Journey with us on this custom "Little Flower" pilgrimage as we explore the life of the beloved saint, St. Thérèse of Lisieux. This pilgrimage to France offers you an unforgettable experience in the country that has long been known as the "Eldest daughter of the Church."
Here you will be fully immersed in the land of castles, cathedrals, and culinary arts. You will experience first-hand the delight of seeing the Sanctuary of Lourdes, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. You will pray in Gothic cathedrals, see Medieval monasteries, encounter incorrupt saints, and taste unsurpassed wines. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime experience that will make you always want to return to France!
Depart today onboard your overnight transatlantic jet flight to France, arriving the following day. Enjoy a full meal service as well as in-flight entertainment such as movies, music, etc.
Upon arrival at the Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport (TLS), we will be welcomed at the airport exit by our dedicated pilgrimage escort and local guide. Next we will board our deluxe motorcoach and transfer to the charming city of Lourdes, home to one of the largest Marian shrines in the world. Upon arrival, we will check in at our hotel and enjoy dedicated free time to relax and acclimate to the time change. Lunch on our own. We will join back together in the evening for a festive group welcome dinner, serving local dishes. Afterwards, we will participate in the daily candlelight rosary procession at dusk. Overnight in Lourdes. (D)
Following breakfast, we will begin our day in Lourdes, the third most popular Catholic pilgrimage site in the world and the second most visited city in France after Paris. It is here the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette and revealed herself under the title of the Immaculate Conception. Millions of pilgrims have visited and there have been countless documented cures. We will walk in the footsteps of Saint Bernadette and visit the places where she lived and the sites related to her childhood. This will include a short documentary film about her life. Following lunch, we will visit the Grotto of the apparitions and make time for members of our group to visit the baths. Afterward, there is free time if pilgrims wish to pray the Via Crucis at the life-sized Stations of the Cross before joining together at our hotel for dinner. After our group dinner, we will participate in the evening candle-light procession. Overnight in Lourdes. (B, D)
After breakfast and morning Mass, enjoy a free day in Lourdes at your leisure. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to spend extra time at the Shrine and to revisit any sites that appeal to you. Feel free to rest, relax, and explore on your own. Enjoy the boutique shops. Many pilgrims seek to purchase rosaries made in France. Others purchase small bottles to bring Lourdes water home. If you are up for a challenge, walk to the top of the citadel for the best views of the city. There is also the church where Bernadette was baptized. Pilgrims are free to return to the baths. Enjoy your day, resting and relaxing. Dinner on our own followed by the evening candlelight rosary procession. Overnight in Lourdes. (B)
After breakfast and hotel check out, we will transfer to the Toulouse airport where we will board our quick transfer flight (included) to Paris. Upon our arrival, we will board our luxury motorcoach and take a panoramic bus tour of Paris, providing a glimpse of the capital's major monuments. Afterwards, we will make our way to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre, famously known as Sacré-Cœur, which has in front of it one of the most amazing views over Paris. Following Mass at the basilica, we will transfer to our hotel for our check in and group dinner. Overnight in Paris. (B, D)
Following breakfast, we will visit the Chapel of Corpus Christi, situated near the Arc de Trimphe. Here we will pray before the mortal remains of St. Peter Julian Eymard, entombed here in 1877. Next we will visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, a popular shrine in Paris where several authenticated apparitions of the Virgin Mary took place in 1830. Following, we will make our way to the Chapel of Saint Vincent de Paul to venerate the relics of the saint. It is here we will celebrate our daily Mass. Following lunch, we will make our way to the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel), a royal treasure and one of the highest achievements of Gothic architecture. Consecrated in 1248, this architectural masterpiece was built by King Louis IX to house the Crown of Thorns. Following, we will walk to the cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris, a jewel of Catholic France. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated time for shopping, exploring, and dinner on our own. Overnight in Paris. (B)
Following breakfast, we will board our motorcoach and begin our journey to Alencon, the hometown of Louis and Zelie Martin, the saintly parents of St. Thérèse. Here we will visit the church where they were married and visit where the family spent their first years, the early childhood home of Thérèse. In addition, we will visit “the bridge of the encounter,” the Saint-Leonard bridge where Louis and Zelie met. Following lunch we will make our way to the famous Sanctuary of Lisieux. Together we will discover the mighty basilica where we will have Mass in the crypt at the tombs of Louis and Zelie. Next, we will visit the nearby Carmelite Convent where the “Little Flower” entered religious life and remained until her death. Here we will tour the museum and pray in front of her mortal remains, kept in a side chapel of the original convent chapel. We will visit the “Buissonnets,” the family home and gardens where Thérèse grew up after her mother’s untimely death. Hotel check in and final group dinner (included). Overnight in Lisieux. (B, D)
Following breakfast and hotel check out, we will enjoy the picturesque drive back to Paris. On the way we will stop for a visit in Chartres. Here we will visit the world famous Chartres Cathedral, one of the most significant cathedrals in the world, considered the “high point” of French Gothic architecture. We will have Mass in the cathedral followed by free time for lunch on our own in the heart of Chartres. After lunch, we will transfer back to our hotel in Paris for pilgrims to enjoy free time for packing, shopping, or retiring early for a good rest. Dinner on our own. Overnight in Paris. (B)
After an early breakfast and hotel check out, we will transfer to the Paris airport (CDG) for our return flights home. (B)