Salford Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
Here you will find all the information you need to help you identify the best travel and accommodation option for your pilgrimage with us.
Travel and accommodation details for our Centenary Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2024 will be released in due course.
Bookings should be made with our travel partner Joe Walsh Tours who are an agent of Northern Star Travel which is registered in England and ATOL protected (ATOL number 11313). We continue to strive to ensure the best possible travel options for our pilgrims and are confident that the pricing available for pilgrims remains competitive in the current economic circumstances.
Prices are based on 6 nights full board accommodation with return flights from Manchester airport departing TBC. Prices also include airport transfers to and from your hotel in Lourdes, airport taxes and UK government levy.
​
The range of hotels offered are reviewed annually and have been chosen based on previous pilgrims' experience, cleanliness, quality of food and proximity to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. They also cover a range of budgets.
The Sanctuary is an enclosed area covering 124 acres which is home to the Blessed Grotto, basilicas, churches, rosary square, the esplanade on which processions take place daily, stations of the cross, and also a large open area next to the river, known as the prairie.
​
Once you have identified the hotel in which you'd like to stay, please download and complete the booking form at the bottom of this page and return to Joe Walsh Tours. You can also book over the phone with Joe Walsh Tours by contacting them directly on 0808 1890468 or by email info@joewalshtours.co.uk.
​
The pilgrimage recommends booking your travel insurance with Joe Walsh Tours when making your booking in order for us to assist you more easily in the event of medical issues or a person experiencing covid whilst on pilgrimage.
Pilgrims requiring medical and nursing support will need to complete and return a medical assessment form which can be found at the bottom of this page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lourdes this Summer.
​
Affiliation for those travelling independently:
It is our hope to welcome as many pilgrims as possible and to try and find ways of ensuring they are included and informed of the pastoral activities organised during our time in Lourdes.
To do this, we wish to provide each pilgrim with a name badge and copies of the pilgrimage booklet and programme. Naturally there is a cost associated with the administration of the pilgrimage and providing this information. Additionally, there is now a compulsory contribution required by the Sanctuaries of Lourdes for each pilgrim taking part in a diocesan pilgrimage. This contribution is made towards the maintenance costs associated with the operation of the shrine and has increased year on year.
These administrative costs and costs to the Sanctuaries are included within the advertised price of those who book to travel with our tour operator Joe Walsh Tours. However, if you are travelling independently and would like to register to take part in the pilgrimage it is important that you complete and return the ‘Affiliation Form’, found at the bottom of this page, to the pilgrimage office with the relevant fee enclosed for each person named. The affiliation fee applies to those over the age of 18.
Thank you.
​
Useful Links:
​
Joe Walsh Tours Website - click here
​
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes website - click here
​
UK Government Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) - click here
​
UK Government Travel Advice for France - click here
​
Manchester Airport website - click here
​
​
​
Below you will see our chosen hotels for 2023. If you would like more information about a specific hotel, please click on the image of your chosen hotel to visit their website.
Hotel St Louis de France
3*
£TBC
Hôtel Saint Louis de France is a familiar hotel in the heart of the village of Lourdes. With a perfect location, the hotel is characterized by its imposing architecture and easy access. Many of the bedrooms have balconies overlooking the river.
Hotel Agena
3*
£TBC
138 comfortable and tastefully decorated bedrooms of the hotel, all equipped with flat screen TV and international channels. Air-conditioned and bedrooms mostly with walk in shower units and WC, hair dryer. Special adapted wheelchair friendly bedrooms are available on several floors.
Hotel Eliseo
4*
£TBC
Our 204 sound-proofed, spacious rooms and suites with modern equipment and a private bathroom promise the best comfort for you. They have been designed to have a warm, cosy atmosphere where contemporary furniture and warm colours are in perfect harmony.
Hotel La Solitude
4*
£TBC
The Hôtel La Solitude has single, double, twin, triple and quadruple rooms as well as suites. Some rooms have views of the Sanctuary, the Castle, the river or the surrounding peaks.There is a small rooftop pool and sun garden. The hotel is the main base for our pilgrimage family. Our sick pilgrims stay in specially adapted rooms in this hotel.
Hotel Astoria Vatican
3*
* YOUTH GROUPS ONLY - CONTACT YOUR GROUP LEADER *
Consisting of 3 buildings arranged around an interior courtyard, this 3 star hotel has a history that makes it unique. Its proximity to the Sanctuary of Our Lady and its traditional décor immerses you in the mysteries of Lourdes.