concrete building almost completely underground.  It can accommodate about 25,000 people and was built to hold the crowds expected for the centenary of the apparition in 1958.  However, it is still a place of worship and its capacity makes it useful on special occasions such as the anniversary of the apparitions.

The parish church of the Sacred Heart (built between 1875 and 1903, replacing an earlier one), was the church attended by Bernadette Soubirous and was destroyed by fire in 1904. Here you will find more of the story of Bernadette Soubirous: the baptismal font where she was baptized on January 9, 1844 and the tomb of Monsignor Peyramale , parish priest of Lourdes at the time of the Apparitions.

The baths:  For many pilgrims the highlight of their visit here is to take the “baths” at Lourdes in the miraculous spring water.

Be aware that this will take a lot of your time here (waiting in line) so if you are here for several days don’t leave it until the last day and then run out of time. Take the baths as soon as possible after arriving to avoid disappointment.

There are two feast days associated with Lourdes:  The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11   and the Feast of Saint Bernadette on April 16 (celebrated on February 18 in France) .

Find a great selection of Our Lady of Lourdes statues, medals and rosaries in our online store .

Your visit to Lourdes:

Lourdes is about healing and hope , and the blessing of the sick (in the afternoon) with the procession of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the most moving events one can witness. (most of the documented physical healings have taken place during this procession). Of course Mass at the Grotto is one of the highlights of a visit here.

Another memorable event is the nighttime procession when pilgrims from all over the world gather together with lit candles and follow the statue of their Mother and Queen while singing songs of devotion to her.

There are many tours to Lourdes offering stays for varying length of time, based on the itinerary.  If you are traveling independently, there are free tours for “day pilgrims” offered daily during the busy times of the year. We suggest you contact the information center for days and times. The information center is right on the grounds of the shrine and easy to find. Normally these tours start in the early afternoon and you will see the guides with signs in various languages so that you can find them quite easily.

Or you may wish to consider a private two-day tour of Lourdes that will give you an even more-depth experience .

Every year since, for one weekend in May , Lourdes has become a place of prayer and healing for active-duty members and veterans representing more than 40 nations.

Just across the river from the grotto and the churches is the Accueil Notre Dame, a modern facility built in 1996 to house sick pilgrims during their time in Lourdes.  Special arrangements can be made for those needing to stay here.

Typically, pilgrims arrive at the Accueil Notre Dame in specially adapted buses, either from Lourdes airport or train station, and will be welcomed in the transit lounge from where they are taken to their rooms.

Another accueil, the Accueil Marie St. Frai, is located a short distance outside the domain; it is similar in design and atmosphere to the Accueil Notre Dame.

Residents of the United Kingdom with serious health problems might want to check out Across , which offers special bus service for those with severe medical needs.

Note: Saint Bernadette went on to become a nun.  Her body is incorrupt ….but don’t expect to see it here:  it is in the convent in Nevers, France , where she lived out her remaining years.

Traveling to Lourdes:

Lourdes is in Southeastern France, about 500 miles from Paris. If you are starting in Paris, we recommend traveling by train: the high-speed TGV ( from Montparnasse Station ) gets there in about 5 hours. The train station is right downtown and close to the shrine. By the time you consider waiting in line at the airport it’s almost as fast and a whole lot more comfortable.  Get train & bus schedules, see fares & buy tickets here .

If you are flying, you can fly from Paris to Toulouse , Pau or Lourdes. There are not as many flights directly to Lourdes and most of them do not fly from Charles de Gaulle airport (they fly from Orly Airport), so be sure to check before booking flights to allow enough time to change airports if necessary. Pau is closer to Lourdes than Toulouse but has fewer flights every day.              Get flight schedules, see fares & buy tickets here .

Can’t make it to Lourdes?   There are several replicas of the Lourdes grotto around the world… here is a partial list .

A note for independent travelers traveling by car: There is a town south of Toulouse named Lourde (without the S on the end). This is not the shrine of Lourdes, so be careful when using your GPS device.

Address: 1 Avenue Mgr Théas, 65108 Lourdes

GPS coordinates: 43° 5′ 50.3736” N, 0° 3′ 26.7156” W

Tel: +33 (0)5 62 42 78 78 Fax: +33 (0)5 62 42 78 77

Click here for the official website of the Shrine of Lourdes

​ Photo credits:  Stephen J. Binz, Catholic speaker, author and pilgrimage leader

Find hotels & restaurants in Lourdes, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

⇐ Back to Catholic shrines and places of interest in France

27 thoughts on “lourdes, france: our lady of lourdes, site of healing and hope”.

Please pray for me I have Breast Cancer.

Please kindly pray for me to get my British visa and my daughter ‘ citizenship. Thanks

I was diagnosed with epilepsy on November 19, 1988. Medication doesn’t work & I was hoping Lourdes would be the answer & cure me of epilepsy. Could there be a cure of my seizures that I have quite often.

Please heal Derek’s brain! Orban, he is so important to so many specially his two little girls and loving wife.

Pray for me I have chronic arthritis on my knees.

Hi! My 11 yo son and I have been blessed with the opportunity to take a pilgrimage to Lourdes this summer. He has cognitive and motor issues. He isn’t capable of going into the baths alone. Are there family baths? Also, what are the hospitals like there? He has life threatening seizures and his neurologist worries about him having one there (we always end up in a PICU). TIA!

There are many helpers in Lourdes, so I would not worry about that…he will not be alone in the baths. And the hospital is well equipped, as you might imagine. No guarantees in life, but certainly would go ahead with your plans.

Please pray for me i have got cancer

Hello we are from Indonesia. Do u have the schedule for bath the holy water on january?

Hi we are planning a trip to Lourdes for my daughter next week November 7th-13th. Could I please get a November schedule for the grotto and the baths? The link in the earlier message on this thread only shows up to October. Thank you.

We will be traveling to Lourdes in late December. Will the baths be open then? My husband Jose, was recently diagnosed with a very rare bladder cancer and would like to participate in the baths. Please help us pray for him as his surgery will be on October 16th. Thank you.

The baths are open year ’round.

will keep him in our prayers.

Please pray for my partner he’s lost hope and drinking. We as a family would be very grateful for you’re prayers to keep our family together and see better times. God bless

Please pray for Rose Fernsndes who has got cancer and i need healing. Plesse put this request near the grotto Thank you

Thank you for information. I would like to know if I could travel in the month of November and if the bath is too cold. Thank you.

The baths will be pretty cold, but you can certainly travel in November. Here is their schedule.

My 13 year old son has moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. The current medications are not working. I would like to bring him to Lourdes to the baths for healing and prayer. Once travel arrangements are made do we just arrive at Lourdes for my son to stand in line until it is his turn?

There are volunteers available to help you. I am not sure what country you are traveling from, but here is a group from the U.S.

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality 107 Michaels Ave. • Syracuse, NY 13208 Phone: 315-476-0026 • Fax: 419-730-4540

If you are from another country, let us know and we will put you in touch with another group. Your son is in our prayers….please let us know how things work out when you return.

Thank you. Yes, traveling from the U.S. Thank you for the contact information and many gracious thanks for the prayers for my son. We will let you know how things work out when we return.

I am arriving at Lourdes in the army evening 7/8 om and leaving in the morning – I would like to attend a Mass – are there early morning masses and collect the holy water. Is this pissible given my time frame?

Hello, I would like to know how to get to Lourdes from France. Which airport should I take to get to Lourdes? Thank you.

Where will you be in France. Closest airport to Lourdes is Tarbes.

Are there any monasteries or convents that I can stay at in Lourdes?

Thank you so much for your advise. I’ll then will fly into Pau.

Hello I am traveling to Portugal for 30 days in September. Once there I would like to visit The Virgin of Lourdes in France. Wonder how far that is from Portugal via train & which train company & where can I stay that is a near by hotel that is just one floor not a building?

Thanks in advance

This would be a very long journey…..about 18 hours in total from Lisbon, plus change of trains twice. You might want to consider breaking it up.

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• The Baths at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
• Have a spiritual experience
• Explore the Sanctuary
• The Unmissables

Spiritual journey at the sanctuary

Baths, taps, holy water… Along with the Grotto rock and candlelight, water is one of the main symbols of the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Lourdes . But all this can be a little confusing to our visitors, pilgrims, tourists… Do people really bathe here? But first, what’s all this about water ?

An essential element

It all began with an apparition witnessed by young Bernadette Soubirous . After the first apparition on 11 February 1858 , several more followed. The ninth, on 25 February 1858, marked a turning point: a few hundred people went with the “seer” to the grotto on that morning. As they looked on in amazement, thinking her mad, the young girl began to scrape the muddy soil in the depths of the grotto, then scooped up the resulting mixture of water and mud with her hands, and drank it. She also washed her face with it. “ Go and drink from the spring and wash yourself there ” were the instructions given by the Lady and heard by Bernadette alone. After this discovery, people came to the spring to drink the water and splash it on their faces. The first miraculous healings occurred in the days that followed. The Lourdes spring became a place of pilgrimage in itself and offered new hope for millions of sick people worldwide.

• Find out more

THE GESTURE OF WATER

The act of drinking water is one of the highlights of the pilgrim’s journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. The volunteers of the Hospitalité Notre-Dame de Lourdes welcome you and guide you through this important moment linked to the ninth apparition: “Go and drink and wash at the fountain”. A unique moment that we invite you to experience during your visit to Lourdes.

Plan your visit

• Opening times
• Restaurants

The Sanctuary Baths are located within the Sanctuary at the following address:

Avenue Mgr Théas Sanctuaire ND de Lourdes 65100 LOURDES

Parking : The nearest free car parks are the one at the top of Boulevard de la Grotte, near Boulevard du Lapacca, and the Esplanade du Paradis car park.

By train If you are coming by train, Lourdes station is about 2 kilometres away from the Sanctuary.

By bus Take the L4 or L5 bus

Bus route map

• All restaurants

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.

Other places to visit

Man shocked by $143,000 phone bill from overseas trip

(Gray News) - When it comes to your phone plan, it helps to read the fine print. A Florida man learned that the hard way after he incurred a fortune in roaming charges during a trip to Europe.

Rene Remund told WFTS he was charged $143,269 for using 9.5 gigabytes of roaming data during a three-week trip to Switzerland.

He said he’s been a T-Mobile customer for more than 30 years and said he had been assured beforehand at a T-Mobile store that he would be “covered” while overseas.

At first, Remund said his eyes deceived him, as he thought the bill was for $143.

He said he got in touch with a representative, who assured him the bill was correct. At that point, he turned to legal help.

T-Mobile ended up crediting him for the account.

The Federal Communications Commission encourages people to know the details of their cellular plan coverage before they go on international trips, including whether your mobile phone will work there, what the roaming rates are and how to track your usage.

T-Mobile similarly encouraged its customers to check the details of their plans before setting out, as some older plans don’t include international roaming.

“If you’re not on a Go5G, Magenta, ONE Plan, Essentials, or a Simple Choice plan and you’ll be traveling outside the U.S., you can add World Class International Roaming to each line,” T-Mobile said on its webpage devoted to explaining its international roaming services . Customers can do this by managing their plan .

Other options include blocking international data and having a prepaid plan while overseas.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Lourdes Mini-Stay

Lourdes (st. bernadette).

• What's Included
• Day-by-Day Itinerary
• Dates & Prices
• Destination Information

This four (4) day Catholic Pilgrimage to Lourdes visits one of the most sacred sites in the world where Apparitions of Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, occurred. Lourdes is a special place of grace visited by millions each year where Pilgrims attend Mass, go to Confession, and Pray the Rosary in nightly candlelight processions. Get acquainted with the life of Saint Bernadette in the very places where she lived and prayed. In 1858, St. Bernadette witnessed eighteen apparitions of Our Lady who revealed herself as the “Immaculate Conception”. In one of these miracles, Our Lady asked Bernadette to drink from the spring as an act of penance which resulted in the spring’s muddy water turning clear. Since then, Pilgrims have been visiting the beautiful Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes seeking healing and conversion from the Lourdes baths. Almost every part of the Shrine is accessible by wheelchair; six million pilgrims visit this holy place of healing each year!

Any Questions? Contact Us:

800-206-Tour (8687) or

why travel with 206 Tours

Additional information, your trip includes.

• Round-trip airfare from your desired Airport * or book without airfare (land only option)
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
• Base Price: 2 Travellers in 1 Room: Queen or King Bed or 2 Twin beds
• Optional - Additional Cost: ◦ Solo Traveler: No Roomate ◦ Triple Room: Upon Request

• Whisper headsets
• Transfers as per itinerary
• Breakfast and Dinner daily
• Free WiFi & Water on bus
• Wine with dinners
• Assistance of local guide throughout
• Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
• Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
• Luggage handling (1 piece per person)

Centrally located hotels or similar

Grand Hotel Moderne

Group Size may vary between 18 to maximum 33, always accompanied by a Catholic Priest and Tour Guide throughout.

Not Included

• Lunches, Tips to your guide & driver.

Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver – allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime – up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Day 1: Depart for Lourdes

Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Day 2: Arrive Lourdes

Upon arriving at Pau or Toulouse airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival’s hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Embark on scenic drive to Lourdes. Check-in to your hotel, and then relax or explore before dinner. Following dinner, you will have free time to pray the Rosary and to attend the candlelight procession. (April-October only). These processions are lit by candlelight and guided by the Most Holy Rosary. Following this prayerful experience, you will return to your hotel for an overnight.

Days 3 & 4: Lourdes

Over the next two days, you will stay in a small town, nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in a site of Our Lady’s apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858, and announced herself as “The Immaculate Conception”, near the Grotto of Massabielle. During the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady and left without any exchange of words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God’s love for us, penance, and the necessity of performing acts of penance for sinners. Throughout your time in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette; watch a video presentation that explains in detail, the story of Lourdes;  participate with the gesture of the miraculous spring ; Wash your hands, wash your face and drink the water. Finish with a short prayer:  Our Lady of Lourdes…Pray for us St. Bernadette…Pray for us Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience Christ’s unconditional love, as you meditate upon the “life-size” Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle. In Lourdes, you will walk in and meditate upon the footsteps of St. Bernadette. Your group will have the opportunity to see Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette, and the “Cachot,” an abandoned prison where Bernadette’s impoverished family lived. Each evening following dinner, you will have an opportunity to attend the candlelight procession and the Rosary, before a restful overnight.

Day 5: Return Home

After an early breakfast, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Toulouse or Pau airport for return flights home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer: Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.

Why buy “With Airfare” from 206 Tours

• In case your flight is cancelled 206 Tours will assist to get you to your destination.
• Your transfer will be waiting.
• In the rare event your tour is not operating we will refund you.
• Your seats will be assigned.
• If you need to travel a few days prior, stay a few more days or make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.

If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours

• If your flight is cancelled, delayed or overbooked, 206 Tours is unable to rebook your flights
• To guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior. Any changes within 45 – 3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
• Any changes to your arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we may not be able to rebook your transfer, you may need to make your own arrangements.
• If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours may not reimburse expenses caused by your trip interruption or cover your expenses due to flight changes.

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A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

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$ 400.00 Deposit is due at the time of Registration "balance 60 days prior" -->

Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: [email protected]

About your trip

About lourdes:.

She came for you and for everyone of us! 6 million pilgrims come to Lourdes each year and 10,000 visit this site daily. At the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in southwestern France, nestled between the spectacular mountain river, Gave de Pau, is Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the World. Lourdes is the birthplace of St Bernadette to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Our pilgrimage and tour of Lourdes includes visits to the sanctuary and the Basilica of St Pius X, the world’s largest underground Church. Drink from the spring that the Virgin directed Bernadette to locate at the base of the Grotto, which has flowed uninterrupted since 1858. Wash yourself in the baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Contemplate Christ’s Passion as you pray the unique three-dimensional Stations of the Cross. Attend the blessing of the sick, and participate in nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady. Daily Mass, and Mass at the Grotto on Sunday will be followed by a video presentation telling the miraculous story of Lourdes. Visit Lourdes and experience a spiritual journey from which many have claimed healing and conversion.

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We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

1-800-206-Tour (8687)   |    [email protected]

4 star hotel accommodations in jerusalem at a discounted rate available, any questions  contact us:.

Diamondbacks updates: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. gets a day as Gabriel Moreno returns

SAN FRANCISCO — The Diamondbacks appear ready to welcome catcher Gabriel Moreno back to the lineup following a two-day absence but are giving left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. a breather for the first day of a four-game series against the San Francisco Giants.

Moreno has not started since having a pitch hit off his right thumb on Monday night against the Chicago Cubs. He was in the original lineups on Tuesday and Wednesday but was a late scratch both times.

As for Gurriel, this will be his second time out of the lineup in the Diamondbacks’ first 20 games. Manager Torey Lovullo liked the idea of easing Gurriel’s workload given some of the action that’s come his way in recent games.

“He’s had a lot of volume,” Lovullo said. “Whether it’s running in the outfield or being on the bases, he’s had a lot of sprinting, and we need to make sure we monitor that and get him off his feet whenever I can.”

Pitching matchup for Thursday's series opener in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO — The Diamondbacks will open a nine-game, three-city road trip on Thursday night at Oracle Park, where they will send right-hander Ryne Nelson to the mound to face San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb.

All things D'backs: Latest Arizona Diamondbacks news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Nelson (1-2, 5.27) delivered one of his better starts of the past two seasons on Saturday against the Cardinals, allowing one run on seven hits in six innings, while striking out four and walking one.

Most encouragingly, he found success with his cutter. Since debuting in 2022, Nelson has displayed an excellent four-seam fastball but has struggled to keep batters off balance with his secondary offerings.

Nelson has had many of his better starts against teams that struggle to hit four-seam fastballs, like the Cardinals. By contrast, the Giants have been in the top third of the league for their quality of contact against four-seamers.

Webb (1-1, 3.80), who led the majors last season with 216 innings pitched, has worked seven innings in each of his past two starts, allowing three total runs. He has logged quality starts in three of his four outings this season.

Webb faced the Diamondbacks four times last season, posting a 3.00 ERA in 27 innings.

What do know about the San Francisco Giants

San Francisco has had consecutive disappointing seasons following its 107-win campaign in 2021. The Diamondbacks’ NL West rivals went 81-81 in 2022 and 79-83 last season, falling out of the NL Wild Card race in the final weeks of the season. They made a pair of big off-season moves, signing Korean OF Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million deal and then adding reigning NL Cy Young Blake Snell on a two-year, $62 million contract during spring training. Still, the Giants were widely projected to finish either third or fourth in the division entering the year, behind the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. They have performed to that level, with a 7-11 record entering this weekend’s series. OF Michael Conforto, who has an .897 OPS, has been their only impact bat. Snell has struggled mightily in his two starts, allowing 10 runs in seven innings, while the rest of the rotation has had mixed fortunes. RHP Jordan Hicks has been a reliever for much of his career but has a 1.57 ERA in four starts. RHP Logan Webb has been his typically steady self, with a 3.80 ERA. As a team, the Giants rank 19th in runs scored, 24th in rotation ERA and 26th in bullpen ERA

Friday's Diamondbacks-Giants pitching matchup

DBacks at Giants, 7:15 p.m., Apple TV

Diamondbacks LHP Jordan Montgomery (10-11, 3.20)* vs. Giants LHP Blake Snell (0-2, 12.86).

At Oracle Park : Montgomery will be making his first start with the Diamondbacks, with whom he signed a one-year, $25 million deal just before the start of the season. … Montgomery was viewed as one of the better starters available in free agency but his market did not materialize the way many expected. Montgomery reportedly fired his agent, Scott Boras, after reaching an agreement with the Diamondbacks. … Montgomery made two starts for Triple-A Reno, giving up two runs in four innings in the first and  seven runs in 3 2/3 innings in the second. … He will be facing another pitcher in Snell who, like Montgomery, was repped by Boras only to have his market crater on him. Snell landed a two-year, $62 million deal from which he can opt-out after the first season. … Things have not gone great in his first two starts. In a combined seven innings, he has allowed 10 runs on nine hits and four walks. On the bright side, his pure stuff appears to be fine, at least from a velocity perspective. He still averages 95.4 mph on his fastball, nearly identical to last year. … He faced the Diamondbacks once last season while pitching for the Padres, giving up two runs in six innings in a start in August.

* -- Stats from 2023.

Saturday: At San Francisco, 1:05 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (3-0, 1.64) vs. Giants LHP Kyle Harrison (2-1, 4.70).

Sunday: At San Francisco, 1:05 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (2-0, 2.19) vs. Giants RHP Jordan Hicks (2-0, 1.57).

Monday: At St. Louis, 4:45 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (1-1, 5.32) vs. Cardinals  RHP Lance Lynn (1-0, 2.18).