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France Pilgrimage – Best Shrines of France

(6 Reviews)
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?

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

Your local airport of choice —  Or you can choose land only and make your own flight arrangements.

Departure Time

Arrive for Check-in 3 Hours Before Flight Time

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Complementaries

  • Name and Luggage tags
  • Neck Wallet
  • Travel Bag
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 USA

Begin your pilgrimage to France by departing the USA 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 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 in france on pilgrimage tour with catholic journeys 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.

There is a daily schedule of activities at the Shrine of Lourdes in which you are welcome to participate. You can get the schedule at the Sanctuary and/or on this website.  

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 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 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 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 - St. Berndette's incorrupt body

After 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.  Dinner and overnight 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 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. Dinner and overnight near Mont-Saint-Michel.

 

Day 9Therese of Lisieux - Paris

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 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 - 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 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 where we will have the opportunity to pray before his relics encased in a glass coffin above the altar. Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour where you will see such monuments as the Notre Dame Cathedral (from the outside), the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Eiffel Tower, the L’Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs Elysees. Enjoy other sights on this mostly panoramic tour.

Day 11Paris

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

This morning we will begin with Mass, followed by a free day to explore the neighborhoods, sights, and cafes of Paris.

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

Day 12Paris - USA

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
Click Book Here to make a deposit and reserve your place. Prices start at $4,799 for Land Only
2024 Pilgrimage to France Dates
SF24 0930

September 30 – October 11, 2024

Rodney Bourg

with Fr. Rodney Bourg

Pastor, Most Holy Trinity

Includes Normandy!  Sale – Save $400 off the regular price of $6,199.

Sale!  

$5,799 Book Here

$4,799 land only

2025 Pilgrimage to France Dates
SF-2025-May May 20 – 31, 2025

$6,299 Book Here  $4,999 land only

SF-2025-July July 14 – 25, 2025

$6,899 Book Here $5,499 land-only

SF-2025-Sept September 23 – October 4, 2025

$6,299 Book Here $4,999 land only

Single Room Supplement: $1,495

See the airports that we serve in the USA and Canada.  A few airports have an additional charge.

Contact us if you don’t see your airport. 

Options

Pre-Stay in Lourdes- Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

Double Room w/breakfast only per person $160 · Single Room w/breakfast only one person $300 · Private Airport Transfer per person $269

Post Stay in Paris – Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

Double Room w/breakfast only per person $425 · Single Room w/breakfast only one person $589 · Private Airport Transfer per person $100

Upgrade to Premium Economy 

An upgrade to premium economy is available for $1,850 per person roundtrip with the following conditions:  the pilgrimage tour must be 1) paid in full more than 90 days before departure and 2) Guest Information Completed to guarantee the price and schedule.

Call for a quote if less than 90 days before departure for an expected higher price.

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 – is recommended!

Click here for information on insurance plans!

Travelex

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?

 

 

6 Reviews
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Laurel H

Couple Traveller

it 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

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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