Espace Bernadette Soubirous Nevers, Religious sanctuary in Nevers, France

Espace Bernadette Soubirous Nevers is a former convent and sanctuary in Nevers. Its main building, with a pediment inscribed "Deus Charitas Est", faces a gravel path and gardens. The chapel holds Bernadette's body in a glass reliquary to the right of the main altar. A low stone chapel with arched windows stands at the edge of the grounds.

A priory dedicated to Saint Lupus and later Saint Gildard stood on this hilltop site from the late 7th or early 8th century. In 1853 Bishop Dominique-Augustin Dufêtre assigned its rebuilding as a religious house; the new Saint Gildard Convent was consecrated on 15 July 1856 and became the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. Bernadette Soubirous entered the novitiate in 1866 and died here on 16 April 1879. The convent was converted into a sanctuary in 1970.

The space tells the story of Bernadette's life after Lourdes and how she lived as a nun within this religious community. The exhibitions document her personal journey and spiritual growth during her time here.

The sanctuary is open daily to visitors and offers space for groups and individuals. It is helpful to check opening hours in advance to plan your visit and understand which areas are publicly accessible.

Within the sanctuary stands a replica of the Lourdes grotto constructed in 1884 that contains an authentic stone fragment from the original Massabielle grotto. This detail connects two significant religious sites through a genuine piece of rock.