The main event of the day (15 minutes away on the bikes) was “Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes” (The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes) and was – in winter at least – a lovely, peaceful retreat set on the River Ousse.
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After initially being shooed out by the bouncer 😂 (because you are not allowed to cycle around the grounds) we secured the bikes outside and re-entered à pied (on foot 🦶 )…
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Within the grounds are the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception & – built directly underneath – the Basilica of the Our Lady of The Rosary.
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We arrived about 11:30am and Mass was being said in both churches so we explored the smaller surrounding chapels and I went to light a candle & say a prayer 🙏
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AND I have to report that I’ve been in a LOT of churches & nearly always light a candle but it’s the first time I’ve EVER been able to pay (€3 for the tiniest candle) with my phone at a terminal right next to the candle holder inside church – sign of the times, indeed !!! 💰🕯️💒🙏
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- Location: 43° 5′ 51.74″ N 0° 3′ 21.87″ W