Lourdes
Lourdes, a town found in the Midi-Pyrénées, some six hours from Paris by TGV train, is known throughout the world as a highly spiritual place. In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, a 14 year old peasant girl in the Massabielle Grotto of Lourdes. Since these appearances, 67 miraculous healings have been recognised by religious authorities here. The town welcomes 6 million pilgrims coming from 150 different countries every year. Lourdes is one of the biggest Catholic Pilgrimages in the world, with the same popularity as Fatima and Rome.
Pariscityvision.com suggests that you discover this town starting from Paris after crossing several regions (La Beauce, la Touraine, le Poitou, Bordeaux, les Landes). This journey at the foot of the Pyrénées will allow you to follow Bernadette's footsteps, from the famous miraculous Grotto to the church of Saint Bernadette, passing by the Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire Baslica and torch lit processions. And last but not the least, a visit to the Castle Fort of Lourdes, sampling its cuisine, an important part of getting to know France, including its typical dishes such as the 'confits' of duck or goose.