Lourdes in Southwestern France is one of the most-visited centers of Christian pilgrimages primarily on account of the famous Marian apparitions that are supposed to have taken place in 1858.

Nestled in the foothill of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is a small French town that shot into limelight in 1858 after reports that Our Lady of Lourdes had supernaturally appeared to Bernadette Soubiros on several occasions. Following reports of these Marian appearances and several accounts of miraculous healing, the place emerged as an important pilgrim center for Christians from all around the world, especially Catholics. The primary destination of pilgrims in Lourdes is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes where the highlights are the candlelight and sacrament processions. Other than that, visitors also make it a point to bathe in the spring water that wells out of the grotto outside the Sanctuary and which is reputed to have healing powers.

Today Lourdes is visited by some 5,000,000 pilgrims and tourists each season from March to October and is the largest pilgrimage destination in all of France. Lourdes in fact has the highest number of hotels in France after the national capital Paris. To avail best Lourdes hotel deals and advance reservation, visit www.ooaha.com.