Lourdes, a town synonymous with pilgrimage and spiritual awakening, is nestled in the stunning landscape of southwestern France. But Where Is Lourdes exactly? This revered destination is located at the foot of the majestic Pyrenees mountains, in the Hautes-Pyrénées département of the Occitanie région. Positioned southwest of Toulouse, Lourdes sits on both banks of the Gave de Pau river, a torrent that adds to the picturesque charm of this significant town.
Locator map of Lourdes in France, highlighting its location in the Pyrenees region
Historically, Lourdes held strategic importance due to its location. Its fortress and town served as a crucial stronghold during medieval times. The imposing medieval castle, situated on the right bank of the Gave de Pau, features a noteworthy 14th-century keep. This castle witnessed significant historical events, including being captured by the French from the English in 1406 after a prolonged 18-month siege during the Hundred Years’ War. From the era of Louis XIV until the early 19th century, the castle served a different purpose – it was utilized as a state prison.
However, the contemporary global recognition of Lourdes stems from events that unfolded in 1858. It was in this year that Bernadette Soubirous, a young 14-year-old girl, experienced a series of visions of the Virgin Mary. These apparitions occurred in the Massabielle grotto, located near the Gave de Pau river. The Catholic Church officially recognized these visions in 1862 by Pope Pius IX, declaring them worthy of devotion and authorizing the veneration of Mary as Our Lady of Lourdes.
The Massabielle grotto itself became a focal point of pilgrimage due to a spring that Bernadette reportedly discovered there. This spring was proclaimed to possess miraculous healing properties, transforming Lourdes into a major pilgrimage site that attracts millions annually. To accommodate the ever-growing influx of pilgrims, a basilica was constructed above the grotto in 1876. As pilgrimage numbers continued to rise, an immense underground church, capable of seating 20,000 people and built with prestressed concrete, was dedicated in 1958 to handle the crowds.
Interior view of a mass celebration at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, France, emphasizing the elevation of the EucharistToday, tourism is the lifeblood of Lourdes’ economy, supporting numerous small and medium-sized businesses in manufacturing and services. While remaining a significant pilgrimage destination, Lourdes also thrives as a town deeply rooted in its history and geographical setting in the French Pyrenees. In 2014, the estimated population of Lourdes was 14,361, reflecting a vibrant community within this internationally recognized sacred town.
