13-Day France, Eldest Daughter of Holy Mother Church
$6,895
Number of Days: 13
Location: France
Journey through the spiritual heart of France, where faith, history, and breathtaking scenery come together. From the Marian sanctuary of Lourdes and the life of St. Bernadette to the footsteps of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Jean-Marie Vianney, and other beloved saints, this pilgrimage will lead you to some of France’s most cherished Catholic sites. Along the way, experience magnificent churches and cathedrals, sacred shrines, historic cities, the beauty of the French Alps, and the moving beaches of Normandy!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Depart for Lourdes
Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.
Day 2
Arrive in Lourdes
Upon arriving at Pau or Toulouse airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrivals hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Embark on a scenic drive to Lourdes. Check in to your hotel and relax or explore before dinner. Following dinner, you will have free time to pray the Rosary and to attend the candlelight procession (April – October only). During these processions, pilgrims join in praying the Holy Rosary. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes.
Day 3
Lourdes
Awake in Lourdes, a small town in the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate at the site of Our Lady’s apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858 and announced herself as “The Immaculate Conception” near the Grotto of Massabielle. During the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady and left without exchanging words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God’s love for us and the necessity of performing acts of penance for sinners. Throughout your time in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. Watch a video presentation that explains the story of Lourdes. Wash your hands, wash your face, and drink the water of the miraculous spring. Finish with a short prayer: “Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. St. Bernadette, pray for us. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” Each evening, following dinner, you can attend the candlelight procession and pray the Rosary before a restful overnight in Lourdes.
Day 4
Lourdes
Continue your time in Lourdes as you experience Christ’s unconditional love and meditate upon the “life-size” Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle. In Lourdes, you will walk in and meditate upon the footsteps of St. Bernadette. Your group will have the opportunity to see Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette, and the “Cachot,” an abandoned prison where Bernadette’s impoverished family lived. Spend time in prayer and reflection at the Grotto of Massabielle, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. Each evening, following dinner, you can attend the candlelight procession and pray the Rosary before a restful overnight in Lourdes.
Day 5
Lourdes - Paris - Lisieux (St. Therese - The Little Flower)
Today, you will enjoy breakfast before departing for Pau or Lourdes Airport for your short flight to Paris, continue on to Lisieux. According to Pope Pius X, St. Therese of Lisieux was the “greatest saint of modern times.” Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity will come alive as you walk in the great Saint’s footsteps. During your visit, you will see the beautiful Basilica of St. Therese and its magnificent mosaics and stained glass windows. You will have the opportunity to view relics, clothing, and personal objects that belonged to St. Therese when you visit her family home, Les Buissonnets. Additionally, you will tour the Carmelite Convent, which she entered in 1888 and where she is now buried. Dinner and overnight in Lisieux.
Day 6
Lisieux - Landing Beaches - American Cemetery
Upon waking up in Lisieux, enjoy breakfast, and then your group will celebrate Mass. After Mass we will travel to the Normandy Landing beaches. The Normandy landings were the landing operations, which took place on Tuesday, June 6, 1944 (termed D-Day) by the Allies of Normandy during World War II. As the largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the liberation of German-occupied northwestern Europe from Nazi control and contributed to the Allies’ victory on the Western Front. Continue to visit The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, a World War II cemetery and memorial in Colleville-Sur-Mer, Normandy, France, honoring the American troops that died in Europe during World War II. Many of the brave American soldiers of World War II are buried here, and it is encouraged to say a prayer in thanksgiving for their courage. Return to Lisieux for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
Lisieux - Chartres - Paris
This morning, your day begins with an early breakfast before we depart for Chartres, known worldwide for its massive Cathedral Notre Dame and its incredible stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries. The World Heritage site, UNESCO, calls the Cathedral “the high point of French Gothic art” and a “masterpiece”. Pilgrims will also be able to venerate a precious relic of the Veil of Our Lady which is currently on display at the back of the main altar of the Cathedral of Chartres. You will have some free time for lunch in the quaint town of Chartres. After lunch, we will continue to Paris to check-in at your hotel, followed by some free time. Dinner and overnight in Paris.
Day 8
Paris - Miraculous Medal – Notre Dame Cathedral
Following breakfast, we will celebrate Mass. Following Mass enjoy a full day of sightseeing including the magnificent Sacre Coeur Basilica atop Montmartre Hill. The Basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was originally built in 1914 as an act of penance for infidelity that France experienced during that time. See the beautiful mosaic of the Risen Christ and the remarkable Grand Organ. Visit the the Tombs of many notable Cardinals. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity to ascend a staircase to the Dome, where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris. Continue with a visit of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where we will have the opportunity to view the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. The Saint’s guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her. During the apparitions, Our Lady repeatedly instructed the making and purpose of the Miraculous Medal. According to the Blessed Virgin Mary, those who wear the Miraculous Medal will receive special protection and abundant graces. Following this prayerful and reflective experience, we will walk to Saint Vincent de Paul Church. Next, on our tour of Paris, we will visit one of the most incredible churches in the world: Notre Dame Cathedral. The Cathedral has recently been re-opened to visitors. Guided group tours are scheduled to resume in June 2025. Board a bus tour and see some of the most recognizable symbols of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides, the L’Arch de Triomphe, and the Champ-Elysees, the world’s most famous boulevard. Your busy day ends with a lovely meal and overnight in Paris.
Day 9
Paris - Nevers
After breakfast, depart for Nevers, where we will view the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette. 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 endured many other illnesses, among which were tuberculosis of the lung and a tubercular tumor in her right knee. St. Bernadette died at the young age of 35. St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body at the Convent of St. Gildard has been miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. You will have some free time in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Nevers.
Day 10
Nevers - Paray le Monial - Lyon
After breakfast, we will travel to Paray-le-Monial, where St. Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the 17th century. In revealing His Heart to her, Jesus said: “Behold the Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, but has been poured out totally and consumed as proof of its love.” After celebrating Mass in the Shrine of Paray-le-Monial, we will start a guided visit that features the Chapel of Apparitions. This Chapel is where St. Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the 17th century. See the room of the relics of St. Margaret Mary, the Diorama of St. Margaret, and the Eucharist Museum. Other highlights include the Basilica of Sacre Coeur and the Chapel of St. Claude, built in honor of St. Margaret Mary’s Spiritual Director. After the visit, you will have free time for lunch on your own. Depart Paray-le-Monial for Lyon. Dinner and overnight in Lyon.
Day 11
Lyon - La Salette
After breakfast, we depart for La Salette, which is located high in the French Alps. La Salette is where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1846 to two shepherd children, Melanie Matthew and Maximin Gird. Our Lady appeared to these shepherds crying, lamenting the lack of observance of Sundays and profaning of her Son’s holy name. A spring forever marks the spot where the Virgin appeared. Millions of pilgrims come to drink the fresh spring water and pray. The stunning mountain scenery and lush mountain trails make La Salette one of France’s most spectacular pilgrimage sites, with a beautiful Basilica built to honor the Virgin Mary. We return to Lyon for dinner and overnight.
Day 12
Ars
Enjoy a nice breakfast before starting our day exploring Lyon. This city stands on the site of the ancient Roman city called Lugdunum, founded in 43 BC. This city was Gaul’s capital, eventually becoming a major Christian center. This city is filled with renowned history, culture, and architecture. Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame of Fourviere, which was built after the Franco-Prussian War when the people of Lyon had vowed to create a Marian sanctuary if their city was spared. The Basilica blends Gothic and Byzantine styles with a richly decorated interior. Fourviere Hill provides a sensational panoramic view of Lyon. The views extend to the Croix-Rousse and the Terreaux districts, the Quartier Saint-Jean, and the Place Bellecour. In the afternoon, we will depart towards Ars, where we will visit the Shrine dedicated to St. Jean Marie Vianney, the patron Saint of Priests. In Ars, visit the Presbytery and the Basilica, where we will find the incorrupt body of the Cure of Ars. Enjoy a short documentary about his life. Return to Lyon for a delicious meal and restful overnight.
Day 13
Return Home
This morning, you will begin with breakfast and continue with a transfer to the Lyon airport for your return flight(s) home.
Tour information
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only travelers not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the tour leader will make every attempt to pair single travelers requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS: Breakfast provided daily. Lunch and dinner provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Travelers are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Travelers are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes or fees imposed by national and/or local governments that are not included at the time of publication are the traveler’s responsibility.
NOT INCLUDED: Country-specific visas or ETAs, excess baggage fees, passport fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months (185 days) beyond the start date of your tour. Travelers with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements.
AIR: The Air Included option covers round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the Air Included option. Travelers who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY: Travelers who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Travelers arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the transfer bus at no additional charge.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators or scooters. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please click here for more information or to enroll in the plan.
A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to 180 days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
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