12 Days

The Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage

Spiritual Director: Fr. Chris Decker

September 19 – 30, 2024

*Optional Rome Post Tour: September 30 – October 3, 2024

CD093024

The Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage

Spiritual Director: Fr. Chris Decker

September 19 – 30, 2024

*Optional Rome Post Tour:

Sep 30 – Oct 3, 2024

CD093024

· LOURDE · TOULOUSE · NEVERS · ROCAMADOUR · LISIEUX · PARIS

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Book your trip now

· LOURDE · TOULOUSE · NEVERS · ROCAMADOUR · LISIEUX · PARIS

Explore France’s beautiful Catholic Shrines on this cross-country Pilgrimage. From small villages in the South of France to Paris, one of the greatest cities in the world, France is sure to take your breath away. On this Pilgrimage you will see magnificent Shrines and Churches visiting Lourdes, Lisieux, Normandy, Chartres, Nevers, Paray Le Monial, Lyon, La Salette and Ars.

Any Questions? Contact Us:
Cara
Silvia
Dominic
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Your trip includes

Centrally located hotels or similar
Grand Hotel Moderne
Lourdes, France
Hôtel du Château
Rocamadour, France
Hostellerie des Trois Pigeons
Paray Le Monial, France
Hotel & Spa Le Grand Monarque Chartres
Chartres, France
Hotel Grand Kyriad Lisieux
Lisieux, France
Pullman Paris Centre - Bercy
Paris, France
Post Tour Hotels
Orazio Palace Hotel
Rome, Italy
Not Included
  • Lunches, Tips to your guide & driver.
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver – allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime – up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Thursday, September 19: Depart for Lourdes

Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Meals served on board.

Day 2 | Friday, September 20: Arrive Lourdes

Upon arriving at Pau or Toulouse airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival hall, where you be greeted by your tour guide and/-or driver. Embark on the scenic drive to Lourdes. Check-in to your hotel, and then relax or explore before dinner. Following dinner, you will have free time to pray the Rosary and to attend the candlelight procession. (April-October only). These processions are lit by candlelight and guided by the Most Holy Rosary. Following this prayerful experience, you will return to your hotel.

Days 3 & 4 | Saturday & Sunday, September 21 & 22: Lourdes

Over the next two days, you will stay in a small town, nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in a site of Our Lady’s apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858, and announced herself as “The Immaculate Conception”, near the Grotto of Massabielle. During the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady and left without any exchange of words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God’s love for us, penance, and the necessity of performing acts of penance for sinners. Throughout your time in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette; watch a video presentation that explains in detail, the story of Lourdes;  participate with the gesture of the miraculous spring ; Wash your hands, wash your face and drink the water. Finish with a short prayer:  Our Lady of Lourdes…Pray for us St. Bernadette…Pray for us Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience Christ’s unconditional love, as you meditate upon the “life-size” Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle. In Lourdes, you will walk in and meditate upon the footsteps of St. Bernadette. Your group will have the opportunity to see Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette, and the “Cachot,” an abandoned prison where Bernadette’s impoverished family lived. Each evening following dinner, you will have an opportunity to attend the candlelight procession and the Rosary, before a restful overnight.

Day 5 | Monday, September 23: Lourdes - Toulouse - Rocamadour

This morning, you will awaken feeling well-rested! Following breakfast, transfer to Toulouse. This southern French city was once a Roman colony and is home to numerous religious and historical treasures. While here, you will have the opportunity to view many of these rare artifacts, such as twenty historical pipe organs and the burial place of St. Thomas Aquinas at the St. Sernin Basilica. One of the finest Romanesque churches in France, its exterior is constructed of red brick, with white stone as a decorative accent. Following your visit to this magnificent church, continue north to Rocamadour, a town situated atop a rocky mountain. Upon arrival in Rocamadour, you will enjoy a delicious meal and a restful overnight.

Day 6 | Tuesday, September 24: Rocamadour - Paray Le Monial

This morning you will awaken in the town overlooking the Alzou Valley and was the home to early Christian hermit, Zaccheus of Jericho. Zaccheus conversed with Jesus himself and was the husband of St. Veronica, the woman who wiped the face of Jesus as He climbed to Calvary. During your time at this sacred destination, you will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Rocamadour, a place of miraculous conversion. Consisting of numerous religious structures and chapels centered on a statue of the Virgin Mary and the tomb of Zaccheus. After you visit this place of miraculous healing, your journey will continue to Paray Le Monial for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 | Wednesday, September 25: Paray Le Monial - Nevers

You will begin your day with breakfast. Following Mass with some free time for prayer and reflection, we visit the Chapel of the Visitation. Here is where Jesus exposed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the seventeenth century. The apparitions allowed St. Margaret to rest herself upon Jesus’ Sacred Heart, which. allowed her to experience the unconditional love for humanity. During your visit to this Holy place, you will have the opportunity to view relics of the beloved Saint, located beneath a wax figure of her image. After free time for lunch in Paray Le Monial, we will drive to Nevers via the picturesque Loire Valley. Nevers is the site where St. Bernadette lived for twelve years as a member of the Congregation of the sisters of Nevers. The Saint suffered from several illnesses such as asthma, tuberculosis of the lungs, and a tubercular tumor in her right knee. For this, St. Bernadette received “The Last Sacraments” three times and eventually passed away in 1879, at the age of thirty-five. End the day with a visit to the Convent of Saint Gildard. Enjoy a delicious meal before retiring for the evening.

Day 8 | Thursday, September 26: Nevers - Chartres - Lisieux

Upon waking up in Nevers, enjoy breakfast and Mass. Following Mass, you will depart for Chartres. Upon arrival, you will have free time for lunch in the quaint town. This afternoon visit the massive Cathedral Notre Dame, known worldwide for the incredible stained-glass windows created in the twelfth and thirteen centuries. A World Heritage site called the Cathedral “the high point of French Gothic art” and a “masterpiece.” by UNESCO. Continue to Lisieux for dinner and overnight.

Day 9 | Friday, September 27: Lisieux - Normandy Beaches - Mont Saint Michel - Lisieux

This morning you will transfer to Normandy Landing beaches. The Normandy landings were the landing operations, which took place on Tuesday, June 6th, 1944 (termed D-Day) by the Allies, of Normandy, during World War II. As the largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the liberation of Germanoccupied northwestern Europe from Nazi control and contributed to the Allies’ victory on the Western Front. Continue to visit The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, a World War II cemetery and memorial in Colleville-Sur-Mer, Normandy, France, honoring the American troops that died in Europe during World War II. Many of the brave American soldiers of World War II got buried here. It is encouraged to say a prayer in thanksgiving for their courage Next visit of Mont St. Michel, where the Monastery of Le Mont St. Michel, also known as “The Wonder of the Western World” is located. Its name given the monastery is surrounded by a magnificent bay, which has one of the greatest tidal ranges in Europe, resulting in a breathtaking view. In 709 Michael, the Archangel, requested that Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, built and consecrate this monastery. Since the ninth century, the Abbey has been home to a monastic community to ensure the continuation of a spiritual presence. For centuries, it has been a pilgrimage site for those seeking Eternal Life with God. You will return to Lisieux for dinner and overnight.

Day 10 | Saturday, September 28: Lisieux - Paris

After breakfast, you will explore the life of St. Therese. According to Pope Pius X, St. Therese of Lisieux was the “greatest saint of modern times” Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity will come alive as you walk in the great Saint’s footsteps. Visit the beautiful Basilica of St. Therese and the magnificent mosaics and stained glass contained within. Following your visit to the Basilica, you will have the opportunity to view. relics, clothing, and personal objects of St. Therese, when you visit her family home, Les Buissonets. Also, tour the parish of St. Therese, the Cathedral of St. Peter, and the Carmelite Convent, where she entered in 1888, currently entombed with her parents. Your tour of the “Little Flower’s” life culminates as you board the bus to transfer to the “City of Lights” – Paris. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner and overnight.

Day 11 | Sunday, September 29: Paris - Miraculous Medal – Notre Dame Cathedral

Today, you will see the sights of Paris and visit two of the city’s holiest sites. We will start with the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where we will celebrate Mass, after which we will have the opportunity to view the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. The Saint’s guardian angel led her to the chape, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her. During the apparitions, Our Lady repeatedly instructed the making and purpose of the Miraculous Medal, as well as the green scapular. According to the Apparition, those who wear the Miraculous Medal and scapular will receive special protection and abundant graces. Continue on a panoramic tour, passing by iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, and the world-renowned Champs-Élysées boulevard. After lunch, we will visit one of the most famous churches in the world, the spectacular Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris. Construction began on the cathedral in 1163, and it was completed in 1345 and awarded minor basilica status in 1805. It is famous for its relics of the Crown of Thorns and True Cross, its tradition of Lent Sermons, its Rose Windows and as the setting of Victor Hugo’s famous novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. After being severely damaged in a fire in 2019, the Cathedral was restored and reopened in 2024. Your busy day ends with a lovely meal and a comfortable overnight.

Day 12 | Monday, September 30: Return Home

After an early breakfast and whole-hearted farewells, you will transfer to the Paris airport for your return flight(s) home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.


Optional to Rome
Post Tour

September 30 – October 3, 2024
  • Flight from Paris to Rome: Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Post Tour hotel accommodations:
      ~ 3 nights: Sep 30 - Oct 3: Orazio Palace Hotel, Rome, Italy
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Assistance of local guide throughout
  • Whisper headsets
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Arrangements for Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)

Anticipated Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 | Monday, September 30: Paris – Rome

Transfer from Paris Airport where we board our flight to Rome, Italy. Welcome to Rome, “The Eternal City”. Upon arrival collect your luggage in the baggage claim area and continue to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be greeted by your Italian tour guide. Transfer to your hotel. Following check-in, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for as we depart for our Mass. Following Mass, you will attend a welcome dinner. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to walk to St. Peter’s Square, as a group, for the Rosary (optional).

Day 2 | Tuesday, October 1: Rome: St. Peter's Basilica - Vatican Museum - Appian Way - Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls – Catacombs

Today we tour St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter the Apostle was martyred. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to view Michelangelo’s Pieta sculpture, pray at the tombs of Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II. Next you will visit the Vatican Museum, where you can see the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel. After lunch, continue down the Appian Way, one of the earliest roads built in ancient Rome to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and the Catacombs. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 3 | Wednesday, October 2: Rome: Papal Audience - Trevi Fountain – Pantheon - Basilica of St. John the Lateran – Holy Stairs - Basilica of St. Mary Major

We begin with the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square! The Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (pending the papal schedule). Following the Audience, we will visit the Trevi Fountain, where you may enjoy some free time on your own for lunch. This afternoon, visit the oldest of the four major Basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of Peter and Paul, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica is where Pope Francis was installed as Bishop of Rome. Next, you will cross the street to visit the Holy Stairs. These Holy Stairs are the very steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus stepped on his way to trial during his Passion. The Stairs were brought to Rome by Saint Helena in the fourth century. Ascending these stairs on your knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. We conclude our day, with a Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Church dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, St. Mary Major reigns as the only Basilica that has kept its original structure and is an authentic jewel in the crown of Roman Churches. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 | Thursday, October 3: Return Home

We say arrivederci Roma, as our pilgrimage comes to an end. We get on our last transfer as we head to Rome Fiumicino airport for your return flights home.

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Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: sales@206tours.com

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*If within 90 days prior to departure, Full Payment is due at time of Registration.

About your trip

About Lourdes:

She came for you and for everyone of us! 6 million pilgrims come to Lourdes each year and 10,000 visit this site daily. At the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in southwestern France, nestled between the spectacular mountain river, Gave de Pau, is Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the World. Lourdes is the birthplace of St Bernadette to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Our pilgrimage and tour of Lourdes includes visits to the sanctuary and the Basilica of St Pius X, the world’s largest underground Church. Drink from the spring that the Virgin directed Bernadette to locate at the base of the Grotto, which has flowed uninterrupted since 1858. Wash yourself in the baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Contemplate Christ’s Passion as you pray the unique three-dimensional Stations of the Cross. Attend the blessing of the sick, and participate in nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady. Daily Mass, and Mass at the Grotto on Sunday will be followed by a video presentation telling the miraculous story of Lourdes. Visit Lourdes and experience a spiritual journey from which many have claimed healing and conversion.

About Lisieux & Paris:

Visit town of Lisieux, the home of St Therese whom Pope Pius X called “the greatest saint of modern times” Visit Paris and all its wonderful sights like Notre Dame Cathedral and Sacre Coeur, see the sights as the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, and drive through the Champs Elysees. Mass at Shrine of the Miraculous Medal.

Options and upgrades

About your trip

About Lourdes:

She came for you and for everyone of us! 6 million pilgrims come to Lourdes each year and 10,000 visit this site daily. At the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in southwestern France, nestled between the spectacular mountain river, Gave de Pau, is Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the World. Lourdes is the birthplace of St Bernadette to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Our pilgrimage and tour of Lourdes includes visits to the sanctuary and the Basilica of St Pius X, the world’s largest underground Church. Drink from the spring that the Virgin directed Bernadette to locate at the base of the Grotto, which has flowed uninterrupted since 1858. Wash yourself in the baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Contemplate Christ’s Passion as you pray the unique three-dimensional Stations of the Cross. Attend the blessing of the sick, and participate in nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady. Daily Mass, and Mass at the Grotto on Sunday will be followed by a video presentation telling the miraculous story of Lourdes. Visit Lourdes and experience a spiritual journey from which many have claimed healing and conversion.

About Lisieux & Paris:

Visit town of Lisieux, the home of St Therese whom Pope Pius X called “the greatest saint of modern times” Visit Paris and all its wonderful sights like Notre Dame Cathedral and Sacre Coeur, see the sights as the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, and drive through the Champs Elysees. Mass at Shrine of the Miraculous Medal.

Pilgriamge Information
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Any questions?  Contact Us:
Cara
Silvia
Dominic