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Molino de Boly: The Humble Beginnings of Saint Bernadette

Discover the humble birthplace of Saint Bernadette Soubirous at the Molino de Boly, a preserved mill offering a glimpse into her early life in Lourdes.

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Visit the Molino de Boly, the birthplace of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, in Lourdes, France, and discover the humble origins of the young visionary who experienced the Marian apparitions that transformed Lourdes into a world-renowned pilgrimage site. Explore the restored mill and learn about Bernadette's early life and the hardships her family faced.

A brief summary to Molino de Boly / Casa natal de Bernardita

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Grotto of Massabielle, where Bernadette experienced her visions.
  • Explore the town of Lourdes on foot to fully appreciate its religious and historical significance.
  • Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Molino de Boly is located at 12 Rue Bernadette Soubirous, a short walk from the center of Lourdes. From the main Tourist Information Office at Place Peyramale, walk east along Rue de la Grotte, then turn right onto Rue Bernadette Soubirous. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the area around the Molino de Boly. From the train station, take bus line 1 and disembark at a stop near Rue de la Grotte, then walk to Rue Bernadette Soubirous. Bus tickets cost €1 per ride and can be purchased from the driver. A connecting service is free within the hour.

  • Parking

    If driving, be aware that Lourdes has a complicated one-way street system. There are several pay and display car parks in the town center. One hour of free parking is available per day in the town center. Parking is also free on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays. Paid parking is limited to 4 hrs 30 mins in the town center area. As of July 2025, parking at 1 Rue du Dr Boissarie costs €2 for 1 hour. Free parking areas are accessible near the Sanctuary, less than 10 minutes away on foot.

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Discover more about Molino de Boly / Casa natal de Bernardita

The Molino de Boly, also known as the Boly Mill, is where Bernadette Soubirous was born on January 7, 1844. For the first ten years of her life, Bernadette lived here with her parents, François and Louise Soubirous, and her siblings. The family operated the water mill, which had been in Louise's family, the Castérot's, since 1786. Bernadette would later refer to it as the “mill of happiness”. Increasing competition from steam-powered technology and a series of misfortunes led to financial difficulties for the Soubirous family. By 1854, they could no longer afford the rent and were forced to leave the mill. The family's circumstances continued to decline, and they eventually moved into the Cachot, a former prison cell, which was offered to them by a cousin. Despite these hardships, Bernadette remained devout, and in 1858, she experienced the first of 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary at the Grotto of Massabielle. These visions transformed Lourdes into a major pilgrimage site. Today, the Molino de Boly has been preserved as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Bernadette's early life. The building has been lovingly restored and furnished in the style of the period. Visitors can see the room where Bernadette was born, the kitchen, and the old mill with its restored millstones.

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