The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is an international shrine, a meeting place open to all.

The whole world comes to Lourdes

From the moment the apparitions began in 1858, crowds flocked to the Grotto of Massabielle, around little Bernadette Soubirous. Pilgrimages were organised and quickly spread throughout France and beyond. The first pilgrimage from abroad took place in 1874: the Belgian national pilgrimage brought more than a thousand pilgrims to Lourdes.

In order to accommodate the ever-increasing crowds of pilgrims, the Sanctuary has been extended and developed over the years.

Whether a one-day pilgrim or a lifelong pilgrim, travelling with family or as part of a diocese, a devout worshipper or a casual visitor, it is difficult to identify any one ‘typical profile’ for pilgrims. Nevertheless, they can be broadly divided into the following categories:

– Organised groups of pilgrims

These groups account for 20% of visitors to Lourdes. They are people who come to Lourdes on a spiritual journey. They are often organised by a parish, diocese, country, religious family or even a tour operator. These pilgrimage organisations have often been in existence for several decades, and some for over a century.
The Sanctuary knows exactly how many there are because they are registered. They liaise closely with the Sanctuary for venue bookings and any special requests.

– Independent pilgrims

This group makes up 80% of visitors to Lourdes. 
 They come to Lourdes on their own or with their families, for a few days or a few hours. They join the large crowd of pilgrims to take part in the major celebrations. 



Pilgrims come from all over the world: the Sanctuary welcomes 80 different nationalities
.
Lourdes is international because the simplicity and depth of its message brings together crowds from all nations and backgrounds. 

The Sanctuary welcomes everyone, from all walks of life, regardless of their culture, religion or lack thereof. Here, everyone will find whatever it is they are trying to find.