Lourdes

[Megan]

Hi experts


I know I can take the TGV from Paris to Lourdes and back - what I want to know is realistically how much time I should spend in Lourdes - would two days be enough . I want to go to the Grotto, the baths and see the Night Processions

This is how I thought I would plan it

Day 1 : Departure from Paris


Go to the Miraculous Grotto, to the Basilica and night Processions.



Day 2 : go to the Baths .

back to Paris

We are in Paris for 5 weeks but are planning some nights away

Any advice from anyone that has been there would be great

In the 5 weeks we hope to go to Strasbourg ( Christmas week)
a quick three days in Milan ( Italy I know but I haven't been to Milan so have to check it out )
and a couple of days in Bordeaux and or Nantes

[Darcy]

Megan, I have no info about Lourdes but I LOVE the quote at the bottom of your posts!! ;D

[mez]

I don't have an answer to your question, but the place looks interesting.

I am right at this time watching a current affairs story about it and how many people come on pilgrimages in search of a miraculous cure. It was described as a "Catholic Disneyland" and it sure looks that way. I can't think of another place I have seen that is so focussed on a religion - all the stores look like they sell only religious souvenirs and memorabilia!

Apparently visitors outnumber the locals 5 to 1!

[trechic]

Hi Meg - Did you see the movie "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"? In the movie they showed the street scene with hoards of people and shop after shop of blinking lamps of the Blessed Mother, etc.

[Megan]

Hi trechic and Mez

No I haven't but will definately put it on the list . Maybe an appropiate Easter movie as I have just looked at the TV guide for the long weekend and surprise surprise it is the same old movies that have been on year afer year after year !!

It does look like a Catholic Disneyland - being a very very very lapsed Catholic it still has a draw to me - I guess once a Catholic always a Catholic !

[Jody]

I guess once a Catholic always a Catholic

TOO TRUE! I haven't been in a church other than to sightsee in centuries, but I still consider myself a Catholic

[kurgy]

Meganwildermoth,

I went to Lourdes last september! I flew from Paris via Air France. I got the ticket here in sydney and it only cost about $150AUD. It wasn't much at all, it may have even been less than that. So if you can find a good fare, it may be worth just flying than taking the 6 hour train ride. I just stayed that day and left the next morning. The flight from Paris is at about 8am and you get to Lourdes by 930am. I got to go to the Baths, you have to get there early so that you are at the front of the line. so once you see people lining up. just join the queue. the wait to get in will be longer. I got the tail end of the procession because i had a really bad headache. If you don't want to do anything else, I think a day is really enough.

I stayed at the Hotel Gallia et Londres, it was really close to everything and you could see the light procession from my balcony. I wish i hadnt gotten a migraine and went to the whole procession. it was a really overwhelming experience. it was actually quite beautiful. For the baths, you will be dipped in the water nude. they do look after you and cover you up before you go in. it is truly amazing. you put your clothes on while you are wet, and you are dry pretty quickly. i had head this, but never would have believed it.

The town is a bit odd, like vegas i the '80's. But once you get into the compound, you forget about it.

I asked a few questions on the TA forum on Lourdes last year, so have a look and see if it helps.

[ouiparis]

Megan, I guess this would be the year to go to Lourdes b/c of the Jubilee.