Grand Hotel Moderne, building in Lourdes, France
The Grand Hotel Moderne is an Art Nouveau hotel in Lourdes built in 1896, with 110 rooms that feature high ceilings and large windows for natural light, with nearly all rooms having balconies. The exterior displays curved walls, ornamental stone balconies, and intricate carvings of flowers, animals, and angels, while the interior includes mosaics, detailed ceiling decorations, and a striking wooden staircase.
The hotel was founded in 1896 by Jean-Marie Soubirous, nephew of Saint Bernadette, and designed by architect Jean-Marie Lacrampe. It opened with modern features including elevators, hot water bathrooms, and individual phones in every room, becoming a symbol of Lourdes' growth following the reported apparition in 1858.
The hotel's restaurant bears the name of Louis Majorelle, the renowned Art Nouveau artist whose work adorns the interior staircase. Visitors can experience how the building served as a symbol of elegance and modernity for pilgrims arriving in Lourdes during the late 1800s.
The hotel sits very close to the Grotto and main shrine of Lourdes, with views of the sanctuary from many rooms. Guests can easily walk to the principal pilgrimage sites and choose from various room types, including accommodations with disabled access and options for families or groups.
When it opened, the hotel featured modern conveniences such as elevators on each floor and hot water bathrooms in every room, which were exceptional for the time. These innovations made it one of the most comfortable accommodations in the region and reflect the founders' vision of establishing Lourdes as a modern destination.
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