God is Restoring All Things
Pilgrimage to France
A pilgrimage to France drops you into a world of unsurpassed beauty, exquisite tastes, and a deep reminder of the great faith of the saints.
Whether it’s the moment you visit the Lourdes baths, the grandeur of French cathedrals, or a conversation over a bottle of Bordeaux, you’ll come to believe God has always been present, and is truly restoring all things.
Discover it For Yourself
the French Saints
From Our Lady of Lourdes, to St. Vincent de Paul, to St. Therese, you will hear and experience their stories in new, tangible ways you never thought possible. Go to the places that defined history, and feel the presence and life of the saints reaching out through the ages.
It almost goes without saying that visiting France would be worth visiting if only for the exquisite cuisine. Add in the magnificent French art and the romance of French architecture, and a visit becomes irresistible.
Throughout History
God continues to rebuild, restore, and renew his people. In the midst of some of the most humbling places and stories you’ll experience, from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to Omaha Beach, you’ll come to know a God that is faithful.
What’s
Included
- A dedicated pilgrimage director, supplemented with local guide(s)
- Catholic chaplain and daily Mass
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Private transportation on motorcoach
- Online prep webinar and emailed prep materials
- All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
-
4-star hotel properties come standard
- Breakfast every day, several lunches and dinners, plus wine at dinners
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Custom booklet for each pilgrim
Want to learn more?
Standard Itinerary
(Itinerary shown does not include flights to/from pilgrimage.)
Welcome to France
- Paris
Your pilgrimage journey begins on day one when you depart from your home airport en route to France. When you arrive at the Paris airport the next day, make the scenic drive to your hotel… This evening, meet your fellow pilgrims at an Opening Mass and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Mercure Paris 17 Batignolles or similar
In the Footsteps of Saints
- Paris
Begin your pilgrimage through Paris with a visit to the tomb of St. Catherine Laboure at the Miraculous Medal Chapel and the remains of St. Vincent de Paul in the Church dedicated to his honor. Afterwards, head to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, Sacré-Cœur, and get the chance to be welcomed by one of the Benedictine sisters. Participate in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Vespers.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Mercure Paris 17 Batignolles or similar
Immerse Yourself in Paris
- Paris
Wake up and head to the Ile de la Cité—the historic heart of Paris—for an external view of the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris and tour Sainte-Chapelle where you’ll get to experience the grandeur of 13th-century stained glass. Take the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the city on your own and take in all that Paris has to offer. Travel to Montmartre, tour the Eiffel Tower, or ascend to the top of Arc de Triomphe. Wander along the “world’s most beautiful avenue,” the Champs-Élysées, or marvel at the French art within the Musée d’Orsay. Whatever you decide, it’ll be well worth it.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Mercure Paris 17 Batignolles or similar
Dive Into French Culture
- Chartres, Rouen, Lisieux
Take in the French countryside on your transfer to picturesque Chartres or Rouen. Celebrate Mass, and explore the beauty of the historic cathedral and the charming surrounding town. Make your way to Lisieux with en route stop at the beautiful Chateau du Breuil castle to savor the taste of calvados, a variety of brandy made from apples or pears. End the evening in rest and reflection in the picturesque Lisieux.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Grand Hôtel de l’Espérance or similar
A Day to Reflect
- Lisieux
Make your way to the Sanctuary of Lisieux where you’ll have a chance to visit the second most visited pilgrimage site in all of France—the Basilica of St. Thérèse. See the beloved saint’s childhood home, the Carmelite Convent, and the Cathedral of St. Peter. Take time to pray at her relics as you appreciate her faithful Little Way. Celebrate Mass, then enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Grand Hôtel de l’Espérance or similar
From Lisieux to Lourdes
- Lisieux
Journey to Lourdes, by way of train through Paris. Made famous following the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1858, The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a much beloved location of pilgrims worldwide.
After attending morning Mass, enjoy a guided tour of the Shrine, along with visiting both the St. Bernadette’s Museum and the Museum of Miracles. On your way through the Shrine, catch external glimpses of the Chapel of Reconciliation, the Basilica, the Baths, and the Grotto. Spend the afternoon at the Sanctuary and take time to participate in prayers at the Grotto, walk the Way of the Cross, visit the healing baths, or receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As the day comes to a close, reflect on the day’s events over dinner before praying the Rosary and participating in the Shrine’s candlelight procession (from April-October).
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Mercure Lourdes Imperial Hotel or similar
The Heart of Paris
- Paris
Wake up and head to the Ile de la Cité—the historic heart of Paris—for an external view of the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris and tour Sainte-Chapelle where you’ll get to experience the grandeur of 13th-century stained glass. Continue the pilgrimage through Paris as you visit the tomb of St. Catherine Laboure at the Miraculous Medal Chapel and the remains of St. Vincent de Paul in the Church dedicated to his honor. Afterwards, head to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, Sacré-Cœur, and get the chance to be welcomed by one of the Benedictine sisters. Participate in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche or similar
Final Days in France
- Lourdes
Celebrate Mass before walking in the footsteps of St. Bernadette—the young girl whose visions of Mary inspired the construction of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. After a morning getting acquainted with some of the places where St. Bernadette lived, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a variety of devotional practices at the Shrine. Finish the day off with Mass, closing reflections, and a Farewell Dinner at a local French restaurant. As you eat your final meal with fellow pilgrims, let the food and conversation warm your spirit one last time. Wake up refreshed the next morning, ready to begin your journey back towards home.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Mercure Lourdes Imperial Hotel or similarr
Optional Extension - Further Into France (*pre-trip extension)
For those wanting to extend your journey, step further into the world of France with this three-day pre-trip extension.
Experience more French history with a trip to Versailles to see one of the most famous and majestic of all french Chateaux—the Palace of Versailles. From lavish furnishings to lush gardens, step into the overwhelming elegance of this royal residence. Then, with a trip to Champagne, you’ll get a taste of the fine wine that is exclusive to this region, along with a visit to Reims and its gorgeous cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Includes:
- Professional English-speaking local guides in Versailles, Champagne and Reims
- Private transportation
- All tickets and activities for included activities listed on itinerary
- Standard accommodations
- Breakfast daily at hotel, two lunches, and vineyard tour and wine tasting
Visit to Versailles
- Versailles
The Palace of Versailles has played a major role in the unfolding of history. This former French royal residence and center of French government is the location where a number of major world treaties have been signed – Peace of Paris 1783 and the Treaty of Versailles 1919, among others. Today it is a national landmark and is listed as a World Heritage Site. Spend a half day admiring the abundance of beauty as you discover the great apartments, stroll through the gardens, and make your way through the famous Hall of Mirrors. Then, return to Paris for time to explore on your own.
Champagne and Cathedrals
- Champagne Region, Reims
Journey through the French countryside on your way to the world renowned vineyards of the Champagne Region. Taste the world-famous Champagnes exclusive to this location. In the afternoon, take a trip to Reims where you’ll visit the widely-renowned Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Famous for its use in French coronations, this cathedral has been restored multiple times over the course of history and is currently the seat of the Archdiocese of Reims.
Farewell France
Enjoy one last Parisian breakfast before departing for the airport. As you say goodbye to this lovely country, you’ll find that reflecting on your time here will always be dotted with evidence of God’s restoration in both individuals and nations.
Prepare
Once you register, we’ll help you prepare for the journey, logistically and spiritually. In the meantime:
Upcoming Departures
Why Travel With Verso?
- We believe everything is sacred. Not just just the saints and sacraments, the Pope or parishes. God’s present in the city, the country, the food, and the conversation. And we get to explore it all.
- As a ministry, we’re here with expertise in travel, planning, and spiritual direction, to help pilgrims explore the sacred. And everything is sacred.
- Join us to do true Catholic pilgrimage by experiencing everything to its fullest.
