Lourdes has a unique relationship with disability. Since 1858, the Sanctuary has placed the sick and disabled at the centre, literally: at the Blessing of the Sick ceremony, it is those in wheelchairs and on stretchers who occupy the front positions, with the able-bodied standing behind in support. This is not token inclusion; it is a profound theological statement about who holds the place of honour at Lourdes. The practical implications are equally real: Lourdes is among the most comprehensively accessible pilgrimage destinations in the world.

The Lourdes Hospitalité

The Hospitalité Notre-Dame de Lourdes is a 5,000-strong volunteer organisation that exists specifically to serve pilgrims with illness, disability and mobility challenges. Hospitalité volunteers (brancardiers for men, handmaids for women) are trained in care, lifting, pushing voiturettes (wheelchair carriages) and providing personal assistance. They are present throughout the Sanctuary from early morning until after the evening procession. Their service is entirely free of charge.

Voiturettes: The Lourdes Wheelchair Carriages

Voiturettes are the low, push-along wheelchair carriages unique to Lourdes. Pushed by brancardiers, they allow pilgrims with significant mobility challenges to participate in every procession and ceremony, including the Torchlight Procession and the Way of the Cross (accessible flat route). Voiturettes are loaned free of charge at the Hospitalité office near the main entrance to the Sanctuary Domain.

Accessible Routes and Facilities

The Sanctuary Domain is almost entirely flat and paved, with dropped kerbs throughout. The Grotto, Baths, Rosary Garden and all three major Basilicas are accessible by wheelchair. The hillside Way of the Cross is steep and stone-paved, but the Sanctuary provides a flat accessible Way of the Cross route at the base of the hill. The underground Basilica of Saint Pius X has direct ground-level access and space for hundreds of wheelchair users.

The Baths for Pilgrims with Disabilities

The Baths have accessible facilities and the Hospitalité team is trained to assist pilgrims with any level of mobility challenge, including those who are paralysed or bedridden. For pilgrims with serious illness attending organised pilgrimages, a dedicated session of the Baths (the "Bains des malades") is typically included in the programme with priority access and maximum support.

Getting to Lourdes with a Disability

Lourdes–Tarbes airport is accessible with ramp-equipped aircraft and wheelchair service available from most airlines on request (book at least 48 hours in advance). Lourdes train station has lift access and assistance service (book via SNCF Assist). All hotels in our pilgrimage packages have accessible ground-floor rooms available on request. Please inform us of any mobility requirements when you request your quote and we will ensure every detail is arranged.

Travelling as a Carer

Carers and family members accompanying disabled pilgrims are welcomed equally. On our pilgrimage programmes, carers participate in the full programme alongside the pilgrims they support. The Hospitalité also provides volunteer carer support, so family carers can occasionally step back and participate in liturgy as their own pilgrims, something carers rarely have the opportunity to do.