A blog about my Europe family vacation that included Lourdes, France—a place where serenity and awe intertwine beautifully. We traveled to Lourdes from Paris by train because it was a convenient and scenic option. The train journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours. This depends on the type of train you choose. The purpose for this visit was to see and experience the Lourdes Grotto.
Lourdes France (pronounced Lourdz) was part of my Europe family vacation. My family discussed Lourdes France during my early childhood. I knew nothing about Lourdes France. Apart from hearing that it was a deeply religious place. During my Europe family vacation that impression changed drastically. The visit was part of a swing through Europe that included stops in Paris and London. I consider my Europe family vacation a tremendous success. Most importantly, it gave me an opportunity to familiarize myself with new European destinations.
Location of Lourdes France
Lourdes France is a small market town. It lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees. That is the Southwestern end of France. It is 497 miles south of Paris. In fact, it is remarkably close to the Spanish boarder. There are separate ways for a tourist to get there. To be specific, the travel options include rail, car, or airplane. The nearest airport is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the town center. In fact, which is a short distance for people wishing to get there by air. I chose to travel by rail. It was the least expensive for our Europe family vacation.
In addition, rail also offered the opportunity to see the French countryside. The scenery was very picturesque with huge farms. I came across sunflowers, corn, and vegetables among other crops. The sunflower farms were extremely beautiful. There were acres on acres of yellow and green decorating the countryside.
As I stepped off the train in Lourdes, I saw the picturesque Pyrenees mountains and the tranquil ambiance of the town. I was immediately enveloped by the vibrant colors of the Pyrenees mountains, a natural welcome committee. The air felt different, impregnated with a calming essence that slowly wrapped around me like a soft, comforting blanket.
Europe Family Vacation to Spiritual Grotto
The population of Lourdes France is in the region of 15,000. That number swells drastically due to the large influx of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. In fact, a total of five million visitors travel to Lourdes annually. Our Europe family vacation contributed to that figure. The best time to visit is from March to October as the rest of the year is cold. Interestingly Lourdes France has two sections. They vastly differ from each other. They are the upper and lower sections.
Upper Lourdes
Interestingly Lourdes France has 2 sections. They vastly differ from each other. The international section by the river. It is also referred to as the spiritual section. That area consists of the grotto and churches. The second area is the French portion with its center being the marketplace and the Hotel de Ville.
Upper Lourdes is the bustling part where daily life and the locals’ world intertwine. In Upper Lourdes, you will find shops and restaurants. This area has an array of souvenir shops, charming boutiques, and delightful eateries where you can indulge in French cuisine. In addition, the local markets are attractive. Due to time constraints, I did not immerse myself in the vibrant culture of visiting the local markets.
Exploring Upper Lourdes would not be complete without taking the scenic ride up the Pic du Jer. As the funicular car inches upwards, I marveled at the panoramic landscape. It is an artist’s palette that comes to life. At the summit, the fresh mountain breeze filled my lungs. I captured photos that no camera can truly do justice to.
The locals gather in the evenings at the bars in Upper Lourdes. There was laughter and the sound of clinking glasses complemented the aroma of rich, hearty pastries. Travelers were sharing stories with fellow travelers that created a kinship that enriched the soul.
Accommodations and Amenities
The town of Lourdes provides a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. From charming boutique hotels to serene retreat centers. You are sure to find a peaceful place to rest and reflect. There are an estimated 270 hotels in Lourdes France. It is second only to Paris in hotel density per square hotels.
I did arrange my Europe family vacation package. I was fortunate to book a hotel within walking distance from the grotto. As a result, we were able to walk to the grotto without any difficulty. Although the town is friendly to walkers, and it is easy to get around the town center. It is important that persons who have physical disability should get a hotel near the grotto. As there is a small hill from the train station to the grotto.
My journey began with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Lourdes. Each corner revealed quaint cafés and vibrant market stalls. The scent of freshly baked croissants enticed me to pause for a moment and savor the flakiest, buttery delight, as I sipped a perfect café au lait.
I found myself wandering towards the looming majesty of the Sanctuaries Notre-Dame de Lourdes. The grandeur of the basilicas against the backdrop of lush greenery is a sight that took my breath away. As the sun sets, the glow from thousands of candles during the procession casts a magical aura all around—a truly spiritual moment I will never forget.
The Lourdes Grotto awaits. Standing before it, I felt an inexplicable connection, a profound sense of peace and even a whisper of hope. As I collected holy water, I realized why the faithful have journeyed here for generations.
Lower Lourdes
The lower Lourdes is the spiritual epicenter that draws millions of pilgrims from all over the globe. It features the international section by the river. It is the spiritual section. That area consists of the Lourdes grotto and churches.
Lourdes, France is famous for the apparitions of our lady of Lourdes. A significant religious site centered around the Rosary Basilica and the Grotto of Massabielle. At that location, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Salubrious in 1858. These remarkable events unfolded over months, attracting attention from the local community and beyond.
Lourdes, France is famous for the apparitions of our lady of Lourdes. A significant religious site centered around the Rosary Basilica and the Grotto of Massabielle. At that location, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Salubrious in 1858. These remarkable events unfolded over months, attracting attention from the local community and beyond.
Since, the area has developed into a major place for Roman Catholic pilgrimages and miraculous healing. According to the Catholic faith, Bernadette saw a vision of the Virgin Mary in the hollow of a rock. No other person saw the vision although people were present with her during the lady’s appearances. She dug a hole in the ground and water gushed out from the ground to everyone’s amazement. She drank water in the grotto from this mysterious spring.
The Lourdes Apparitions are truly fascinating. It is the spiritual heart of Lourdes, France and draws pilgrims from all over the world. Here is the chronological story of the apparitions and their significance.
Key Highlights of The Lourdes Apparitions
1. First Apparition (February 11, 1858): Bernadette, while gathering firewood, encountered a beautiful lady in a niche above the Lourdes grotto. This was the beginning of her miraculous experiences.
2. Identity of the Lady: During these apparitions, the lady eventually identified herself as the “Immaculate Conception,” affirming a dogma recently proclaimed by the Church in 1854.
3. Messages and Requests: The lady conveyed messages of prayer, penance, and the need for a chapel at the site of the Lourdes grotto. Bernadette had tasks, including digging in the ground, which revealed the now-famous spring with miraculous healing properties.
4. Significance of the Apparitions: These events transformed Lourdes into a major pilgrimage site, known for spiritual healing and renewal. Catholic Christians believe the spring holds curative powers and continue to draw millions annually seeking solace and blessings.
5. Church Recognition: The Catholic Church officially recognized the apparitions in 1862, strengthening the faith-based tourism and religious significance of Lourdes.
Europe Family Vacation Summary
There are books of the stories of Bernadette. In addition, films have become an integral part of Christian heritage. The Lourdes grotto thus stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and healing, deeply touching the hearts of those who journey there.
These two parts of Lourdes together offer a complete experience—a journey of faith and culture intertwined with the charm of a lively French town. Whether you are there to soak in the spiritual essence or to enjoy the vibrant local life, Lourdes has something special for everyone.
My vacation culminated with a peaceful night and the gentle sounds of the Gave de Pau River. As stars twinkle above like diamonds scattered across the velvet sky. It was in that quietude that I promised myself a return. I know that Lourdes has become a cherished chapter in my travel memories.
Hope you enjoyed my little escape to Lourdes. My Europe family vacation story will continue in a subsequent blog. Look out for my next blog called Catholic Pilgrimage Destination soon. Make sure to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes when you visit the area. It is a famous pilgrimage site known for its healing waters and spiritual significance. If you need help planning a Europe family vacation to make this spiritual dream a reality, you can contact us at 505-999-1039 or by email ([email protected]).
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