Lourdes, France

The town of Lourdes is completely devoted to the Sanctuary and the streets are lined with hotels and souvenir shops selling all manner of religious items. We bought some small bottles to collect Holy water in, and a couple of rosaries, as well as our candles for the procession later tonight.
Our hotel, Gallia Lourdes, could have stepped right out of a set for Downton Abbey as it was furnished with vintage two seat conversation settees to the round multi seat settee. The dining room sported crystal chandeliers and vintage cornices and mouldings that really appealed to my decorating tastes. Near the Basilica, statues abound usually featuring Mary or Bernadette, and there were several areas where we could collect Holy Spring water. I'm glad we're not here in high season, as there were big enough crowds now!Read more