11 Days

Shrines of France Pilgrimage

Spiritual Director: Fr. Matthew MacDonald

Tour Escort: Penny Abbruzzese

October 27 – November 6, 2024

*Optional Medjugorje Post Tour: Nov 6 – 9, 2024

PA102724

Shrines of France Pilgrimage

Spiritual Director:

Fr. Matthew MacDonald

Tour Escort: Penny Abbruzzese

October 27 – November 6, 2024

*Optional Medjugorje Post Tour:

Nov 6 – 9, 2024

PA102724

Lourdes – Paris – Lisieux (St. Therese – The Little Flower) - Normandy Beaches – Mont Saint Michel -– Charters – Paris - Miraculous Medal – Notre Dame - Nevers – Paray Le Monial – Ars - sur - Formans - Lyon - La Salette

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Lourdes – Paris – Lisieux (St. Therese – The Little Flower) - Normandy Beaches – Mont Saint Michel -– Charters – Paris - Miraculous Medal – Notre Dame - Nevers – Paray Le Monial – Ars - sur - Formans - Lyon - La Salette

Explore France’s beautiful Catholic Shrines on this cross-country Pilgrimage. From small villages in the South of France to Paris, one of the greatest cities in the world, France is sure to take your breath away. On this Pilgrimage you will see magnificent Shrines and Churches visiting Lourdes, Lisieux, Normandy, Chartres, Nevers, Paray Le Monial, Lyon, La Salette and Ars.

Fr. Matthew MacDonald

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Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare from your desired Airport
  • All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Accommodations at first-class hotels (or similar) in double occupancy
      ~ 2 nights: Oct 28 - 30: Hotel Panorama, Lourdes, France
      ~ 1 night: Oct 30 - 31: Manoir de l’Évêché, Lisieux, France
      ~ 1 night: Oct 31 - Nov 1: Mercure Mont Saint Michel, Mt. St. Michel, France
      ~ 2 nights: Nov 1 - 3: Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel, Paris, France
      ~ 1 night: Nov 3 - 4: Hotel De La Basilique, Paray Le Monial, France
      ~ 2 nights: Nov 4 - 6: Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux-Arts, Lyon, France
  • Post Tour hotel accommodations:
      ~ 3 nights: Nov 6 - 9: Villa Grace, Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine and mineral water with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Tour Escort throughout
  • Assistance of professional local Catholic Guide(s)
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Visit to Community Cenacolo
  • Whispers
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
  • Flight bag & PDF digital confirmation of all travel documents
Centrally located hotels or similar
Hotel Panorama
Lourdes, France
Manoir de l'Évêché
Lisieux, France
Mercure Mont Saint Michel
Mt. St. Michel, France
Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Paris, France
Hotel De La Basilique
Paray Le Monial, France
Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux-Arts
Lyon, France
Post Tour Hotels
Villa Grace
Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Not Included
  • Lunches, Tips to your guide & driver.
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver – allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime – up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Sunday, October 27: Depart for Lourdes

Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Meals served on board.

Day 2 | Monday, October 28: Arrive Lourdes

Upon arriving at Pau or Toulouse airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival hall, where you be greeted by your tour guide and/-or driver. Embark on the scenic drive to Lourdes. Check in to your hotel, and then 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). These processions are lit by candlelight and guided by the Most Holy Rosary. Following this prayerful experience, you will return to your hotel.

Day 3 | Tuesday, October 29: Lourdes

During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in yet another 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. She left without exchanging any words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God’s love for us, penance, 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. Here you have opportunities to watch a video presentation that explains in detail the story of Lourdes; and drink water from the miraculous spring that has healed many. You will have the opportunity to experience Christ’s unconditional love as you meditate upon the “life-size” Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle. You will walk in and meditate upon the footsteps of St. Bernadette. You 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. Each evening following dinner, you will have an opportunity to attend the candlelight procession and the Rosary before a restful overnight. *Full immersion in the Baths is still prohibited. The Baths have now been replaced by the water gesture, a ceremony that takes visitors back to basics, followed by prayer and then venerating of the Status of the Virgin Mary.

Day 4 | Wednesday, October 30: 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. Upon arrival in Paris, visit and attend Mass at the magnificent, Sacre Coeur Basilica that stands atop Montmartre Hill. The Basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was originally built in 1914, as an act of penance for the infidelity that France was experiencing during that time. While on your visit, in addition to the extraordinary artwork and architecture that forms the Basilica, you will see the beautiful mosaic of the Risen Christ, and the remarkable Grand Organ. Celebrate Mass at the Crypt which contains the Tombs of many notable Cardinals. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity during your free time to ascend a staircase to the Dome where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Paris. Following this visit, you will enjoy lunch on your own and depart for 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 the magnificent mosaics and stained glass that are contained within. Dinner an overnight at your hotel in Lisieux.

Day 5 | Thursday, October 31: Lisieux – Normandy Beaches – Mont Saint Michel

This morning you will transfer to Normandy Landing beaches. The Normandy landings were the landing operations, which took place on Tuesday, June 6th, 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 got buried here. It is encouraged to say a prayer in thanksgiving for their courage. Next visit of Mont St. Michel, where the Monastery of Le Mont St. Michel, also known as “The Wonder of the Western World” is located. Its name given the monastery is surrounded by a magnificent bay, which has one of the greatest tidal ranges in Europe, resulting in a breathtaking view. In 709 Michael, the Archangel, requested that Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, built and consecrate this monastery. Since the ninth century, the Abbey has been home to a monastic community to ensure the continuation of a spiritual presence. For centuries, it has been a pilgrimage site for those seeking Eternal Life with God. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6 | Friday, November 1: Mont Saint Michel – Charters – 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 century. The World Heritage Site, UNESCO, calls the Cathedral “the high point of French Gothic art” and a “masterpiece”. You will have some free time for lunch in the quaint town of Chartres. After lunch, we will continue to Paris for check-in at your hotel, followed by some free time before a delicious dinner and an overnight.

Day 7 | Saturday, November 2: Paris: Miraculous Medal – Notre Dame

Today, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Paris. We start with Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, where we celebrate Mass, after which 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 apparitions, Our Lady repeatedly instructed the making and purpose of the Miraculous Medal, as well as the green scapular. According to the Blessed Virgin Mary, those who wear the Miraculous Medal and scapular will receive special protection and abundant graces. Following your prayerful and reflective experience, we will walk to Saint Vincent de Paul Church, then continue on tour of Paris. Our panoramic tour will take us to the most recognizable symbol of the city of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Invalides, the L’Arch de Triomphe, and the Champ-Elysees, one of the world’s most famous boulevards. We will make a stop at La Madeleine, with the statue of Mary Magdalene carried to heaven by angels. Your busy day ends with a lovely meal and a comfortable overnight.

Day 8 | Sunday, November 3: Paris - Nevers - Paray-le-Monial

After breakfast, depart for Nevers by way of the picturesque Loire Valley to 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 was gradually struck by other illnesses, among which were tuberculosis of the lung and a tubercular tumor in her right knee. St. Bernadette eventually died at the age of 35. St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body at the Convent of St. Gildard, is miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. You will have some free time before enjoying a delicious meal and retiring for the evening in Paray-le-Monial.

Day 9 | Monday, November 4: Paray-le-Monial – Ars-sur-Formans – Lyon

After breakfast, we continue our travelling on to Paray le Monial, the place 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, the place where St. Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the 17th century, 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 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 to continue on to Ars where we will visit the Shrine dedicated to Saint Jean Marie Vianney, the patron saint of the priesthood. In Ars, we will be able to visit the presbytery and the Basilica where we will find the incorrupt body of the Cure of Ars and enjoy a short documentary about his life. Continue to Lyon for a delicious meal and restful overnight.

Day 10 | Tuesday, November 5: Lyon – La Salette – Lyon

After breakfast, we depart for La Salette located in a high alpine pasture in the French Alps. La Salette is the site where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1846 to two shepherds, Melanie Matthew, and Maximin Gird. Our Lady appeared to these shepherds crying, lamenting over the lack of observance of Sundays and the profaning of her Son’s holy name. A spring forever marks the spot where the Virgin appeared and where millions of pilgrims come, to drink the fresh spring water and to pray. The stunning mountain scenery and lush mountain trails make La Salette one of the most spectacular pilgrimage sites in France, with a beautiful Basilica built to honor the Virgin Mary. In 1996, La Salette celebrated the 150th anniversary of Our Lady’s first appearance. We return to Lyon for dinner and overnight.

Day 11 | Wednesday, November 6: Return home

This morning, you will begin with breakfast and continue with a transfer to the Lyon airport for your return flight(s) home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.


Medjugorje Post Tour

November 6 – 9, 2024
  • Post Tour hotel accommodations:
      ~ 3 nights: Nov 6 - 9: Villa Grace, Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine and mineral water with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Tour Escort throughout
  • Assistance of professional local Catholic Guide(s)
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Visit to Community Cenacolo
  • Whispers
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)

Anticipated Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 | Wednesday, November 6: Lyon - Medjugorje

You will have an early morning transfer from Paris to board your flight(s) to Medjugorje. Upon arrival, you’ll will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver, who will take you on the 2.5 hour drive to the village of Medjugorje. Dinner and an overnight.

Days 2 & 3 | Thursday & Friday, November 7 & 8: Medjugorje

The most beautiful features of Medjugorje are its simplicity and peace. While in Medjugorje, you may experience your faith grow, and share in the faith journey of pilgrims from all over the world. A local guide will accompany your group throughout your stay in the village. Some activities that will accompany you in your spiritual journey:

Attend Daily Mass: Each morning at 10:00 AM, your group will assemble at St. James Church for Mass (English-Speaking). At the end of each Mass, regardless of language, there is a blessing of the religious articles that you have with you.

On Feast Days, and Sundays: English Mass is at 12 PM.

Climb Apparition Hill: This mountainous hill is where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. At the base of this hill is a Blue Cross, where it is said Our Lady appeared to the children while they hid from the communist police in the early days of the alleged apparitions. While climbing, your group is invited to recite the Rosary, pausing five times for each decade of the Rosary. At the top of the hill, you will witness the exact location of the first alleged apparition of Our Lady to the visionaries, and enjoy private time for prayer.

Climb Mt. Krizevac (Cross Mountain): In 1933, the villagers built a 30′ high cross atop a mountain to commemorate Jesus’ passion and death on the cross. Your group will have the opportunity to climb this mountain, and venerate that very cross. While climbing, your group is invited to pray the Stations of the Cross (to meditate on Jesus’ suffering Road to Calvary), pausing fifteen times for each Station.

Apparitions: Each evening at 5:00 PM your group can join the villagers and fellow pilgrims of Medjugorje at either St James Church or Apparition Hill to commemorate the time Our Lady appears to the Visionaries. There you can pray the Rosary, as you all await that time 5:40 PM. *Afterward, Croatian Mass is held at St. James Church and is free to all to attend. It is broadcasted by the radio, simultaneously in order to translate the services from Croatian into many languages. Following the Croatian Mass, there is a Blessing of the Sick.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Our Lady has always called us to be close to her Son. For this, you will have the opportunity to adore the Blessed Sacrament at the altar outside of St. James Church. Adoration is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays; Veneration of the Cross is held on Fridays inside the church. Additionally, there is an Adoration Chapel on the grounds of St. James Church, where Adoration is held in the afternoon hours.

Visit to the Community of Cenacolo: You will have the opportunity to visit the community of Cenacolo, founded by the Sisters of Charity, for young men and women who have taken a wrong path and are on the road to recovery. You will be able to listen to their inspirational words about their journeys back to Jesus Christ. Prayer at the Statue of the Risen Christ: The bronze statue of the Risen Christ is located on the grounds of St. James Church. Many pilgrims sit and pray on the benches surrounding this peaceful statue. This statue miraculously seeps droplets of water at all times of the day, out of Christ’s right knee.

Day 4 | Saturday, November 9: Return Home

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Dubrovnik, Split or Sarajevo Airport for return flights home.

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Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: sales@206tours.com

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$500.00 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

*If within 90 days prior to departure, Full Payment is due at time of Registration.

About your trip

About Lourdes:

She came for you and for everyone of us! 6 million pilgrims come to Lourdes each year and 10,000 visit this site daily. At the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in southwestern France, nestled between the spectacular mountain river, Gave de Pau, is Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the World. Lourdes is the birthplace of St Bernadette to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Our pilgrimage and tour of Lourdes includes visits to the sanctuary and the Basilica of St Pius X, the world’s largest underground Church. Drink from the spring that the Virgin directed Bernadette to locate at the base of the Grotto, which has flowed uninterrupted since 1858. Wash yourself in the baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Contemplate Christ’s Passion as you pray the unique three-dimensional Stations of the Cross. Attend the blessing of the sick, and participate in nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady. Daily Mass, and Mass at the Grotto on Sunday will be followed by a video presentation telling the miraculous story of Lourdes. Visit Lourdes and experience a spiritual journey from which many have claimed healing and conversion.

About Medjugorje

Medjugorje, located in Bosnia & Herzegovina, is the site of the 1981 Marian Apparitions. On June 24th 1981 six children witnessed the Blessed Virgin Mary on what is now known as Apparition Hill. The apparition of Our Lady had a message of peace for the world, as well as a call to conversion, prayer and fasting. She appeared to them with an infant in their arms and confided several secrets to the children. Some of the children, now adults, continue to witness Our Lady’s apparitions.
Medjugorje is a place of peace and prayer where over 40 million people have visited the now popular Pilgrimage site. In 2018 Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Henryk Hoser the “Apostolic Visitor” to Medjugorje in steps to officially recognize Medjugorje as a sacred Catholic site. On May 13, 2019 the Holy See officially announced that Dioceses and Parishes throughout the world are officially authorized to organize Pilgrimages to Medjugorje.
About the Six Medjugorje Visionaries

Options and upgrades

About your trip

About Lourdes:

She came for you and for everyone of us! 6 million pilgrims come to Lourdes each year and 10,000 visit this site daily. At the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in southwestern France, nestled between the spectacular mountain river, Gave de Pau, is Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the World. Lourdes is the birthplace of St Bernadette to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Our pilgrimage and tour of Lourdes includes visits to the sanctuary and the Basilica of St Pius X, the world’s largest underground Church. Drink from the spring that the Virgin directed Bernadette to locate at the base of the Grotto, which has flowed uninterrupted since 1858. Wash yourself in the baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Contemplate Christ’s Passion as you pray the unique three-dimensional Stations of the Cross. Attend the blessing of the sick, and participate in nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady. Daily Mass, and Mass at the Grotto on Sunday will be followed by a video presentation telling the miraculous story of Lourdes. Visit Lourdes and experience a spiritual journey from which many have claimed healing and conversion.

About Medjugorje

Medjugorje, located in Bosnia & Herzegovina, is the site of the 1981 Marian Apparitions. On June 24th 1981 six children witnessed the Blessed Virgin Mary on what is now known as Apparition Hill. The apparition of Our Lady had a message of peace for the world, as well as a call to conversion, prayer and fasting. She appeared to them with an infant in their arms and confided several secrets to the children. Some of the children, now adults, continue to witness Our Lady’s apparitions.
Medjugorje is a place of peace and prayer where over 40 million people have visited the now popular Pilgrimage site. In 2018 Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Henryk Hoser the “Apostolic Visitor” to Medjugorje in steps to officially recognize Medjugorje as a sacred Catholic site. On May 13, 2019 the Holy See officially announced that Dioceses and Parishes throughout the world are officially authorized to organize Pilgrimages to Medjugorje.
About the Six Medjugorje Visionaries

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