A multi-story basilica greets visitors and dominates the town.
At the top is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, or Basilique de L'Immaculée Conception, with its soaring tower.
The Immaculate Conception Basilica contains beautiful stained glass windows that present the eighteen visions that Bernadette had of the Virgin, with brief explanations of each.
Underneath the upper basilica are two other structures. The Crypt and the Rosary Basilica (Basilique du Rosaire). The Rosary Basilica was designed to be the base of the Immaculate Conception. Embraced by elliptical ramps, the approach across the parvis (the square in front of the church) is lovely and harmonious. The interior is decorated with mosaics and paintings of saints and religious scenes. It is topped with a golden crown and cross.
Source: France Travel Planner
