France
Lourdes
Situated in the foot hills of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is the most visited shrine in France. Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to Bernadette Soubirous on a total of eighteen occasions, Lourdes has developed into a major place of Roman Catholic pilgrimage. The apparitions took place in 1858. The spring water from the grotto is believed the reason that so many people travel to Lourdes for year after year.
Lisieux
The Basilica of St. Thérèse of Lisieux is located in the North of France, with more than two million visitors a year it is the second largest pilgrimage site in France, after Lourdes. Thérèse of Lisieux (2 January 1873 – 30 September 1897), was a French Carmelite nun. The simple and humble way she lived her life draws many people to this wonderful shrine.
Nevers
Many pilgrims who travel to Lourdes feel that a journey to Nevers completes the story of Bernadette. Nevers is located South East of Paris. Bernadette moved here at the age of 22 and joined the Sisters of Charity. Pilgrims are able to venerate the body of Bernadette which is situated at the mother house in a in a gold and crystal casket.
Rocamadour
Rocamadour a truly breathtaking location situated in the Lot Provence of France and built vertically out the rock face. The town is a monastic community where people come on pilgrimage to visit the shrine of the black Madonna and the tomb of Zaccheus of Jericho.
