We’ll be cycling through Lourdes this week. Any suggestions for what we should visit knowing we are wearing cycling clothes & cleats?
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
765 posts
Lourdes is a charming town with it's biggest attraction being the Sanctuary, which is set in a huge park-like setting. There are security guards outside all of the gate entrances to the park and signs that say what you can/cannot do. As with most churches in Europe, covering up will be appropriate. That may mean you carry a pant/skirt and sweatshirt to throw over your bicycle clothes. The sanctuary is incredible, even if one is not religious. There are 3 basilica, one built ontop of the other. Quite impressive! As are the grounds. Others may be able to chime in to give additional suggestions or info.
Posted by
West Michigan
886 posts
Bring or buy a small bottle for holy water. The right friend back home will be delighted.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3644 posts
Trish,
Please don't be put off by the many souvenier shops. They seemed tacky to me. In 2001 I was going as a Catholic to visit the shrine and basilica, but not on a full pilgrimage. Walking down a street on the way to the shrine area was a bit off-putting, until I remembered that most of the visitors were happy to be able to purchase and bring home a remembrance of their visit to Lourdes, and the shrine-associated businesses were a source of income for many people living there. So I recanted my first critical judgment. Just something to keep in mind.