The artisan candle company in Lourdes, founded nearly a century ago, has become an integral part of the Lourdes sanctuary, supplying candles for religious practices.

The tradition of lighting candles in Lourdes dates back to the Marian apparitions reported by Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, which are officially recognized by the Catholic Church.

Historically, local women developed the candle-making craft, which has grown into a vital part of Lourdes' cultural heritage and local economy.

Lourdes is famous for its eternal flame at the basilica, symbolizing faith and pilgrimage, which drew over 3.2 million visitors in 2024, marking a strong recovery after the COVID pandemic.

In 2021, the Lourdes candle factory was acquired by the Basilique du Rosaire to secure its future, leading to a production surge that exceeded three million units in 2025, with revenues reaching up to three million euros.

The company now supplies candles to major Catholic sites, including a significant contract with Notre-Dame de Paris in 2024, producing over one million votives for the cathedral's reopening.

The candles are crafted using sustainable materials like soybean oil, reflecting environmental responsibility inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si.

Overall, the Lourdes candle business has experienced substantial growth, emphasizing its importance in religious symbolism and community identity.

The pilgrimage rituals involve touching the grotto, drinking from the source, and lighting candles, practices that symbolize faith and are rooted in Bernadette's gestures.