Bonjour from the regional train back to Toulouse. This was our last touring day. 

We met at 7 am in the lobby as a group to walk to the train station, ready for the 2 hour rail ride to Lourdes. It’s a spiritual place in France, a pilgrimage for many. 

The train ride through France again, charming and rocking through vast countryside with mountains off in the distance. Fields of sunflowers and hay bales, farm houses and small quaint villages. It was relaxing and lovely. 

I have been to a few very spiritual places in my travel history and this place was unique unto its own. A very special place. 

Several large churches/ basilica buildings of magnificent proportions. Creative markings and significant details depicting the historic stories of this place. According to the biblical story a young poor girl was visited at a grotto by a vision of Mary and over time. The basilica was built on the site of the grotto where this occurred. The water is provided for pilgrims and visitors and those seeking healing and spiritual comfort to come, wash their faces and drink this water. We did. We touched the stones of the grotto. 

We saw processions of persons in wheel chairs accompanied by their helpers and caregivers. Parades of religious leaders from all over the world. Very little commercialism present at the holy places. Sounds of chanting and singing. And silence. It was lovely. It was peaceful. The trees. The hopeful faces of praying people. 

Perhaps upon reflection it is a life changing experience and deeply moving place. 

I am so grateful to have been here.