A pilgrimage to Lourdes is built around the Sanctuary. Between times of prayer, many group leaders look for an activity that brings Bernadette’s story to life in another way, for the whole group, from young people to the sick. Here are the stops groups most often combine, and how to fit in the musical Bernadette de Lourdes, playing in Lourdes from April to October 2027.
At the Sanctuary
- The Grotto of Massabielle, where Bernadette Soubirous saw the Virgin Mary in 1858, and the baths.
- The torchlight Marian procession, every evening at 9 pm from April to October, from the Grotto to the esplanade.
- Group celebrations: Mass at the Grotto, Way of the Cross, sacrament of reconciliation, to be booked with the Sanctuary’s pilgrimage service.
In Bernadette’s footsteps, in town
- The Boly Mill, Bernadette’s birthplace.
- The Cachot, the room where the Soubirous family lived at the time of the apparitions.
- The Sanctuary offers a guided tour, “In Bernadette’s footsteps”, linking these places, lasting about 1 hour 30 minutes.
The musical Bernadette de Lourdes
In 1 hour 30 minutes, the musical tells the life of Bernadette Soubirous and the apparitions of 1858. It is a historical re-enactment, staged close to the Sanctuary, in a new production. It is performed in French, with surtitles possible in several languages, so it works for groups from abroad.
- 98 performances from 3 April to 17 October 2027, one a day, at 3 pm or 8 pm.
- Pilgrimage and group prices: €34 per person, €29 for under-18s, and 30 seats bought = 1 free seat.
- No commitment: you place an option on a date, then confirm it.
See the dates and request a group option
Planning the day
- On the evening of the procession, choose the 3 pm performance. An 8 pm performance ends around 9:30 pm, after the torchlight procession has set off.
- The 8 pm performance suits another evening of the stay: a full evening out for the group after dinner.
- For young people and school groups, the musical is good preparation for visiting Bernadette’s places: they then recognise the Boly Mill and the Cachot.
- A rest day can be spent on the Pic du Jer, above the town, by the funicular opened in 1900, bookable for groups of 15 to 60 people.
Questions from group leaders
How long is the show? 1 hour 30 minutes.
Is the show suitable for children? It tells Bernadette’s story as it is discovered in Lourdes, and under-18s get a group rate of €29.
How far ahead should we book? The option is free of commitment: place it as soon as your dates in Lourdes are known, and confirm later.
My date is not in the calendar. Mention it in your request: a few performances can be added.
