Do you know Lourdes?

[Julie4]

Every year, Lourdes attracts more than 6 million visitors from over 140 countries around the world.

The town of Lourdes is world-famous for its exceptional landscape and extraordinary history.

Lourdes owes its fame to the famous story of Bernadette Soubirous. In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to the 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in the grotto of Massabielle.

The sanctuary of Notre Dame de Lourdes is also famous for its "miraculous" spring.
The water's healing properties are said to have led to 68 cures in Lourdes, recognized by the Catholic Church.

The Hotel Majestic in the center of Lourdes is just 800 meters from the first sanctuaries and the grotto.

Lourdes is also a popular destination thanks to its prime location between the ocean and the mountains, in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées department, a region that combines strength and natural beauty.


I personally visited Lourdes with my parents and grandmother, even though I'm not religious at all, but it's really beautiful.

Although I don't believe in all that, and I deplore the fact that it's become a kind of business...

[Lynx122]

I've actually been there. I'm not religious but my family went to France a few times just to travel around and we came by there. It was alright but I felt a bit bad for the people who were buying these candles that cost a ton of money but it was a nice place overall.

[AviatorTom]

I know the story of Lourdes... and the young girl, Bernadette, who claims to have seen the Virgin Mary there. The movie "Song of Bernadette" tells the beautiful story.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/TMeVkz2ALU8

[purplepoppy]

I've heard of it and I've seen footage of the sick and disabled queueing up hoping for a miracle. It looks pretty but I wouldn't want to go somewhere that exploits the desperate.

[Julie4]

Everything is for sale in this world, even hope.

[nightdrot]

This'll be an uncharacteristically short answer.

Yup. I've been there. Absolutely beautiful You French really have architecture and scenery down pat.

Tip of the hat!!

[RyanEC]

Looks like a fun little place to visit.


I myself am not into the religious stuff but I appreciate that it is a part of the history of the west.


I assume in French the importance of these religions sites it is diminishing but they still hold a piece of French history.

[Julie4]

I wouldn't say it's fun lol. In fact you see a lot of extremely sick people, hoping for a miracle.

[RyanEC]

Did you see that when you went?

[Julie4]

Yeah

[RyanEC]

I a. Surprised since France isn’t very religious as I understand.

[Julie4]

It's not anymore. But many foreigners visit Lourdes

[RyanEC]

I am curious is it more that French people are still Catholic but now very nominal and less devout or is France more atheist and agnostic now?

[Joshydavid25]

Never been, but it looks beautiful.. But of course it would have a context of something involved with the "Virgin Mary".. LOL.. And then they would capitalize of it.. Hey nonetheless I would take a visit..

[Julie4]

I'm quite disgusted by all the stores around, turning people's suffering into business seems to me dubious to say the least, but I understand at the same time that people want to leave with souvenirs etc.

But yes, it's a really pretty place

[Joshydavid25]

Yeah it does make sense that coming from such a beautiful place, you would want a memory out of it. So yeah it is understandable..

[RavVid]

Certainly seems a good place to visit but I might have a problem with the religious side of it. Everybody has to have heard of Lourdes but I hadn't heard much outside of the miracle cures aspect. Thank you for showing another side to it.

[RebelinSteel]

They named a place after Madonna’s Daughter? That’s pretty cool.

[BlissfullyCurSed]

I think it is the other way around.

[RebelinSteel]

@BlissfullyCurSed never, you don’t say

[BlissfullyCurSed]

your profile says u're from the UK. it is your American brothers who suck at geography, remember? Don't be like them🙃🙃

[RebelinSteel]

@BlissfullyCurSed do you know how to spell sarcasm

[BlissfullyCurSed]

No, I don't. English is not my native langauge. I am just a KABOBMAN!

[ProbablyClueless]

Never been there, and I've never heard of it before now. I'm familiar with similar locations though. I'd enjoy checking the town out sometime.

[strateguy632]

i don't but dumb to travel when we can see pictures of lake mountain architecture

[Jersey2]

Yes, I know of it as I am Catholic. There have been movies made about it and books of course. I wouldn't mind visiting if I am in the area.

[jamesgoldman]

My mother's been, that was when she was at school 36/37 years ago

[KralArthur]

Looks so good, only, I'm not Christian lol. by the way you're French or American girl?

[Julie4]

You don't have to be Christian to appreciate it lol

Im French

[elaphe]

There is also a replica of the grotto at the University of Notre Dame.

[mandyfire98]

Oh Lourde

[zagor]

But will it buy you a Mercedes-Benz?

[NathanDavis]

my aunt, yes