Pilgrimage to France and Lourdes, Paris, & Mont St. Michel
France Pilgrimage – Best Shrines of France Tour visits some of the most important shrines, churches, basilicas, and religious monuments in France. Beginning in Lourdes, the great shrine known worldwide as a place for physical and spiritual healing, this France Pilgrimage 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. As you make your pilgrimage to France you will visit 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 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 2024 or 2025 today?
Upon 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.
During 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.
After 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.
After 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.
After 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.
