The Sanctuary Youth Village has been in existence since the 1930s. Initially designed as a campsite for scouts, it now offers accommodation particularly suited to groups of young people. As part of their pilgrimage, they experience friendship, shared joy and service. Modernisation work is currently underway on all the buildings.
Located in the heart of the Sanctuary of Lourdes, it has been going through a major transformation since 2023 as part of the extensive Lourdes 2030 plan. An iconic place of welcome for young pilgrims from all over the world, this 15-hectare site is undergoing a series of ambitious projects aimed at modernising its infrastructure while preserving its spirit of simplicity, friendship and contemplation.
Several key milestones have already been reached. The Village Square, a new central gathering place, was inaugurated in June 2024, accompanied by the blessing of the steeple of the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Nearby, a brand-new sports complex is now available to groups for recreation and sports activities.
In terms of accommodation, major renovations have taken place: the Moulin building has been refurbished with rooms for accompanying adults and separate areas for minors, ensuring safety and comfort. The Nazareth self-service restaurant has also been refurbished. The Cénacle building has been converted to meet accommodation needs more effectively.
In 2025, the refectories were renovated, and the Cana building underwent redevelopment with the conversion of a number of spaces so that pilgrims and their carers could be accommodated in safety and comfort (with the creation of single rooms with private bathrooms).
The coming years will be full of new developments. The Jean-Luc dormitory will also be renovated in 2026. Later, the current marquees are expected to be replaced by smaller, but more durable and attractive structures, while the Bethlehem and Bethany buildings will be completely refurbished to increase capacity.
In 2027, modernisation will continue with the renovation of the kitchens (Moulin, Bethlehem, Belledonne, etc.) and the installation of new signage that is more legible and better suited to the diversity of visitors.
Aside from infrastructure, the project places particular emphasis on environmental protection. A comprehensive assessment of the site’s tree population was carried out on the approximately 600 trees on the site. Reforestation, pruning and sustainable maintenance measures have been implemented to make the Youth Village an increasingly green and climate-resilient place.
In addition, all buildings are part of an energy efficiency programme: thermal insulation, installation of solar and thermal panels, rainwater and greywater recovery, and centralised consumption management via smart systems. A new low-energy lighting plan will also be implemented to balance visibility and night-time tranquillity.
* Rehaussement de la réduction d’impôt pour les dons effectués au profit des associations cultuelles entre le 2 juin 2021 et le 31 décembre 2022 : vote définitif de la mesure dans la loi de finance rectificative n° 2021-953 du 19 juillet 2021. L’article 18 prévoit que le taux de la réduction d’impôt prévue au 1 de l’article 200 du code général des impôts est porté à 75 % pour les dons et versements, y compris l’abandon exprès de revenus ou produits, effectués entre le 2 juin 2021 et le 31 décembre 2022, au profit d’associations cultuelles ou d’établissements publics des cultes reconnus d’Alsace-Moselle. Les versements réalisés en 2021 sont retenus dans la limite de 554 euros. Pour les versements réalisés en 2022, cette limite est relevée dans la même proportion que la limite supérieure de la première tranche du barème de l’impôt sur le revenu de l’année 2021. Le montant obtenu est arrondi, s’il y a lieu, à l’euro supérieur. Il n’est pas tenu compte de ces versements pour l’application de la limite de 20 % du revenu imposable. Précision : ce plafond de 554€ est bien distinct de celui dit “amendement Coluche” qui permet de bénéficier d’une réduction à 75% pour certaines associations caritatives et humanitaires dites « organismes d’aide aux personnes en difficulté ». Il est bien possible de cumuler ces deux avantages.
