Religious Studies Destinations

Catholicism in Lourdes

from £680pp

Based on 4 days

Suitable for Secondary Schools

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Overview

Amongst the world’s most important sites for pilgrimage, this area holds deep importance in Catholicism. As the site of reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary, Lourdes now welcomes thousands of pilgrims every year who travel here to feel the rich culture and history surround them. Countless miracle cures have been reported in the springs from healing blindness through to paralysis; there is no place more unique and rewarding for pupils to learn about Catholicism.

Stay in the heart of Lourdes and experience everything this unique area has to offer. You will be able to walk on the Chemin de Croix (walked every year by pilgrims), visit Saint Bernadette’s house and the Sanctuary Notre-Dame de Lourdes (the biggest pilgrimage sites in the world!). Plus, you’ll be able to explore more of this picturesque area by visiting local markets and the city centre.

Our Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Flight from UK to a Pyrennées Airport.

Private transfer to your accommodation. Tonight will provide an opportunity to settle into your accommodation and prepare for the busy days ahead!
Day 2

Start the morning by heading on a hundred-year-old funicular to the Pic du Jer. From an altitude of 1000 metres, you will be rewarded with the best view of the Pyrenees from Lourdes.

Next, enjoy a guided tour of the Grottos de Jer. You'll be able to journey into an underground world in this easy-access cave system and bear witness to stalactites, stalagmites, curtains and chasms. Plus, you'll be able to pass directly in front of large faults which enabled the formation of the Pyrenees.

Afterwards, you'll be able to visit Sainte Bernadette's house. Still run by Bernadette's descendants, this house was gifted to Saint Bernadette's family after the visions. You'll be able to spot original furniture, objects and pictures that belonged to the family.

Finish your day by going inside the Eglise Sainte-Bernadette. This modern church was built on the site where Bernadette Soubirous was standing during the last apparition on July 16, 1858.
Day 3

Start today with a tour around the Ciergerie de Lourdes. By walking through this factory, you'll be able to watch the candle-making process from melted paraffin through to the finished product, ready for processions, illuminating basilicas or being laid down as a form of prayer.

Next, experience daily life in Lourdes with a visit to a local market, the perfect opportunity to grab some food!

You'll now head down the Chemin de Croix, walking the path that thousands of pilgrims take every year. You can decide which route you would like to take.

In the afternoon, visit the Musée du Petit Lourdes. Learn the true story of Lourdes amongst miniature replicas of the area, as it was, during Bernadette's apparitions. This tiny town is sure to not only teach you intriguing information, but also allows you to explore the whole area in just a few steps!

Round off your day in the city centre, the perfect time to get some last-minute souvenirs before heading home!
Day 4

Begin your final day with a visit to the famous Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto, where the apparitions first occurred! This is where the legacy of Lourdes first began, so it is the perfect place to finish your time here.

Private transfer back to the airport.

Flight back to the UK.