1L Lourdes water in a blue plastic bottle with Lourdes Apparition

This bottle holds one litre of water drawn from the spring at the Grotto of Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. It bears an illustration of the Apparition.

Where this water comes from

From the Grotto itself. Our shops have stood in Lourdes since 1914, on the boulevard leading to the Sanctuary, and we go down to the spring each morning to fill the bottles by hand.

The water is given freely by the Sanctuary: it is neither bought nor sold. Your payment covers the container, the work of filling it and the shipping. We think it right to say so plainly.

Filling the bottles at the spring of the Grotto (video in French).

Can you drink Lourdes water?

Yes. It is natural spring water, drinkable, and tested regularly by the Sanctuary. It may be drunk as any spring water would be, and our bottle meets European food-safety standards.

Many pilgrims take a sip at the Grotto and carry some home with them. Since 1858 the Church has recognised 70 healings declared miraculous at Lourdes, each following lengthy medical examination. It should nonetheless be said that the water does not act of itself: it accompanies prayer without ever taking its place.

Why choose the one-litre size

A litre provides a lasting supply: enough to bless the rooms of your home, fill a family holy water font, see a full novena through, share with those close to you, or refill smaller bottles to give away.

Should you prefer a size to carry in a bag or to distribute on returning from a pilgrimage, we recommend the set of four 100 ml bottles. For everyday use there is also a stainless steel insulated flask holding 500 ml.

How Lourdes water is used

A sign of the cross on waking, a few drops on the forehead of a child who is unwell, a font placed by the front door, a bottle taken to a hospital or left at a graveside, a baptism, a First Communion: the uses are many and deeply personal.

The water often accompanies a novena to Our Lady of Lourdes. A Lourdes candle is lit and the Lourdes rosary recited, for nine consecutive days.

More than 230 customers have rated this bottle 9.8/10.