Bernadette Soubirous saw the Virgin Mary in a a now known sacred place called as Grotte de Massabielle. If you want to have one religious and spiritual holiday experience at Lourdes, it is a must for you to explore the shrine and the grotto, which is reported to have seated more than 20,000 guests at a time. If you prefer to purchase memorabilia for your trip at Lourdes, do not forget to tour along the numerous shops that sell various souvenirs and other religious Lourdes remembrances.