fbpx
(800) 715-6670 Support@catholicjourneys.com
(800) 715-6670 Support@catholicjourneys.com

France Pilgrimage – Best Shrines of France

(7 Reviews)
Pilgrimage to France and Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel

France Pilgrimage – Best Shrines of France Tour explores some of the country’s most significant shrines, churches, basilicas, and religious monuments.  Beginning in Lourdes, the renowned shrine famed for physical and spiritual healing, this pilgrimage allows ample time for prayer at the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette under the designation of “the Immaculate Conception” in 1858, as well as for bathing in the Miraculous Water if available.  We will also visit the Boly Mill and the Cachot, the prison where Bernadette’s family once resided, and we may take part in the nightly Candlelight Processions.  In Toulouse, we will tour the Eglise des Jacobins, where St. Thomas Aquinas is buried, before proceeding to the clifftop shrine of Rocamadour, home to an early Christian hermit named Zaccheus, the tax collector of Jericho.  He came to the region known as Gaul with St. Veronica and St. Mary Magdalen to spread the good news.  Here, we will attend Mass and visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Rocamadour, which houses a miraculous Virgin Mary statue and St. Zaccheus’s tomb.  In Paray-le-Monial, we will explore the Chapel of the Visitation, where Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.  In Nevers, we will visit the convent where St. Bernadette lived until she died in 1879 and see her incorrupt body, which is miraculously preserved.

As you pilgrimage to France, you will visit le  Mont St. Michel, built on the site where St. Michael the Archangel appeared three times.  Originally founded as a sanctuary and consecrated in 709, it is now classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it is said to be the most photographed monument in all of France.  It is in Lisieux that the Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour will visit the Shrine dedicated to St. Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. Often referred to as “the Little Flower,” St. Therese showed us how to become a saint by “doing small things with great love.” We will visit the Basilica dedicated to the Saint Pope Pius X called “the greatest saint of modern times.” We will visit “the Carmel,” the Convent where she lived, “Les Buissonets,” her family home, and the Ancient Cathedral of St. Peter.  In Paris, we will celebrate Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, where the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure and the incorrupt heart of St. Vincent de Paul are located.  We will also visit the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul nearby, which houses a magnificent reliquary with his remains.  Her guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin revealed the miraculous medal and the green scapular.  The France Pilgrimage Tour would not be complete without a panoramic sightseeing tour of the City of Lights to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, and Champs Elysees.  Why don’t you make your Pilgrimage to France by booking a France Pilgrimage – Best Shrines of France for 2025 or 2026 today?

Tour Details France Pilgrimage - Best Shrines of France
See the Best Shrines of France on this pilgrimage to France including St. Bernadette · St. Thomas Aquinas · St. Therese the Little Flower · Our Lady of Rocamadour - St. Margaret Mary Alacoque · St. Catherine Laboure - St. Vincent de Paul - Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel

Departure & Return Location

Departure Time

Arrive for Check-in 3 Hours Before Flight Time

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Complementaries

  • Name and Luggage tags
  • Neck Wallet
  • Travel Bag

Tour Size

  • Average tour size for Best Shrines of France is 21 except private groups
Itinerary for France Pilgrimage - Best Shrines of France
See the following on the Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage - St. Bernadette · St. Thomas Aquinas · St. Therese the Little Flower · Our Lady of Rocamadour - St. Margaret Mary Alacoque · St. Catherine Laboure - St. Vincent de Paul - Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel

Day 1Depart Home

Begin your pilgrimage to France by departing home for your overnight flight to Europe. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

Day 2Arrive Lourdes

lourdes procession shrine france pilgrimage tour catholic journeyspilgrim seeking holy water lourdes shrine france pilgrimage tour catholic journeysUpon your arrival in Europe, you will connect to your flight to Toulouse, Pau, or Lourdes airport.  After landing, you will collect your luggage and exit the baggage claim into the arrivals hall, where a tour guide and/or driver will greet you.  You will be escorted to the vehicle, which will take you on a scenic drive to Lourdes.  Once you arrive, you will check in to your hotel and have time to relax or explore before dinner.  After dinner, you may choose to take part in the candlelight procession before settling in for the night.

Day 3 & 4Lourdes

lourdes grotto in france on pilgrimage tour with catholic journeys During the next two days in Lourdes, you will have time to pray with fellow pilgrims from around the world.  Throughout your pilgrimage tour, you will have the chance to attend Mass at the Grotto, watch a video presentation that tells the story of Lourdes, and walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette.  Visit Boly Mill, where St. Bernadette was born, and the “Cachot,” an abandoned prison where Bernadette’s impoverished family lived.  Unite your prayers with those of pilgrims from across the globe as you pray for the sick, drink from the miraculous spring, or immerse yourself in the healing baths if available.  Experience Christ’s love as you journey along the life-sized Stations of the Cross overlooking the holy Grotto.  Kneel in the chapel built on the very rock of the Grotto, in obedience to the request of the “Immaculate Conception.” Evenings are free for an optional Blessed Sacrament Procession before dinner.  Your role in the universal Church will take on new meaning as you participate in the candlelight procession and group rosary.

The Shrine of Lourdes has a daily schedule of activities, and you are welcome to participate.  The schedule can be found at the Lourdes Sanctuary here

Day 5Lourdes – Toulouse Basilica of St. Sernin - Eglise & Couvent des Jacobins - Shrine of Our Lady of Rocamadour

shrine of our lady of rocamadour france pilgrimage tour catholic journeys

st. sernin exterior toulouse france pilgrimage tour catholic journeysAfter an early breakfast, we head to Toulouse. Once an important Roman colony, Toulouse is filled with religious and historical treasures.  The Basilica of St. Sernin is one of the finest Romanesque churches in France.  St. Thomas Aquinas is buried in the Eglise des Jacobins in Toulouse.  The city is also proud to host 20 historical pipe organs, more than any other city in France.  After our tour, we will continue on to Rocamadour, situated atop a rocky plateau overlooking the Alzou Valley.  Rocamadour was home to an early Christian hermit named Zaccheus of Jericho.  He died in 70 A.D. and conversed with Jesus himself.  Zaccheus was the husband of St. Veronica, who wiped the face of Jesus as he climbed to Calvary.  Once we arrive, we will visit one of its most significant sites: the Shrine of Our Lady of Rocamadour, a complex of religious structures centered around a miraculous Virgin Mary statue and an ancient saint’s tomb.  We will enjoy a lovely dinner before returning to our hotel.

Day 6Paray Le Monial - Chapel of the Visitation

margaret mary receiving sacred heart france pilgrimage tour pilgrimage to francebasilica paray le monial with water best shrines of france pilgrimage to FranceAfter an early breakfast, we will start our journey to Paray-le-Monial, where we will visit the Chapel of the Visitation.  Here, Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during several apparitions.  We will also see the Reliquary of St. Margaret, which contains her relics and is located beneath a wax figure of the saint.  You will then have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure.  Dinner and overnight stay are included.

Day 7Nevers - St. Bernadette's incorrupt body

After an early breakfast, we will depart for Nevers via the picturesque Loire Valley.  After taking the veil in 1867, St. Bernadette lived for 12 years as a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Nevers.  At least three times during her brief lifetime, she received the last Sacraments.  In addition to asthma, she gradually faced other illnesses, including pulmonary tuberculosis and a tubercular tumor in her right knee.  St. Bernadette eventually passed away at the age of 35.  Visit St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body at the convent of St. Gildard, miraculously preserved since she died in 1879.  Dinner and overnight stay in Nevers.

Day 8Le Mont Saint Michel Abbey

Mont st. michel france pilgrimage tour Pilgrimage to France

After an early breakfast, we will travel to Mont St. Michel.  Upon arrival, we will spend the day touring Le Mont Saint Michel and exploring the various stages of its construction, which earned it its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.  Here, Aubert, Bishop of d’Avranches, established a sanctuary on Mont-Tombe following three successive appearances by the Archangel Michael.  Consecrated in 709, the church has attracted the curious and pilgrims worldwide ever since.

After serving as a prison from the French Revolution until the Second Empire, the Abbey became the responsibility of the Historical Monuments Department in 1874.  Since 1969, the Abbey has hosted a monastic community, ensuring the continuation of its spiritual presence.  Since 2001, the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem have upheld the spiritual life of the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.  This mixed and urban fraternity has 10 members residing within the Abbey, comprising five brothers and seven sisters.  Rightly called “The Wonder of the Western World,” a stunning bay surrounds Mont Saint-Michel, showcasing Europe’s most incredible tidal ranges and offering fantastic views.  Dinner and overnight near Mont Saint-Michel.

Day 9Basilica of Therese of Lisieux - Les Buissonets - Cathedral of Saint Peter - Carmelite Convent

terese lisieu basilica church shrines france pilgrimage tour catholic journeysAfter an early breakfast, we make our way to Lisieux, where we will enjoy a tour of the home of St. Therese, whom Pope Pius X called “the greatest saint of modern times.” Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity comes alive as you visit the Basilica of Saint Therese, one of the largest and most magnificent religious structures built in the 20th century.  While in Lisieux, we will celebrate Mass.  We will stop at Les Buissonets, St. Therese’s family home, where relics, clothing, and personal objects belonging to the “little flower” are displayed.  Before leaving, we will tour the ancient Cathedral of St. Peter and the Carmelite Convent.  Lastly, we will continue to Paris in time for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 10Paris - Miraculous Medal and St. Catherine - St. Vincent de Paul - Sainte-Chapelle - Notre Dame Cathedral - Basilica of the Sacred Heart

 

chapel st. vincent de paul france pilgrimage tour catholic journeys pilgrimage to france

After an early breakfast, we will depart for our tour of Paris.  We will start with holy Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal.  Observe the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure, whose guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin revealed a vision of the miraculous medal and, later, the green scapular.  The Virgin promised abundant graces for everyone who wore these. You can receive a plenary indulgence.  Nearby is the chapel of St. Vincent de Paul, where we can pray before his relics, encased in a glass coffin above the altar.  Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour that will showcase landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs Elysees.  Relish other attractions on this mostly panoramic tour.

Day 11Paris - Free Day

Paris Eiffel tower found on the shrines of france pilgrimage tour with catholic journeys pilgrimage to france

This morning, we will start with Mass, followed by a free day to explore Paris’s neighborhoods, sights, and cafes and do some much-needed shopping.

We will enjoy a lovely dinner before returning to our hotel for a restful overnight.

Day 12Paris - Home

After an early breakfast in the hotel, we transfer to Charles de Gaulle Paris Airport for our return flight home.

Map of France Pilgrimage - Best Shrines of France Tour
Interactive map of the Pilgrimage to France to see the Best Shrines of France - click on upper left arrow for list or on pins

Photos of France Pilgrimage - Best Shrines of France Tour
See pictures of the Best Shrines of France on this Catholic pilgrimage to France including St. Bernadette · St. Thomas Aquinas · St. Therese the Little Flower · Our Lady of Rocamadour - St. Margaret Mary Alacoque · St. Catherine Laboure - St. Vincent de Paul - Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel
Dates, Pricing, and Booking - France Pilgrimage - Best Shrines of France Tour
Make a $500 Deposit to reserve your place. If less than 90 days before departure, Full Payment is due. No credit card fees.
2025 Pilgrimage to France Dates
SF-2025-Sept

September 23 – October 4, 2025

with Fr. Robert Turner

Sale!  Save $400. Regular price $7,099

$6,699 Book Here $5,799 land only
2026 Pilgrimage to France Dates
SF-2026-April

April 20 – May 1, 2026

3 logos NECBS

with the New England Catholic Biblical School, Fr. Ford, President of Saint Thomas Seminary, and Jason Rinaldi

A private pilgrimage.

More info and to Book
SF-2026-Sept

September 18- 29, 2026

Available for groups only.  Contact us.

Sale!  Save $200. Regular price $7,099

$6,899 Book Here $5,799 land only
SF2026 Your group goes here!  Contact us.  

All prices per person are in USD based on double occupancy.  Single Room Supplement: $1,295

Check out the airports we serve in the USA and Canada.  Some may have an extra charge.  If your airport is not listed, contact us. 

Options

Pre-Stay in Lourdes- Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

Double Room w/breakfast only per person $175 · Single Room w/breakfast only one person $305 · Private Airport Transfer per person $325

Post Stay in Paris – Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

Double Room w/breakfast only per person $365 · Single Room w/breakfast only one person $689 · Private Airport Transfer per person $135

Flight Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy 

Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy are available – conditions apply!

Would you like to lead your parish or group on this pilgrimage to France?   Click Here to get started.

Travel Insurance - France Pilgrimage - Best Shrines of France Tour
If you encounter a flight cancellation, baggage delay, medical emergency or more during your pilgrimage to France, travel insurance is here to help.

Travel insurance is available for Pilgrimage to France, and it is recommended!

Click here for information on insurance plans!

travel insured international logo

 

FAQ - France Pilgrimage - Best Shrines of France Tour
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage including hotels, electrical adapters and more.

 

Click here for information on hotel accommodations for Pilgrimage to France.

How do I meet up with the group if I make my own flight arrangements? 

Arrival times vary between dates and within pilgrimages.  If you make your own flight arrangements, we can arrange a private airport transfer in Paris for $103 per person.  A private transfer from Lourdes to Toulouse is $269 per person.  We recommend using our transfer service because they are known and trusted drivers.  As soon as you have your flight information, email Marcelle.

Will I need an electrical adapter? Yes, you will need an adapter for France.

Do I need to tip on this Pilgrimage to France?  If so, how do I do this, and how much? Yes, tipping is important!  

Would you like to lead your parish or group on a Pilgrimage to France?  Click Here to get started.

Do you have FAQs for airlines, passports, vaccinations, travel insurance, tipping, packing, mobility, and others?  Yes. FAQ for all Catholic Journeys Pilgrimage Tours

What does Mont St. Michel, one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations and a holy island now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, look like?

 

 

7 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Fr. Rodney Bourg

Group Traveller

On this France Pilgrimage, when we arrived in Rocamadour, we were totally enchanted by this village and the chapel. The tour guide was excellent managed to work through his nervousness with the language. He had a lot of knowledge of the location. Turns out that this facility is the fourth oldest pilgrimage site in Europe after Jerusalem, Rome, and St. James de Compostela. It was visited by King Louis the 9th, patron of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, on at least two occasions. We had mass in the chapel of Our Lady, which is quite ancient but intimate.

The food overall was good. Our guide was very friendly, helpful, and courteous. The group came together quickly as most of us were the same age.

I would like to thank Catholic journeys for this pilgrimage tour to France.

September 30, 2024

Laurel H

Couple Traveller

This pilgrimage was a superb tour of Marian shrines in France. Sandra was fantastic and knowledgeable as our tour guide…she took care of all changes in her stride!!!
The Hotels had fine accommodations.

July 20, 2023

Susan E

Couple Traveller

We were so blessed to have been able to join the tour group Shrines of France Pilgrimage” in May 2023. My favorite parts of the tour included the convenience of having most meals arranged for us. The breakfasts and dinners at the Mercure hotels were top notch. Their bedrooms were also very well appointed. Some meals at other hotels were less impressive but I am not going to complain about that particularly.
The presence of a French tour guide was a best advantage. My husband and I had been to many parts of France several times before. We toured back then with family, and were guided pretty much by travel books. The luxury of a tour guide, Frederick who knew French history was a big plus. His English translations may be made better by classes in ‘English as a Second Language’. He was very receptive to our requests for stops (bathroom breaks) while on the road. He understood the attractions of shopping and waited patiently for those who shopped. He was polite, respectful and was very perceptive. He also remembered our names which was a feat by itself.
Henry and I are very interested in the lives of saints and the quick bios we received from Frederick, Father Paul and the videos from various churches we visited were all avidly absorbed by us.
I loved our time in Lourdes and though we were drenched by an evening shower, I enjoyed joining the procession on our first day. I was also very ecstatic that because of a lucky break, we were able to get a 1st row seat by the grotto in a mass that the Bishop of Lourdes officiated at.
All our experiences at the various locations were positive for me and I can do them over again. My favorite place was Rocamador. There was also a High Mass that we were so blessed to have attended (Liseux).
The opportunities to have our own masses at the churches we visited were all very much appreciated. Thank you to Father Paul for that. To have seen the incorrupt bodies of multiple saints were once in a lifetime gifts to myself, my husband and the other members of our group.

June 14, 2023

M D L

Solo Traveller

First of all, the trip was really a journey, my personal journey to know more and experience my myself in my faith. This is my first pilgrimage and I am glad I choose your company. I especially like that we have mass every day. I loved going to Lourdes. I really found the stations of the cross there very powerful for me. Father Paul was such an added Bonus. I enjoyed having mass every day. Lastly, Paray le Monial was beautiful but one day there is enough.. Beautiful hotel the owner is so kind and accommodating. All in all, so much so I will attempt to take my sisters on a Catholic Journeys pilgrimage to Poland next year.

May 29, 2023

M L

Solo Traveller

I would like to express my appreciation on my memorable and unforgettable experience which Catholic Journeys made possible.

Our guide was very knowledgeable and motivated. He was very kind and considerate and very responsive to our comfort needs all throughout the pilgrimage. He is also very passionate about giving us as much background information as possible at every opportunity. He is kind, warm and funny. I never saw him get upset or lose his temper. He patiently accompanied me to get some tax free document even when I was reluctant to seek his help out of concern for delaying our schedule. He deserves an A++ rating.

I enjoyed all the Shrines especially Lourdes and Mt St Michel. Over-all, the lodgings were good. The food was good and very generous too. Thank you most kindly for making wine available (sometimes both red and white) during dinner. The food at the restaurant close to Hotel Route de Chateau in Rocamadour was excellent. I have to give special mention to Veronique, owner of Hotel de la Basilique in Paray Le Monial. She was most helpful with my roommate’s luggage. The bread she served was the best! Our room has a bathroom view of the basilica.

Our driver, Aimen, was most friendly and competent. He navigated the narrow street maneuvers and parking with utmost efficiency. In my personal opinion, I could have used a little bit of some cultural excursions or visit to some historical non-religious places to lighten up the schedule and break the monotony of visiting so many churches. That’s just me, though.

I wish you more success.

M L

May 24, 2023
1
1 travellers are considering this tour right now!