Background

Lourdes Baths: A Sacred Pilgrimage

Experience spiritual healing and renewal at the sacred Lourdes Baths, a beacon of hope for millions of pilgrims seeking miracles.

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The Lourdes Baths, located within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, offer a deeply spiritual experience for pilgrims seeking healing and renewal. Since the Marian apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, millions have visited these sacred waters, finding solace and hope. The baths are a symbol of faith and the possibility of miracles, drawing visitors from around the globe.

A brief summary to Lourdes Baths

Local tips

  • The baths are open to all, free of charge, without prior booking.
  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
  • Volunteers from the Hospitalité Notre-Dame de Lourdes are available to assist and guide you through the bathing process.
  • The water is cold, so be prepared for a brief but profound immersion.
  • In addition to bathing, take time to drink the Lourdes water from the taps near the Grotto.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Lourdes, the Sanctuary and Baths are easily accessible by foot. Follow the signs towards the Grotto of Massabielle. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from the main town area. There are many shops and cafes along the way. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The local bus service, TLP Mobilités, has several routes that stop near the Sanctuary. Routes 4 and 5 are the most convenient. From the Lourdes train station (Gare SNCF), take bus route 4 or 5 towards the Sanctuary. The bus stop closest to the Baths is Saint Joseph / Grotte. A single ticket costs €1 and can be used on a connecting service within the hour. The journey takes approximately 5 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Lourdes, especially at the train station. A taxi ride from the Lourdes train station to the Baths takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between €6-€8. Taxi rates start at €1.50 per km. A taxi from the airport to the Sanctuary costs approximately 55€.

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Discover more about Lourdes Baths

The Lourdes Baths are an integral part of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a renowned Catholic pilgrimage site in southwestern France. The baths' history is intertwined with the story of Bernadette Soubirous, who, in 1858, experienced a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary. During one of these apparitions, Bernadette was instructed to dig in the ground, revealing a spring with waters believed to have miraculous healing properties. Since then, the Lourdes water has been channeled into baths where pilgrims can immerse themselves as an act of faith, seeking physical, spiritual, or emotional healing. The original baths were constructed in 1862, with the current structure built in 1955. Today, there are separate bathing cubicles for men and women. The water is not heated and remains consistently cold. Despite the temperature, many pilgrims report feeling a sense of peace and spiritual warmth during the immersion. The experience at the baths is often described as deeply personal and moving. Pilgrims bring their intentions and prayers, seeking healing for themselves or loved ones. The immersion is a sacramental experience that intertwines the natural world with the spiritual. The volunteers from the Hospitalité Notre-Dame de Lourdes guide pilgrims through the process. Along with the baths, pilgrims can drink the Lourdes water from taps located near the Grotto. The act of drinking the water is also considered a significant part of the pilgrimage. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.

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