Massabielle Grotto Tours and Activities

Grotte of Massabielle showing religious aspects as well as a large group of people
Grotte of Massabielle featuring religious elements as well as a small group of people
Grotte of Massabielle which includes religious elements and a statue or sculpture
Grotte of Massabielle featuring religious elements as well as a small group of people
Grotte of Massabielle featuring caves and caving as well as a small group of people


Join the millions of visitors who flock to one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world, a place associated with miraculous visions and healing waters.

The Grotto of Massabielle, also known as the Grotto of Apparitions, is visited by about 6 million pilgrims every year. Visit the site of a spring which was unearthed by a teenage peasant in the 19th century after a visitation from the Virgin Mary. Hear stories of how the water that flows here is said to have healed countless visitors since it was first discovered.

Follow in the footsteps of Bernadette Soubirous, the 14 year old who encountered an apparition of a young woman in a white dress, believed to be Jesus’ mother, who told her about the location of the spring. Later on, one of Bernadette’s friends had their paralyzed arm healed by the spring and word spread of this miraculous place.

Arrive in Lourdes and look for the Sanctuary of Notre Dame de Lourdes, the complex of churches that surround this sacred place. Walk around the side of the basilicas to an open, paved space with wooden benches set out facing the cave.

Find the line of people waiting to see the spring. Many visitors run their hands along the stone walls of the cave as they approach it. A statue of Mary overlooks the pilgrims as they pass the humble spring that continues to flow here. Popes, priests and pilgrims have all visited the site of the apparition.

Keep moving past the grotto to find the baths, where sick pilgrims can immerse themselves in the spring water. Many believe that these waters still contain powerful healing properties. Volunteer assistants are on hand to lower the visitors into the water. Taps of the spring water also face the grotto.

The Grotto of Massabielle is located beneath the Basilica of Notre Dame de l’Immaculée-Conception, in the pilgrimage center of the town. Walk here in about 20 minutes from the train station in the north of Lourdes. Admission is free, but remember that many visitors are here as religious pilgrims, so treat the grotto with respect.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Massabielle Grotto

Hotel Padoue

Hotel Padoue

4 out of 5
1 Rue De La Reine Astrid, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees
Hotel Padoue
Hotel Paradis

Hotel Paradis

4 out of 5
15, avenue du Paradis, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees
Hotel Paradis
Comfort Aparthotel Lourdes L'Acacia

Comfort Aparthotel Lourdes L'Acacia

3 out of 5
1 A Chemin de Lannedarré, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees
Comfort Aparthotel Lourdes L'Acacia
Hotel Roissy Lourdes

Hotel Roissy Lourdes

4 out of 5
16 Avenue Monseigneur Schoepfer, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees
Hotel Roissy Lourdes
Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres

Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres

4 out of 5
26 Av Bernadette Soubirous - BP83, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees
Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres
Hôtel Le Rive Droite & Spa

Hôtel Le Rive Droite & Spa

4 out of 5
22 Avenue Peyramale, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees
Hôtel Le Rive Droite & Spa
Majestic

Majestic

3 out of 5
9 avenue Maransin, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees
Majestic
Comfort Aparthotel Lourdes Lorda

Comfort Aparthotel Lourdes Lorda

4 out of 5
18 Esplanade du Paradis, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees
Comfort Aparthotel Lourdes Lorda
Hotel La Solitude

Hotel La Solitude

4 out of 5
3 Passage Saint Louis, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees
Hotel La Solitude
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Massabielle Grotto

Massabielle Grotto in Lourdes offers a range of activities including hiking and golfing, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in a pilgrimage, experience sacred pools, and explore gathering places. For those seeking adventure, nearby ski resorts and cycling holidays provide additional options to enjoy the stunning Hautes-Pyrénées landscape. This unique blend of spiritual and recreational activities makes Lourdes a memorable spot for travellers.

Shopping

The Lourdes Covered Market is a vibrant public market located 1.1km from Massabielle Grotto, offering a variety of local goods. If you're up for a drive, Halle Marcadieu, 19.3km away, provides a family-friendly shopping experience with entertainment options.

Recreation

Lourdes Golf Club, located a mile from Massabielle Grotto, offers a scenic outdoor experience for golf enthusiasts. For ultimate relaxation, visit Argelès-Gazost Thermal Baths, seven miles away, where soothing body treatments await. Tarbes Les Tumulus Golf, ten miles away, provides another excellent golf option in a beautiful setting.

Adventure

At Massabielle Grotto, embark on a scenic hike along Voie Verte des Gaves, only 1.6km away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a thrilling ride, take the funicular to Pic du Jer, located 3.2km away, offering stunning views. In winter, enjoy skiing at Hautacam Ski Resort, 14.5km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Massabielle Grotto offers a mix of excitement and culture. Try your luck at the Bagneres-de-Bigorre Casino, enjoy thrilling rides at Mountain Luge, or catch a show at the Nouveautes Theater for a charming evening filled with entertainment and romance.

Find the best attractions near Massabielle Grotto

Massabielle Grotto in Lourdes offers a rich tapestry of cultural and outdoor experiences for visitors. Explore significant sites like the Lourdes Sanctuary and the renowned Lourdes Grotto, alongside charming historic houses and shrines that highlight the area's spiritual heritage. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or a deeper cultural immersion, there's something for everyone in this picturesque French destination.

  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: A stunning shrine that stands as a testament to faith, located a mere 161m from the Grotto. Its intricate mosaics and serene atmosphere create a deeply spiritual experience for visitors.
  • Basilica of the Immaculate Conception: This magnificent church, located right at the Grotto's doorstep, showcases remarkable architecture and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-see for those seeking inspiration and connection.
  • House of Sainte Bernadette: Just 805m away, this historic house offers a glimpse into the life of Saint Bernadette, complete with personal artifacts and an intimate setting that reflects her profound legacy.

Best time to go to Massabielle Grotto

The best time to visit Massabielle Grotto is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January37.2°F (2.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February38.1°F (3.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Massabielle Grotto

When visiting Massabielle Grotto, enjoy free entry and explore nearby attractions like the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Lourdes Covered Market at no cost. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider visiting between November and January, when prices drop. Saturdays are typically cheaper for stays compared to Sundays. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and package deals that combine flights and activities for savings. By filtering options based on your budget, you can secure great rates and potentially free stays while maximizing your experience in Lourdes.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Massabielle Grotto are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Massabielle Grotto is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Massabielle Grotto is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Massabielle Grotto with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.