12-Day Pilgrimage to the Greatest Shrines of France Paris, Lourdes, Lisieux,
Mont Saint Michel, Alencon, Toulouse

From Paris you'll travel an hour and a half through the countryside to discover the awe-inspiring Chartres Cathedral, celebrated for its Gothic architecture and remarkable stained glass windows. You'll tour the Cathedral of Chartres and also a stained glass museum learning how the windows were made.

In the evening you'll wander through the picturesque medieval streets of the surrounding town, where history and spiritual devotion come together in an enchanting atmosphere. Every evening there is a beautiful light show that is projected onto the Cathedral of Chartres and several other monuments in the town.

In Alencon, an hour or so drive from Chartres, You'll enjoy a guided tour with a charming Carmelite sister. Immersing yourself into the Catholic family life of the Martin's by visiting the cherished home of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin.

This intimate setting, which shares the humble history that led to them becoming the first couple to be canonized Saints together, is inspiring in so many ways but especially for those who are called to married life. It is also the birthplace of their daughter, Saint Therese of Lisieux, and offers unique insights into family spirituality and enduring faith.

Drive an hour north of Alencon and you'll arrive in Lisieux, where you can pay homage at the Tomb of Saint Therese. You'll hear Mass in the Carmel where she lived and died and also visit the Memorial full of her relics.

Then you'll admire the awe-inspiring Basilica of Saint Therese, and reflect at the Cathedral of Saint Pierre where she said her first confession. Each site serves as a stepping stone of the Little Flower's history, inviting you to trust in God and abandon yourself to His divine Will.

Travel two hours from Lisieux and you will be able to experience the beauty of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that combines natural beauty with an extraordinary medieval town.

You'll enjoy a guided tour of the town and then have tickets and free time to explore the ancient abbey, named after Saint Michael the Archangel. It is a monument to centuries of monastic tradition and the resilience of the Catholic faith.

During the long drive to Lourdes (almost 8 hours from Mont Saint Michel), there will be several stops but the most important is the Basilica of Saint Louis de Montfort. The basilica is named after, and is the final resting place of, the Saint who wrote the "Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary".

Honestly, the basilica is not that fabulous to look at, but Saint Louis de Monfort is truly someone worth getting to know and venerating on your pilgrimage. This stop offers a moment of quiet contemplation and allows you to connect with the powerful legacy of Saint Louis de Montfort as you learn about his life and writings.

When you arrive in Lourdes you'll have the evening free to wander. The following morning your guide will take you to the famous Grotto of Massabielle, aka the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, where you will be able to touch the stone and pray in the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous.

You'll be able to drink, wash your face and hands, and collect the water from the miraculous spring that Our Lady showed to Saint Bernadette. You'll also have time to participate in Eucharistic Adoration in the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes, a beacon of hope that slightly reminds your guide of the castle in Disneyland.

In the evening, you will experience the transformative power of our universal church at prayer when you join the moving candlelight procession. You will be singing Ave Maria and uniting with fellow believers in heartfelt prayer under the glow of evening candles. Lourdes stands as a timeless symbol of miracles and spiritual renewal, enriching your journey with unforgettable moments of peace.

During the drive back to Paris we will make a special stop in the heart of Toulouse. A beautiful city that has the remains of one of the worlds most famous Saints: Saint Thomas Aquinas. Known as the Angelic Doctor Saint Thomas Aquinas is one of the church's foremost theologians and philosophers. You'll be able to pay your resects at the Convent of the Jacobins.

Each day is designed to immerse you in the both the Catholic heritage of France and the living faith of the Church today. You'll have the opportunity to go to local masses as well as confession at all of the sites we visit. Please note that Blue Mantle does not promise that a native english speaking priest will be on your pilgrimage. But your American born guide, who has lived in France for almost 20 years, knows where to find the english speaking priests for confessions. So the pilgrimage will be full of authentic encounters that deepen your faith and enhance your spiritual life.