Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart from Moline 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, which 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 take an early flight from Toulouse to Lyon, where we begin our scenic drive through the French Alps towards Chamonix. On our way, we’ll visit the charming town of Annecy, known for its beautiful canals and lakeside views. After some time exploring and enjoying the picturesque surroundings, we’ll continue our journey through the mountains to Chamonix, located at the base of Mont Blanc. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our accommodations and have the evening to relax and take in the alpine atmosphere. Overnight in Chamonix.

Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 12,605 ft.  The panoramic summit offers views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, as well as the glaciers, Chamonix valley, and surrounding countries. Spend a few hours at the top to explore the attractions.  Overnight in Chamonix.

We will leave Chamonix and head to 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 to 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 head to Tours. Dinner. Overnight Tours.

Today, we drive along the meandering River Cher to the beautiful 16th-century Château de Chenonceaux. We’ll 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 Château 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, we’ll 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. We will also visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial and the nearby visitor center, which offer poignant insights into the events of D-Day and honor those who fought there. Dinner. Overnight in Lisieux.

We will 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, at Place du Vieux. We’ll visit the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Rouen. 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. 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.” Afterward, we will visit the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its stunning stained glass windows. 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 tour the famous Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, an architectural marvel, standing on the site of an early Christian Basilica. This afternoon, there will be leisure time to visit the Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens. This evening, we have an 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  Paris airport and board our plane for our flight home.