PILGRIMAGES

The Itinerary

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Day 1 - 6th of October

Depart IAD at 17:30

 

Day 2 - 7th of October

Arrive CDG Paris at 08:00 and transfer to Lisieux. Arrive in Lisieux around 12:30. Lunch at own leisure between 12:30-14:00 before a visit to St Therese and family and Mass in the Basilica of St Therese.

     Lisieux is the location of The Carmel Monastery where St. Therese spent her years. Lisieux hosts more than two million pilgrims a year and the numbers continue to grow. Visit the Carmelite convent, St. Therese’s home (Les Buissonets), the Cathedral, and the Basilica.

 

Day 3 – 8th of October

After breakfast transfer to Normandy for a morning visit. Tour of Normandy between 10:00 and 12:00. After the tour transfer to Mont Saint-Michel. On arrival there will be Mass in the lower church at Mont Saint-Michel.

       Mont Saint-Michel is a historic abbey dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel of Judgement. The story of how the mount came to be dates back to the early 8th century when the bishop claimed that the Archangel Michael told him to build a church on the island just out to sea.

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Day 4 – 9th of October

Morning tour of Mont Saint-Michel followed by Mass and lunch. Transfer to Cholet at around 16:00. On arrival in Cholet, check into the Hotel.

 

Day 5 – Day 7 – 10th – 12th of October

Morning Mass at the Basilica of St. Louis de Montfort before departing at 11:00 for Lourdes. Arrive in Lourdes at around 18:00.

     St. Laurent-sur-Sèvre is the burial place of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, pilgrims visit the Basilica of Saint Louis de Montfort to honor him.

     Lourdes is a major Catholic pilgrimage site. It is renowned for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary experienced by Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, during which she proclaimed the message of prayer and penance. The site is known for its healing waters, which many believe have miraculous powers, drawing millions of pilgrims who seek physical and spiritual renewal.

 

Day 7 – 12th of October

Depart Lourdes at 08:00 arriving in Toulouse at 10:00 to visit St. Thomas Aquinas. At 11:30 depart Toulouse and transfer to          Conques arriving at 14:00 for lunch, and Mass in the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy. Transfer to Issoire for the overnight stay.

     Toulouse is the birthplace of Saint Thomas Aquinas, one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in Catholic history. Aquinas, who lived in the 13th century, is renowned for his works that harmonized faith with reason.

     Conques is the home of the relics of Sainte Foy, whose shrine attracts pilgrims along the Santiago de Compostela route.

 

Day 8 – 13th of October

Depart at 08:00 for Nevers. On arrival celebrate Mass, visit St Bernadette and have lunch. At around 18:00 depart for Paray-le Monial for overnight stay.

     The Sanctuary in Nevers is famed for the Shrine of St Bernadette Soubirous, who arrived in Nevers in 1866 to enter the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity.

     Paray-le Monial is known across the world thanks to the popularity of the message of the heart of Jesus and its wonderful basilica from the 11th century.

 

Day 9 -Day 10 – 14th -15th of October

At 08:00 visit St Mary Margaret Alocoque before departing at 11:30 for Ars. Arrive in Ars around 13:00 for lunch, St John Vianney and Mass. Depart at 17:30 for Lalouvesc arriving at around 19:30 for an overnight stay. The following day will be spent in  Lalouvesc visiting St. John Francis Regis, with Mass and an overnight stay at the same hotel.

     Ars Sur Forman is known for The Sanctuaire de St. Jean-Marie Vianney (Shrine of St. John Vianney). During his lifetime, St. John Vianney founded an orphanage for girls and became internationally famous for his spiritual direction.

     Lalouvesc is the site where Saint Jean-François Régis spent his final years. It has since become a pilgrimage destination, particularly for those seeking spiritual renewal and reflecting on the saint’s dedication to faith, charity, and the care of the poor.

 

Day 11 – 16th of October

At 08:00 depart for Annecy. Arrive around 11:00 for lunch, followed by visits to St. Francis, St. Jane de Chantel and Mass.

     Annecy holds great religious significance as the birthplace of St. Francis de Sales and the spiritual home of St. Jane de Chantal. Together, they founded the Visitation Order in the early 17th century, promoting a life of prayer, humility, and charity, which has deeply influenced the region's spiritual heritage.

 

Day 12 – 17th of October

Depart the hotel at 06:30 to transfer to Geneva for return flight home. Flight time 10:30am, arrival to IAD at 17:30 – no accommodation