Charles Luylier // Photo credits: PASCAL PAVANI / AFP 8:25 a.m., April 1, 2024
On this Easter weekend, a hundred thousand faithful from all over the world flocked to Lourdes. On the program: mass, meditation and fervor. In this holy, but above all tourist, city, Easter marks the first highlight of the season.
Facing the Cave of Apparitions, located in the heart of the sanctuary, endless queues form. From the Friday of the Easter weekend, Christians from all over the world flocked to Lourdes. For the holy city in southwest France, Easter weekend marks the start of the tourist season.
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What is most striking here is the diversity of languages spoken. Carolina traveled from Madrid: “We come twice a year to pray. We have been doing this since I was little with my parents. Now I continue,” explains this faithful Spaniard.
“It was sold out Friday and Saturday!”
Carolina is one of the 100,000 faithful who have flocked to Lourdes since Friday. This influx bodes well for the city's merchants. “There are people,” rejoices Virginie. In her shop, she points out small statuettes: "The best-seller is the plastic Virgins. The season is off to a good start and may it continue like this. I hope this heralds a good season."
A hope shared by tourism professionals, in the second largest hotel city in France, behind Paris. 140 hotels are ready to welcome visitors. “It was full Friday and Saturday,” reports Mickaël, employee of a hotel which was stormed this weekend. “These were reservations that were made quite in advance, that is to say at the end of last year. Because it lasts two or three days, but it’s really concentrated,” he explains. -he. Mickaël also expects to refuel in a month. With the military pilgrimage, 15,000 faithful from all over the world are expected in Lourdes.