Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM

Two days before the city prepares to host the annual pilgrimage which will see a drastic slow down due to the absence of overseas tourists who flock to the region each year, the streets appear almost deserted. Lourdes is the site where it is said the Holy Mother of God appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Masabielle, in 1858. Pilgrims are invited to drink from the fountain of holy water and join three days of prayer. "Lourdes is a town which has been particularly affected by the economic crisis," French Economy Minister told the press, "with some businesses losing up to 85 percent of their revenue. The town has seen a 70% to 80% drop in its usual activities" he said. Photo by Patrick Batard/ABACAPRESS.COM