Lourdes – In the footsteps of Bernadette

Itinerary

Accompanied by theologian and tour guide Alfred Höfler

Lourdes is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in the world. Millions of people – seekers, believers, questioners, and doubters – visit this place in the French Pyrenees every year. In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to the young Bernadette in the grotto of Massabielle. Since then, Lourdes has been considered a place of prayer, healing, and encounter. On this trip, we will be accompanied by experienced theologian and tour guide Alfred Höfler. His insights, discussions, and thoughts will provide us with guidance and space for personal reflection. In addition to the joint program, there will also be time for individual visits, quiet prayer, or your own explorations.

Day 1: Arrival in Nevers

Our journey takes us via Basel, Beaune (lunch), and Autun to Nevers. The city towers over the Loire and looks back on a rich monastic tradition. The intact body of Bernadette Soubirous rests in the monastery of Saint-Gildard, which we will visit together. Afterwards, we will check into our hotel and end the day with dinner together.

Day 2: Nevers – Rocamadour – Lourdes

We travel through the lovely landscape of central France to Rocamadour, an impressive pilgrimage site on the rock. Here we enjoy lunch together and soak up the special atmosphere of this pilgrimage site. In the late afternoon, we reach Lourdes and check into our rooms at the ****Hôtel Alba, which is only a few minutes' walk from the Holy District. After dinner together, there is the opportunity to take part in the moving torchlight procession.

Day 3: Discovering the holy sites of Lourdes

Today we discover Lourdes together with Alfred Höfler, an experienced theologian who shares background information and history with us. We will visit the most important sites, such as the Grotto of Massabielle, the Basilicas of Notre-Dame and St. Pius X, and the Way of the Cross with its impressive stations. We will experience many of the program items together, but there will also be time for individual sightseeing or personal moments. Lunch and dinner at the Hôtel Alba (full board). In the evening, there will be an opportunity to take part in the torchlight procession.​​​​​​​

Day 4: Old town & shrines – Lourdes in detail

In the morning, participation in the international mass in the Basilica of St. Pius X (optional). Followed by a walk through the old town with Bernadette's birthplace. The afternoon is optional: visit to the Cité Saint-Pierre or free time. Alfred Höfler will accompany us again today with interesting explanations about the history and significance of the places. Lunch and dinner at the Hôtel Alba (full board). In the evening, there is the option of taking part in the torchlight procession.​​​​​​​

Day 5: Carcassonne – Abbaye de Fontfroide – Narbonne

After breakfast, we head to Carcassonne, where we take a guided tour of the impressive fortified city. After a picnic on the way, we continue to Fontfroide Abbey: We visit the impressive monastery complex and taste the house wines. In the evening, we arrive in Narbonne, where we spend the night in a ****hotel and end the day with dinner together.​​​​​​​

Day 6: Return journey

After breakfast, we begin our return journey. Our route takes us through the picturesque Rhone Valley. We stop for lunch in the Vienne area before driving back to our departure points via Geneva.

Our hotels

Nevers – Best Western Hôtel de Diane
Charming 4★ hotel in the heart of Nevers, ideally located for visiting the Saint-Gildard monastery. Dinner in the hotel restaurant (half board).

Lourdes – Hôtel Alba
Comfortable 4★ hotel, just a few minutes' walk from the holy district. Modern rooms, friendly atmosphere, and good cuisine. 1× half board, 2× full board.

Narbonne – Novotel Narbonne
Modern 4★ hotel in a convenient location with stylish rooms and an in-house restaurant. Dinner included (half board).