The sanctuary
PLACESDiscover the Sanctuary
Espace Bernadette Soubirous Nevers is located in the centre of Nevers, a few hundred meters from the train station, the former Palace of the Dukes of Nevers and the Cathedral.
St. Bernadette's Shrine
Bernadette’s body, when exhumed for the process of beatification, was found to be intact, to the surprise of those present. Since 3rd August 1925, following her beatification, Bernadette’s body lies in a glass shrine in the chapel of the convent of Saint- Gildard in Nevers.
The Grotto
A short distance from the chapel and the shrine of Bernadette, a replica of the grotto of Masabielle, where the apparitions had taken place, was built in 1884. People come here to pray.
St. Bernadette's Chapel
Built on the ruins of Saint Gildard’s Abbey, this simple and bright chapel was consecrated in 1856 when the community of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers moved into this new building.
The Museum
The museum highlights the various steps in Bernadette’s life: the cachot, the grotto, Hospice of Lourdes and her time in Nevers. Some photographs and artefacts depict her daily life.
Novitiate Chapel
Here in July 1866, wearing her Pyrenean costume, Bernadette told the story of the apparitions for the last time to 300 Sisters.
Holy Cross Oratory
Bernadette died at the age of 35 in the infirmary, which is now Holy Cross Oratory. During her thirteen years at Saint Gildard, she served as assistant-nurse, head-nurse and sacristan during which time she was often ill.
La Chapelle Saint-Joseph
Edifiée en 1860, c'est dans cette chapelle que Bernadette a été inhumée en 1879. Son corps a été exhumé deux fois en 1909 et 1919, après sa demande en béatification, et chaque fois retrouvé incorrompu. C'est en 1925, année de la béatification de Sainte Bernadette, que son corps est exhumé une dernière fois et transporté dans la chapelle principale. La chapelle St-Joseph est ouverte au public. (photo Gérard Polo)
Sleeping accomodation
Located in a unique setting in the town centre, Espace Bernadette provides sleeping accommodation for up to 200 people. Bedrooms are located on the first and second floors.
Dining Rooms
Food is served in the dining rooms seven days a week. Up to 200 people can be catered for daily.
The Cloister
A cloister, with huge glass windows, overlooks the flowerbeds. Its sunlit corridors lead to lounges, reading rooms, conference rooms and dining rooms.
The Facade
On 7th July 1866, Bernadette Soubirous accompanied by the Superior of Lourdes and two other young girls, crossed the threshold of the Motherhouse in Nevers. Engraved in stone, above the entrance, the words ‘Deus Charitas Est’ which Bernadette would have seen, describe the spirit of the Congregation since its foundation.
Les jardins
Le sanctuaire Sainte-Bernadette est entouré de 4 hectares de jardins. Certains sont ornementés de parterres fleuris, d'autres d'arbres et de buissons, un autre encore est planté de framboisiers et d'arbres fruitiers. Nouveauté : un parcours de senteurs sera ouvert aux pèlerins à l'été 2022. Autant des lieux propices au recueillement, à la méditation et au resourcement.
La boutique
Située à l'entrée de l'Espace Bernadette, on y trouve toutes sortes d'objets de piété, de livres liés à la spiritualité, de cartes postales... mais aussi des produits régionaux ! Une boutique en ligne est également à votre disposition. Vous en trouverez l'accès, tout en haut de notre page.
Meeting rooms
Espace Bernadette, formerly Saint-Gildard, offers multi-purpose rooms with professional equipment for up to 250 people.
