Shrines of France with Berlin-Gorham Catholic

Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart from Boston on an overnight flight to Paris, with meals and refreshments served onboard.

By morning, we will arrive in Paris, before taking another flight to Toulouse. This afternoon, we will drive to Lourdes and visit the Grotto of Massabielle where the healing waters flow. We will take part in an evening candlelight procession in honor of Our Blessed Mother. Dinner.

Overnight Lourdes

Today our spiritual director will celebrate Mass for us at the grotto. After Mass, we will have a guided tour of St. Bernadette’s home, the basilica, the Basilica of St. Pius X, and her environs that will give us a deeper understanding of St. Bernadette’s life and her relationship with Mary, the Immaculate. This afternoon we will have leisure time around the premises at Lourdes to walk, attend adoration, or shop. We will gather this evening for a Eucharistic Procession. Dinner. 

Overnight Lourdes

This morning we will take an early flight to Lyon. Our first stop will be just north of the city at Ars-sur-Formans to visit the Basilica of Ars, where we can pray before the incorrupt body of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of clergy. We will journey further north tom Paray-le-Monial, where we will visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and admire its Romanesque art and architecture.

Overnight Paray-le-Monial

We will begin the day with a short journey to Nevers, where we will have Mass and visit the Convent of St. Gildard. There, we will have a moment of prayer while viewing St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body. The town itself offers narrow cobblestone streets, old churches, and a riverside promenade for us to explore. This afternoon, we will make our way to Tours. Dinner.

Overnight Tours

Today we drive along the meandering River Cher to the beautiful 16th-century Chateau de Chenonceaux.  Well enjoy a tour through the handsome rooms known to Catherine de Medici and view the magnificent tapestries and formal gardens. After lunch, we’ll visit the imposing fortress-castle Chateau d’ Amboise, the royal residence of Charles VIII. 

Overnight Tours

Following breakfast, we leave the lovely Loire Valley for Chartres.  Visiting the magnificent 13th-century Gothic Cathedral, renowned for its soaring towers and stunning stained-glass windows. Next, we continue to Mont St. Michel, perched on a rocky island in the Gulf of Saint Malo, on the western edge of Normandy.  The remarkable town’s 15th century gabled houses and stalls lead to the massive Abbey, the building of which is known for its impressive architectural accomplishment. Dinner.

Overnight in Mont St. Michel

After breakfast well embark on a morning walking tour of the town and the Abbey at Mont St. Michel.  Next, we will proceed to Bayeux, a lovely city filled with gracious mansions.  Here you can view the 11th century Tapestry of Queen Matilda depicting the entire story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066. We continue to Normandy to see Omaha Beach, where Allied troops stormed ashore to launch the D-Day invasion. Dinner.

Overnight in Lisieux

We will get to visit the home and Carmelite Monastery of St. Thérèse, the youngest saint named a Doctor of the Church, known as the “Little Flower.” We celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Thérèse. Next, we’ll board the bus and drive to Rouen where we will see where St. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30th, 1431. Dinner.

Overnight in Paris

Today our tour escort will give us an overview of the City of Light, where we’ll see the Champs-Élysées, the Seine River, Les Invalides, and the Eiffel Tower. Before checking into the hotel, we will visit the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal on the Rue de Bac and have Mass. Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Labouré and asked her to have a medal made with the inscription, “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

Overnight in Paris

Following breakfast, we will celebrate Mass in the Romanesque and Byzantine Sacré-Coeur Basilica on top of Montmartre Hill. We’ll visit the Gallery of the Kings, its many chapels, and the Rose Window. We’ll also visit the famous Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, an architectural marvel, standing on the site of an early Christian Basilica which, in turn, had been built on the site of a Roman era temple. This afternoon, there will be leisure time to visit the Latin Quarter and Luxemburg Gardens. This evening we will have the optional Seine River cruise & dinner (+$125).

Overnight in Paris

With a deeper love for Mary, gratitude to God and wonderful memories of our pilgrimage, we will transfer to the airport and board our plane for our flight home.