Lisieux | Normandy | St. Malo | Chartres | Paris
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Pilgrimage Itinerary
Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart on our overnight flight to Paris (independently arranged). Meals and refreshments will be served aloft.
Upon arrival in Paris this morning we will be met at the airport by our guide (those arriving early will return to the airport to connect with the group). We then drive to Rouen, where our walking tour will explore its magnificent Gothic cathedral depicting scenes from the life of St. Joan of Arc and the Church of St. Joan of Arc, built near where she was burned to death. Proceed to Lisieux, the home of St. Therese the “Little Flower of Jesus,” where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (D) – Overnight Lisieux
This morning, we spend the day in Lisieux, visiting the home where St. Therese lived as a child, the Carmelite Convent where she was a nun, the Basilica of St. Theresa, and the Cathedral of St. Peter. (B, D) – Overnight Lisieux
After Mass, depart Lisieux and will drive along the Normandy coast to see the beaches where the Allies landed on D-Day. Proceed to St. Laurent to visit the National Cemetery and Omaha Beach, one of the sites where the Americans came ashore that day. Continue to the Pointe du Hoc with its impressive bomb craters. Later this afternoon, continue to the lovely seaside town of St. Malo for overnight. (B, D) – Overnight St. Malo
This morning we will drive to Mont-St.-Michel, the principal shrine of the Archangel Michael and one of the medieval wonders of Europe. Our tour here will include the Grande Rue, and the Benedictine Abbey which is perched atop the rock island. Visit the Romanesque Church of St. Michael for prayer time and Mass (pending confirmation). The balance of the day is free to explore on your own, including dinner out at your leisure. (B) – Overnight St. Malo.
Following breakfast we will depart St. Malo and drive to Chartres, home to what most believe to be the greatest Gothic cathedral in Europe. The stained-glass windows of this Cathedral are world-renowned. Over 150 windows illustrate biblical stories and daily life in the 13th century. We continue to Orleans to check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) – Overnight Orleans
This morning, we visit sites connected with St. Joan of Arc, who fought her most famous battle against the English here. Visit the Hotel Jacques Boucher which now houses a museum but was where St. Joan once lived. Pray in the Cathedral of Saint Croix of Orleans, where stained-glass windows depict her story, and view her statue in the town square. This afternoon we journey to Paris, where we will check into our hotel with the balance of the afternoon and evening free. (B, D) – Overnight Paris
Today begins under the city, in the Catacombs of Paris (pending confirmation). We emerge from underground and travel to Saint Etienne du Mont, housing the relic of St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. This afternoon we cross to the Ile de la Cité and visit Notre Dame Cathedral, due to reopen at the end of 2024 after a devastating fire in 2019. Just a few blocks away on the same little island in the Seine we will visit Sainte-Chapelle, built in 1248 to house the Crown of Thorns and showcasing one of the world’s most captivating array of stained-glass windows. Afterwards, enjoy some free time, including dinner on our own. (B) – Overnight Paris
Our first pilgrim stop today will be to the Shrine of Saint Vincent de Paul where the saint’s body is on display in a reliquary. From there we go a short distance to the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal at Rue de Bac where Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830 and where she is buried. This afternoon, we journey to the top of Montmartre and visit the Basilica du Sacre Coeur. Tonight, we celebrate our farewell dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a special nighttime cruise on the Seine River, passing under 25 bridges and marveling at the illuminated monuments of Paris. (B, D) – Overnight Paris
Today marks the end of a marvelous experience as we transfer to the airport (on our own) for our return flights home, filled with memories and graces of this pilgrimage that will last a lifetime. (D)
What's Included
- Daily Mass at holy sites
- 8 nights’ accommodation, including taxes and service charges
- Porterage of one piece of luggage at hotels
- Knowledgeable, friendly, professional local guides; whisper headsets; deluxe motor coach transportation to holy sites; all entrance fees listed on itinerary
- Breakfast and dinner as per itinerary (excluding drinks)
*Pricing Information
Please note: Air taxes/fuel surcharges and gratuities are subject to change and will be updated on the final invoice. The final invoice will be emailed to you approximately 3 months prior to departure.
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