Miraculous Lourdes Water

## Overview The Miraculous Lourdes Water flows from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes), one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world, located in the foothills of the Pyrenees in southwestern France. The spring is intimately tied to the story of Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old local girl who, in 1858, reported a series of eighteen apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the Grotto of Massabielle along the banks of the Gave de Pau river. During the ninth apparition on February 25, 1858, Bernadette is said to have been directed to dig in the mud at the back of the grotto, revealing a previously unknown spring. The water that emerged has been central to the Lourdes pilgrimage ever since. Since its discovery, the spring has flowed continuously. It is estimated to produce roughly 120 liters (about 32 gallons) of water per minute. The water is classified as a cold, low-mineral-content spring water. Over the decades, millions of pilgrims have visited to collect and drink the water or bathe in it at the sanctuary's bathing pools, attributing healing properties to it. The Catholic Church has officially recognized a small number of miraculous cures associated with the water, though it has never formally declared the water itself to be miraculous — rather, it is considered a sign of faith and prayer. The Grotto of Massabielle, where the spring originates, remains the spiritual heart of the sanctuary. The site draws an estimated six million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited religious sites in Europe. The water is freely available to all visitors, regardless of faith, from a series of taps (fontaines) located near the grotto. ## Directions 1. **By air:** The nearest airport is Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport (LDE), located approximately 10 km (6 miles) north of the town. Shuttle buses and taxis connect the airport to Lourdes. 2. **By train:** Lourdes has its own SNCF railway station (Gare de Lourdes), with direct TGV connections from Paris (approximately 6 hours) and regional trains from Toulouse and Pau. 3. **By car:** From Toulouse, take the A64 motorway westward toward Tarbes, then follow signs to Lourdes (approximately 190 km / 2 hours). From Pau, Lourdes is about 45 km southeast via the N21/D937. 4. **Within Lourdes:** The Sanctuary is located along the Gave de Pau river on the western side of town. From the town center, follow signs for "Sanctuaires" or "Grotte." The main entrance to the sanctuary domain is on Avenue Monseigneur Théas. The water taps are situated along the Esplanade, near the Grotto of Massabielle — follow the clearly marked paths within the sanctuary grounds. 5. **GPS coordinates:** 43.0982, -0.0568 — this will bring you to the vicinity of the sanctuary and the spring taps. ## What to Expect The spring water is accessible from a row of taps (fontaines) installed along the path near the Grotto of Massabielle. Visitors are welcome to drink the water on-site or fill containers to take home — many pilgrims bring their own bottles, and small containers are also available for purchase in the town. The water flows year-round and is cold and clear. The water has historically been consumed by millions of visitors and has been reported to taste clean and fresh with very low mineral content. However, as with any natural water source, individual caution is advised. The sanctuary grounds are expansive and well-maintained, featuring the Grotto, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (built directly above the grotto), the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the modern underground Basilica of St. Pius X, which can hold up to 25,000 people. The bathing pools (piscines), where pilgrims can immerse themselves in the spring water, are also located nearby — these are free to use but can have long wait times, especially during peak pilgrimage season (April through October). The sanctuary is open daily and admission is free. The town of Lourdes itself is well-equipped for visitors, with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. The area is fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges, with ramps and wheelchair access throughout the sanctuary grounds — a reflection of the site's long tradition of welcoming the sick and disabled. Visitors should be aware that Lourdes can be extremely busy during major Catholic feast days and organized pilgrimages, particularly around the Feast of the Assumption (August 15) and the anniversary of the apparitions (February 11). For a quieter experience, visiting in the early morning or during the off-season (November through March) is recommended.