ABOUT LOURDES
Lourdes is a small town in southern France in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The town has just 17,000 inhabitants many who are Basque but receives about 5 million visitors each year. In the hotel trade Lourdes is only second in importance to Paris.

This pretty town on the river Gave has many narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. Many of the shops sell quite tacky souvenirs but these are soon ignored once you have entered the peace and quiet of the Domain.

Lourdes became famous as a place of pilgrimage following the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin to Bernadette Soubirous in1858 between 11th February and 16th July.

Following these events this became a place of pilgrimage for the sick and troubled, many claiming to find a cure in the spring of water found at the foot of the grotto where the apparitions took place.

The small grotto is unchanged in essence, although now there is a large promenade, and the river has been diverted to allow visitors to visit.

Three beautiful basilicas have been built upon the hill above the grotto. In more recent times there is a large underground basilica underneath Rosary square and a new basilica across from the grotto.

All these areas make up the Domain.

Whilst in Lourdes the group will visit the grotto and the other areas. Many people enjoy visiting the grotto late in the evening when it is particularly peaceful and lit by candle light.

VISITS IN LOURDES
All our visits in Lourdes are made on foot. As Lourdes is a small town with narrow streets it is very important that all guests are well behaved and take care of the traffic. Where guests have needs that make it difficult for them to understand the danger of traffic this must be highlighted to the committee and if necessary a committee member will walk with the helper and guest.

The traffic is one way but often large tourist coaches "hog" the road.

The pavements are narrow in many places, and all the helpers are requested to take great care and only walk two abreast.

Once in the Domain there is no traffic.

TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION


We will take part in this once in our week. This starts after dusk and all of who can carry a candle in this procession, which will take us from the grotto around the Domain to St. Joseph's gate and back to Rosary square. This year a firework display will occur in celebration of the pilgrimage trusts 50th anniversary which those who wish can go and watch. Many groups carry banners of their group and countries as they process.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS


We usually walk this pathway once in the week lead by our group chaplain. It is a sturdy walk up hill but very beautiful and all find this an amazing experience. Unfortunately those in wheelchairs are not able to do this, but can take part in a smaller flatter version. This usually takes about 1 ½ hours, usually followed by a drink and ice cream in a local café.

BLESSED SACRAMENT PROCESSION
This takes place every afternoon in Lourdes usually in the Underground basilica at around 4.00 pm and there is time in the week for those who wish to attend to go along. Again groups can process with their group and country banner. The bishops bless the sick and disabled as they walk among them.

THE WATERS OF LOURDES
The baths of Lourdes resituated near the grotto and arrangements for individuals to visit can be made during the week for those who wish to go. The waters are very cold!

"THE FOOTSTEPS OF BERNADETTE"
This is the name of a walking route through Lourdes that we usually take on the first morning to show everyone around Lourdes. From our Hotel we walk to the Cachot the small prison which was the only place for Bernadette's family to live when they hit really bad times. From here we visit the pretty parish church and hospital and on to the Boly mill were Bernadette lived in happier more prosperous times. This trip always includes a stop at a local café.

TRIPS OUT OF LOURDES
The group will usually take a day trip out away from Lourdes. The journey is made by coach either to Gavarnie up in the Pyrenees or to a sea side resort on the west coast. This depends on the time of year that we travel and the local weather. Sometimes the group will take half day trips to Bartres.

GARVANIE


This small village high in the national park of Hautes-Pyrenees is just one and a half hours from Lourdes. The coach journey takes us through post-card scenery to arrive at this little village of just 160 habitants. On our arrival we can enjoy the splendour of the Pyrenees and talk along the river to find the meadows to have a picnic as long as there is no snow on the ground. Depending on the time of year we can have fun in the snow, enjoy wandering amongst the pretty craft and souvenir shops or take a pony ride. As always there is time to enjoy refreshments in one of the tiny cafes and enjoy the local specialities…….Crepes!!

ST JEAN DU LUZ or BIARRITZ


This is a beautiful seaside resort with an active fishing port. This is not far from the Spanish border just a 2 hour coach trip from Lourdes. We can visit the sheltered central beach, enjoy the fishing boats in the harbour, or walk through the pretty medieval town centre with its shops, cafés and 12th century church, St Jean Baptiste. Or we might go further up the coast to the Glamorous seaside resort orf Biarritz with its long sandy beaches with fabulous surf. There is plenty of opportunity to shop or enjoy the fabulous sea views whilst eating lunch.

This day out is great fun with a picnic on the beach or in the park adjacent to the lighthouse and of course..ice-cream!!