France’s National Police detailed an “exceptional” security plan on 23 September, deploying 2,500 officers—including CRS riot units and RAID tactical teams—to Lourdes for the Pope’s 26-28 September pilgrimage. Authorities expect up to 200,000 worshippers on Sunday alone. The operation involves three logistics bases, dedicated traffic corridors and layered perimeter controls around the sanctuary and city access roads. Local police chiefs say preparation began in June, with daily joint-agency drills intensifying since early September. For mobility planners, the scale of the deployment means intermittent closures on the A64 motorway and regional rail links. Charter-bus operators must obtain timed entry permits, while ride-hailing services will face geo-fencing inside secure zones. Although the visit is an internal event, the Schengen Borders Code permits France to reintroduce temporary border controls for major gatherings. While no such decision has been announced, companies moving non-EU staff should ensure they travel with valid residence permits. Insurers urge organisers of side-events in the Pyrénées to verify coverage for crowd-related incidents, given the elevated national Vigipirate threat level.
Source: Police Nationale
