Nestled in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, Lourdes is a town unlike any other—a place where faith, healing, and history converge in profound and miraculous ways. For millions of pilgrims each year, Lourdes offers more than just a spiritual retreat; it is a journey into hope, transformation, and deep communion with the divine. At the heart of this sacred destination lies the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the healing waters that continue to draw believers from around the world. Select International Tours is proud to guide pilgrims on this meaningful journey, offering expertly curated itineraries that immerse you in the mystery and beauty of Lourdes.

The Story Behind Lourdes: A Place of Apparitions and Miracles

The story of Lourdes began in 1858 when a 14-year-old girl named Bernadette Soubirous experienced a series of visions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto near the Gave de Pau River. Over the course of 18 apparitions, Bernadette was instructed to tell the clergy to build a chapel at the site and was guided to a spring of water flowing from the grotto’s rocky wall. The Virgin Mary identified herself as the Immaculate Conception—affirming a dogma recently proclaimed by the Catholic Church—and from that moment, the spring became a source of hope and healing. What makes Lourdes unique is not just the occurrence of the apparitions but the enduring power of the spring. Reports of miraculous healings began soon after Bernadette’s visions and have continued into the present day. Though the Catholic Church is cautious in verifying such miracles, over 70 healings at Lourdes have been officially recognized as scientifically inexplicable.

Experiencing the Healing Waters Firsthand

For pilgrims, visiting the sacred spring is often the focal point of their Lourdes experience. The spring feeds into several bathing pools, which are available for those who wish to immerse themselves in the water. While physical healing may occur for some, many pilgrims report a deeper spiritual transformation—a sense of peace, surrender, and grace that renews their faith and strengthens their connection with God. Visitors can drink from the fountains fed by the spring and carry bottles of Lourdes water home to share with loved ones. The act of touching or drinking the water is often accompanied by prayer, reflection, and a request for intercession. It is not the water alone, but the prayerful disposition and openness to grace that makes the visit so profound.

Joining the Pilgrimage with Select International Tours

Select International Tours offers comprehensive pilgrimage packages to Lourdes that are both spiritually enriching and logistically seamless. Pilgrims travel with experienced Catholic tour leaders, many of whom are clergy or religious, who provide context, catechesis, and spiritual support throughout the journey. Each pilgrimage is designed to help travelers experience Lourdes in its fullest depth—from participation in the daily Rosary and candlelight processions to visits to the Grotto of Massabielle, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the various chapels throughout the Sanctuary. Select International Tours also includes opportunities to explore the life of Saint Bernadette by visiting her family home, the Boly Mill, and the hospice where she lived. These moments offer a more intimate understanding of the saint’s humility, perseverance, and devotion to Our Lady.

A Place for Every Kind of Pilgrim

Whether you are seeking physical healing, spiritual renewal, or simply the peace that comes from being in a place steeped in prayer, Lourdes welcomes all. It is a sanctuary of inclusion—open to the elderly, the sick, the able-bodied, and the skeptical alike. The town and its Sanctuary are designed with accessibility in mind, making it possible for even those with mobility challenges to participate fully in the pilgrimage experience. Pilgrims often come away from Lourdes with a renewed appreciation for the role of suffering in the Christian life, having witnessed firsthand the faith and joy of those who carry physical or emotional burdens. Many describe Lourdes as a place where heaven and earth meet, where divine grace is almost tangible in the air, and where people from all walks of life are united in prayer and hope.

Lourdes Beyond the Grotto

While the Grotto and the Sanctuary are central to any pilgrimage, Lourdes also offers cultural and scenic beauty. The surrounding Pyrenees provide a majestic backdrop that invites reflection and awe. Pilgrims with Select International Tours often have the opportunity to explore the charming streets of Lourdes, visit local markets, and enjoy the cuisine of the region. There’s also the chance to extend your pilgrimage with additional stops in other holy sites in France or Europe—such as Nevers, where Saint Bernadette’s incorrupt body rests, or Paris, home to the Miraculous Medal Shrine. These optional additions allow for a more complete spiritual journey, linking the story of Lourdes with the broader tapestry of Catholic tradition.

Let Your Journey Begin

A pilgrimage to Lourdes is not just a trip—it’s an invitation to encounter the divine in a deeply personal and transformative way. Whether you are carrying a special intention, seeking renewal in your faith, or simply answering the call to draw closer to Our Lady, Lourdes offers a sacred space where healing—of body, mind, and spirit—is possible. Select International Tours is honored to accompany pilgrims to this blessed site, offering expert planning, spiritual leadership, and heartfelt hospitality. As you bathe in the holy waters, walk the paths of Saint Bernadette, and pray beneath the starry sky during a candlelight procession, you may find that the real healing Lourdes offers is the reminder that God is near, and miracles are still possible.