This rock grotto, then still outside the village, was the spot where Our Lady appeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Bernadette later became a nun and died at the age of just 35. On December 8, 1933 (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception), she was canonized by Pope Pius XI.

Translated by

•

AM Camino

July 14, 2022

Hiking

Rene's photo does not show the apparition grotto, but the modern candle chapels on the opposite bank of the river.

Translated by

•

Bettina

June 25, 2025

Hiking

It's fascinating and moving to see people entering the grotto, repeatedly touching the rock—even if you're a critical sort, it doesn't leave you cold...

Translated by

•

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Routes here

Best routes to Grotte de l'apparition

4.9

(9)

171

hikers

1. Lourdes – Saint Michael's Gate loop from Lourdes

4.13km

01:08

70m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

4.0

(29)

236

hikers

2. Lourdes – Grotte de l'apparition loop from Lourdes

8.55km

02:25

180m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(5)

hikers

3. Chapelle de la Reconciliation – Grotte de l'apparition loop from Lourdes

4.83km

01:18

60m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 400 m

Weather

Monday 9 February

17°C

8°C

97 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

Add now

Location: Lourdes, Argelès-Gazost, Occitania, France

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

Ancienne Gare Supérieure

Bahntrassenradweg Lourdes

Summit Station of Pibeste

Chapelle de la Reconciliation

Mont de Gez

Domaine du sanctuaire de Lourdes

vallée de Castelloubon

Petit Jer

View of Lake Lourdes

Lourdes

Ossen

Grotte de l'apparition

1. Lourdes – Saint Michael's Gate loop from Lourdes

2. Lourdes – Grotte de l'apparition loop from Lourdes

3. Chapelle de la Reconciliation – Grotte de l'apparition loop from Lourdes

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️