Parking Castillon

At 7:00 am, we began our peaceful walk through the quiet streets of Lourdes, tracing the steps once taken by Bernadette (read about later). The early hour gave the town a much more peaceful atmosphere than our arrival yesterday, with only the soft sounds of our footsteps and the gentle sound of the Ousse River. As we approached the Basilica of Lourdes, the sky began to glow with the first light of the sunrise, casting a pink hue over the sacred site. The stillness of the morning was broken only by the faint echoes of hymns and the familiar monotonous sound of a catholic mass, as we reached the Basilica just in time to witness the closing moments of the morning mass. The sight of the faithful in prayer, coupled with the soft glow of dawn, created a ritualistic cultish feeling. We followed the crowd to the spigots of healing water and partook in touching the water and Lisa even drank a bit. We walked up the steps to get a better view of the basilica, and as the sun was rising I opened my birthday card from Sebastian I had been carrying the whole trip. Lisa made me a wonderful omelette breakfast for my birthday, and then we hit the road quite late at about noon to head to our next Warmshower. It was a beautiful ride from Lourdes to Bagnères-de-Bigorre, a scenic journey through the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees. The quiet countryside roads were lined with lush greenery, the soft hum of nature accompanying us as we pedaled along, feeling the crisp mountain air against our skin. As we neared Bagnères-de-Bigorre, the landscape opened up, revealing the charming town nestled in the valley with the mountains standing proudly in the distance. In Bagnères-de-Bigorre, we stopped for a well-deserved break, heading to the town's Central Park for a peaceful picnic. Surrounded by the vibrant trees and locals enjoying the sunny afternoon, we found a quiet bench in the sun and enjoyed a simple meal, savoring fresh bread, cheese, and humus. The park was a perfect place to rest, the calmness of the surroundings restoring our energy for the next leg of the journey. After lunch, we mounted our bikes again and headed toward Col de Palomières, a scenic mountain pass. The climb was challenging (not a challenging as others on this trip), but the stunning views of the Pyrenean peaks made every pedal stroke worth it. Reaching the col was rewarding , and we were greeted by Aude, our Warmshowers host, at 5:30 as she met us on her cycle ride commuting home from work. She had a warm smile and an easygoing energy that made us instantly feel at ease. Together with Aude, we rode through the picturesque roads that wound through the countryside, en route to Esparros. The peaceful beauty of the route took our breath away, with rolling hills, expansive meadows, and the occasional glimpse of distant mountain ranges. It was nice to have Aude as our tour guide.
When we finally arrived at Kevin and Aude’s amazing cottage, we were welcomed by Kevin and his smile was equally as welcoming as Aude’s. The cozy cottage had stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, framed by a beautiful garden bursting with flowers. Chickens roamed in their pen, adding a rustic charm to the setting, and the garden overflowed with fresh herbs and vegetables. The atmosphere was serene and relaxing, offering the perfect end to our day’s adventure. As the evening set in, we felt grateful to have found this picturesque sanctuary after a day of cycling through such stunning landscapes. Aude made an improvisational plum pie for dessert to celebrate my birthday. We also ate bread with trite fish and herbs, cheeses (of course), and “tortilla” (we would call frittata.)It was a super special evening and again I can’t tell how special these Warmshower experiences are. With drinks, stories, good food, and Kevin coming back from badminton class at 10:30, before we realized it was after midnight when we headed to bed. The riding today was some of the prettiest riding we have done! Video link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAYqwioMbiQ/?igs…
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This next part is from ChatGPt (you may want to skip)
**Saint Bernadette of Lourdes**
Saint Bernadette Soubirous was born in 1844 in Lourdes, France, to a humble and devout Catholic family. Her life changed in 1858 when, at the age of 14, she experienced a series of 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary at the Grotto of Massabielle. During these apparitions, Bernadette described seeing a beautiful lady in white, who later identified herself as the "Immaculate Conception." Despite initial skepticism from local authorities and even the Church, Bernadette’s unwavering account of the visions drew significant attention.

In one of these visions, Mary instructed Bernadette to dig into the ground, revealing a spring. This spring, still flowing today, became a source of healing for many, and pilgrims soon began flocking to Lourdes to visit the Grotto and seek its miraculous waters. Though Bernadette lived the rest of her life in relative seclusion as a nun, she was canonized in 1933 for her holiness and humility. Today, Saint Bernadette remains a symbol of faith, simplicity, and the power of divine grace.

**The History of Lourdes**
Before Bernadette’s visions, Lourdes was a small, unremarkable town nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains. The apparitions of 1858 transformed Lourdes into one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims began traveling to Lourdes to visit the Grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared and to bathe in the spring’s healing waters, which many believe have miraculous properties.

The Catholic Church recognized the apparitions in 1862, and Lourdes quickly developed into a center of devotion and healing. Numerous cures and recoveries attributed to the waters of Lourdes have been documented over the years, though the Church requires thorough investigation before declaring them miracles. Today, Lourdes welcomes millions of visitors annually from all over the world, making it one of the most significant destinations for spiritual and physical healing.

**The Basilica of Lourdes**
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, often simply called the Basilica of Lourdes, is an iconic symbol of the city’s spiritual significance. Built between 1866 and 1871, this grand neo-Gothic basilica rises dramatically above the Grotto where Bernadette had her visions. It’s sometimes referred to as the "Upper Basilica" because it sits atop the rock face overlooking the Grotto of Massabielle.

The basilica is part of a larger sanctuary complex that also includes the Rosary Basilica (completed in 1901) and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X (built in 1958 to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims). Together, these structures form a powerful spiritual hub, reflecting the devotion that surrounds Lourdes.

The **Grotto of Massabielle** beneath the Basilica remains the focal point of pilgrimages, with thousands of visitors coming to light candles, pray, and touch the sacred rock where Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary. Additionally, the nearby **Lourdes Baths**, fed by the spring uncovered by Bernadette, offer a unique opportunity for pilgrims seeking healing or spiritual renewal. Every year, Lourdes hosts numerous religious processions, including candlelit vigils, bringing together people from all walks of life in a powerful expression of faith and hope.

Lourdes continues to inspire millions worldwide, offering a place of refuge, healing, and profound spiritual encounters.Read more