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Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage – Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel

(3 Reviews)

The Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour visits some of the most important churches, basilicas, and religious monuments in France. Beginning in Lourdes, the great shrine known worldwide as a place for physical and spiritual healing, this Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour allows ample time to pray at the Grotto where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette under the title of “the Immaculate Conception” in 1858 and to bathe in the Miraculous Water. We will visit the Boly Mill and the Cachot, the prison where Bernadette’s family once lived, and we may participate in the nightly Candlelight Processions. In Toulouse, we will visit the Eglise des Jacobins where St. Thomas Aquinas is buried, before continuing on to the clifftop shrine of Rocamadour, home of an early Christian hermit named, Zaccheus, the “tax collector” of Jericho, who had come to the land known as Gaul with St. Veronica and St. Mary Magdalen to spread the good news. Here we will have Mass and visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Rocamadour containing the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary and the tomb of St. Zaccheus. In Paray-le-Monial, we will visit the Chapel of the Visitation where Jesus exposed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.  In Nevers, we will visit the convent where St. Bernadette lived until her death in 1879, and see her incorrupt body, which is miraculously preserved. In Chartres, we will visit the famous Chartres Cathedral and see the stunning “Rose Window” made of stained glass. A highlight of the Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour is the visit to le  Mont St. Michel which is 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,” it was St. Therese who showed us the way to become a saint was to “do small things with great love.” We will visit the Basilica dedicated to the Saint whom 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.  It was here her guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin revealed the miraculous medal and the green scapular to her. The Shrines of 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 book your Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour for 2023 or 2024 today?

The future belongs to Mercy from Sessions de Paray-le-Monial on Vimeo.  Chapel of the Visitation.

Tour Details for Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage - Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel
St. Bernadette · St. Thomas Aquinas · St. Therese the Little Flower · St. Margaret Mary Alacoque · St. Catherine Laboure - St. Vincent de Paul

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Arrive for Check-in 3 Hours Before Flight Time

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Complementaries

  • Name and Luggage tags
  • Neck Wallet
  • Travel Bag
Itinerary Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour - Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel
St. Bernadette · St. Thomas Aquinas · St. Therese the Little Flower · St. Margaret Mary Alacoque · St. Catherine Laboure - St. Vincent de Paul

Day 1Depart USA

Depart USA for your overnight flight to Europe. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

Day 2Arrive Lourdes

lourdes processionlourdes holy water personUpon arrival in Europe, you will connect with your flight to Toulouse, Pau, or Lourdes airport. Upon arrival, you will find your luggage and exit the baggage claim into the arrivals hall where you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver. You will be escorted to the vehicle which will then take you on your scenic drive to Lourdes. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel and relax or explore before dinner. Following dinner, you may choose to participate in the candlelight procession before retiring for the evening.

Day 3 & 4Lourdes

lourdes grotto on pilgrimageDuring the next two days in Lourdes, you will have time to pray with your fellow pilgrims from around the world. During your tour, you will have an opportunity to: Attend Mass at the Grotto, watch a video presentation telling the story of Lourdes, and walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette. See Boly Mill where St. Bernadette was born, and the “Cachot,” an abandoned prison where Bernadette’s impoverished family lived. Join your prayers with those of pilgrims from around the world as you pray for the sick, drink water from the miraculous spring, or submerge yourself in the healing baths. Experience Christ’s love as you walk 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 optional Blessed Sacrament Procession before dinner. Your role in the universal church will have new meaning as you join the candlelight procession and group rosary.

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

rocamadour

st. sernin exterior toulouseAfter an early breakfast, we make our way to Toulouse. Once an important Roman colony, Toulouse is full of 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 the proud home of 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 the home of 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 important sites: the Shrine of Our Lady of Rocamadour. A complex of religious structures centered on a miraculous Virgin Mary statue and an ancient saint’s tomb. We enjoy a lovely dinner before returning to our hotel.

Day 6Rocamadour – Paray Le Monial

margaret mary sacred heartbasilica paray le monial with waterAfter an early breakfast, we begin our journey to Paray-le-Monial where we will visit the Chapel of the Visitation where Jesus exposed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during a number of apparitions, Reliquary of St. Margaret containing her relics, located underneath a wax figure of the saint. You will have the remainder of the day free to spend at your own leisure. Dinner and overnight.

Day 7Paray Le Monial – Nevers - Chartres Cathedral

facade of chartres cathedral franceAfter an early breakfast, we will depart for Nevers by way of 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 short lifetime, she received the last Sacraments. In addition to asthma, she was gradually struck by other illnesses, among them was tuberculosis of the lung and a tubercular tumor in her right knee. St. Bernadette eventually died at the age of 35. See St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body at the convent of St. Gildard, miraculously preserved since her death in 1879.

Continue on to Chartres, where we will visit the famous Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Chartres. Not only is it one of the greatest achievements in the history of architecture, but it is also almost perfectly preserved in its original design and details. Its extensive cycle of portal sculpture remains fully intact and its glowing stained-glass windows are original. It is also the only cathedral that conveys an almost perfect image of how it looked when it was built.  Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral, a Marian pilgrimage sanctuary, is a 12th and 13th-century masterpiece of sacred art and is internationally famous for its 176 stained-glass windows and 9 sculpted portals. It was the first Cathedral in France to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1979.  Dinner and overnight in Chartres.

Day 8Chartres – Le Mont Saint Michel Abbey

Mont St. Michel FranceAfter an early breakfast, we will travel to Mont St. Michel.   Upon arrival, we will spend the day touring Le Mont Saint Michel and the different stages of its construction that have now classified it as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. It was here, Aubert, Bishop of d’Avranches, founded a sanctuary on Mont-Tombe, after 3 successive appearances by the Archangel Michael. Consecrated in 709, the church has attracted both the curious, and pilgrims from all over the world ever since.

After having been made into a prison from the time of the French Revolution up until the time of the Second Empire, the Abbey became the responsibility of the Historical Monuments Department in 1874. Since 1969 the Abbey has been home to a monastic community, ensuring the continuation of a spiritual presence. Rightly called “The Wonder of the Western World”, the Mont-Saint-Michel is surrounded by a magnificent bay, which is the theatre of the greatest tidal ranges in Europe, a wonderful view on its own. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 9Therese of Lisieux - Paris

lisieu church franceAfter 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 biggest and most magnificent religious structures built in the 20th century. While in Lisieux we will celebrate Mass will be celebrated. We will stop at Les Buissonets, St. Therese’s family home, there on display are relics, clothing, and personal objects belonging to the “little flower.” Before leaving, tour the ancient Cathedral of St. Peter and the Carmelite Convent. We will continue on to Paris in time for check-in, dinner, and overnight.

Day 10Paris - - Miraculous Medal and St. Catherine - St. Vincent de Paul - Sainte-Chapelle

After an early breakfast, we depart for our tour of Paris.

chapel st. vincent de paul franceAfter an early breakfast, we depart for our tour of Paris. We will begin with holy Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. View the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure whose guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin displayed a vision of the miraculous medal and later the green scapular. The Virgin promised bountiful graces for all who wore these. You can receive a plenary indulgence. 

Nearby is the chapel of St. Vincent de Paul with his relics.  We will also visit Sainte-Chapelle.

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

Day 11Paris - Notre Dame Cathedral Exterior - Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Paris Eiffel towerNext, we depart on our sightseeing tour which includes the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, and Champs Elysees. Enjoy other sights on this mostly panoramic tour.

In the afternoon, some free time on your own.

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

Day 12Paris - USA

After breakfast, we transfer to Paris Airport for our return flight home.

Map of Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour - Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel
An interactive map of the pilgrimage sites in France

Photos of Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour - Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel
St. Bernadette · St. Thomas Aquinas · St. Therese the Little Flower · St. Margaret Mary Alacoque · St. Catherine Laboure - St. Vincent de Paul
Dates, Pricing, and Booking - Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage - Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel
Click Book Here to make a deposit and reserve your place. Prices start at $4,467 for Land Only
2023 Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour Dates
SF23 0505

May 5 – 16, 2023

— this trip is a Go!

$Sold Out

SF23 0707

July 7 – 18, 2023

with Fr. Joel Almendras

A few spots left –  book now!

$5,569 Book Here
SF23 0930 September 30 – October 11, 2023

$5,299 Sold out

Land only $4,467

2024 Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour Dates

Priests needed!  Contact us!

SF24 0506 May 6 – 17, 2024

$5,543 Book Here

$4,599 land only

SF24 0708 July 8 – 19, 2024

$5,543 Book Here

$4,599 land only

SF24 0930 September 30 – October 12, 2024

$5,543 Book Here

$4,599 land only

Single Room Supplement: $1,195
Tour pricing above is our base price.  Be sure to add on from your local airport.
Add-on Fares are available from your local airport.  Click here.
Travel Insurance - Very Best Shrines of France Tour - Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel
If you encounter a flight cancellation, baggage delay, medical emergency or more during your trip, travel insurance is here to help.

Travel Insurance is available for France and – recommended!

Click here for information on insurance plans!

Travelex

FAQ - Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour - Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel
St. Bernadette · St. Thomas Aquinas · St. Therese the Little Flower · St. Margaret Mary Alacoque · St. Catherine Laboure - St. Vincent de Paul

 

Click here for information on hotel accommodations for the Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour.

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, click for more information about France.

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

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

 

 

3 Reviews
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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

A T

Solo Traveller

The pilgrimage was wonderful and I loved the variety of churches visited . The food was excellent except Basilique although Veronique was an all-around help for everyone. The ride was excellent too. The driver was very polite, helpful, skillful safe driver with a sense of humor. The tour guide, was very knowledgeable about the history, geography of the different towns visited. He is patient, flexible and helpful too. I just have a problem understanding him sometimes (could be the accent).

I am also happy that we have a priest to officiate mass every day . Fr Paul’s homilies are practical and in a sense that it applies to our daily life and often related the readings to our pilgrimage He too has a sense of humor. I thank Jimmy for Modifying my flight schedule so I can have a nonstop flight from Philadelphia to Paris and NOT traveling all night all day to get to Toulouse.

May 18, 2023
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