9-Day “Pilgrimage for Discernment” Paris, Lisieux, Alencon,
Paray-le-Monial, Ars

Tour highlights A Pilgrimage for Discernment & Spiritual Growth

Paris: Iconic Saints and Landmarks

Discover Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sacre Coeur Basilica, and the Marian Apparition site at the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal. Venerate both the relics of Saint Vincent de Paul and the skulls of the Martyrs of the French Revolution. Visit where Saints Ignatius Loyola and Francis Xavier founded the Jesuits in Montmartre. Enjoy free time to visit the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower on your own.

Alencon: the home of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin

In Alencon, learn how living the vocation of marriage can bring forth great spiritual fruit and sanctify you. Explore the home and legacy of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, the first couple to be canonized Saints together. This stop, which celebrates married life, is also the birthplace of Saint Therese of Lisieux. It offers profound insights into the value of Catholic devotionals and familial spirituality

Lisieux: Saint Therese, the Little Flower

Dive deep into the Little Flower's spiritual heritage. Visit the Carmel Memorial dedicated to her then pay your respects directly at the Tomb of Saint Therese. We'll also visit Les Buissonets, where she had her miraculous recovery, and the awe-inspiring Basilica of Saint Therese which stands as a beacon of faith, inviting you to reflect on the life and legacy of one of Catholicism's greatest saints.

Paray-le-Monial: divine apparitions of the Sacred Heart

Paray-le-Monial is a town with a long name but a simple message for the world: Jesus' Heart is burning with love for you. It was here that Jesus appeared to Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673 sharing the Sacred Heart Devotion for the first time. Pray in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart Apparitions, offer your heart to Jesus, trust in His love for you, and take a step further on the path of discernment.

Ars and Nevers: Legacies of Saint John Vianney & Saint Bernadette

In Nevers, visit with the incorrupt body of Saint Bernadette Soubirous and ask her how she was able to be so strong in her vocation. In Ars, pray at the Tomb of Saint John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, and enjoy a peaceful countryside walk that offers a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that a person who dedicates their life to God's service must make.

Expert guidance for Discernment and Spiritual Growth

Guided by our founder, Havilah, a Catholic wife and mother, each day of this carefully structured tour is designed to nurture your life of faith, deepen your trust in God, and provide a transformative encounter with Christ, to prepare you to receive, and joyfully accept, the gift of your vocation.

Itinerary

9-Day pilgrimage

  • Day 1
    Paris: Montmartre neighborhood + Sacre Coeur Basilica
  • Day 2
    Alencon: Home of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin
  • Day 3
    Lisieux: Tomb of Saint Therese + Basilica + Carmel
  • Day 4
    Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral + tour of Paris' Main monuments
  • Day 5
    Paray-le-Monial: Sacred Heart Apparitions Ars: St John Vianney
  • Day 6
    Ars: Tomb of St John Vianney + Nevers: Tomb of Saint Bernadette
  • Day 7
    Paris: Martyrs of the French Revolution in Saint Joseph des Carmes
  • Day 8
    Paris: Chapelle of the Miraculous Medal + Relics of Saint Vincent de Paul
  • Day 9
    Paris: Breakfast then Flight back home
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Relaxed atmosphere

with time to meditate and pray for discernment.

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Free time

Some free time every day to explore on your ow

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Flexible arrival and departure options

Allowing you to visit famous sites in Paris and other enchanting French destinations at your leisure.

Have a question?

Do not hesitate to give me a call. I'm an expert and I am happy to talk to you.

Your tour guide Hava

Call Hava

+33.6.49.32.36.49

Tour details An in-depth exploration of sacred heritage

Delve into the heart of Paris, where every corner reveals centuries of Catholic tradition. The pilgrimage will begin in the vibrant Montmartre neighborhood, known for its artistic heritage and as the birthplace of the Jesuit Order. You'll stay the night at the Sacre Coeur Basilica and participate in the perpetual adoration that has been going on there for more than 140 years.

On the following day, you'll explore the historic Notre Dame Cathedral and learn of Saint Joan of Arc's connection to it. Then, experience quiet reflection at the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, a Marian apparition site. There will also be a visit to the Tomb of Saint Vincent de Paul and time to visit with and venerate the relics of the Martyrs of the French Revolution, priests who gave their lives in defense of their vocations.

It would be wrong to come to a place as beautiful as Paris and not explore it. That is why during this pilgrimage we will take half a day to explore it together. See the iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arch de Triomphe as well as the quaint little streets full of bakeries and cafes. There will also be plenty of free time to explore more on your own.

From Paris, you'll head two hours west to Alencon. There you'll take a guided tour with a charming Carmelite sister of the home of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin. The first married couple to be canonized together.

These two Saints thought their vocations were to the priesthood and religious life. However, God had other plans for them. He gently led them to the vocation of marriage where they found their path to sanctification through loving and serving each other, and their nine children.

This couple experienced great joy as well as trial and suffering, including the deaths of four of their children at young ages. Witness firsthand the environment that fostered a legacy of faith, humility, and unwavering devotion in their five daughters who were all called to become Religious Sisters.

From Alencon you'll head an hour north to Lisieux. In Lisieux, you'll discover the full story of the little flower, Saint Therese. Hear about how hard she had to fight to enter the Carmel and how this saint, who became world-renowned for her miraculous interventions, was not considered very interesting by her sisters during her life.

You'll visit the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Pierre where she made her first confession. Explore, Les Buissonets, the home where she was miraculously healed by the smiling Virgin Mary. Visit the awe-inspiring Basilica of Saint Therese built with over a million humble donations from her spiritual children around the globe. You'll have time to wander inside it and even climb to the top of the dome if you'd like.

You'll also visit the Carmel Memorial which is a tribute to the contemplative life of Saint Therese and has many of her personal belongings. Then you'll pay your respects at the tomb of Saint Therese, in a chapel in the Carmel that invites personal reflection.

From Lisieux, you'll travel five or so hours southeast to Paray-le-Monial. In Paray-le-Monial, find your place in the heart of Jesus. Learn the history of the Sacred Heart apparitions, but more importantly their message for you.

You'll visit the Chapel of the Sacred Heart Apparitions where Jesus revealed his Sacred Heart to Saint Margeret Mary and asked her to share it with the world. You'll be able to sit with the body of Saint Margeret Mary and pray for your own revelation. This intimate setting encourages a reflective pause, strengthening your trust in He who loved you first.

An hour south of Paray-le-Monial is the famous little town of Ars-sur-Formans usually just called Ars. Venture into the serene country town of Ars, where you will pray at the Tomb of Saint John Vianney, the celebrated Curé of Ars who was named Patron Saint of Priests. Learn about his fascinating life of service. Then, enjoy a peaceful countryside walk that provides a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by this Saint to accomplish God's Will.

On the five to six hour drive back north to Paris there will be a short stop in Nevers. There you will visit the Tomb of Saint Bernadette Soubirous. Learn about this spunky yet humble saint who completely abandoned her will to the Divine Will. Her incorrupt body is available for veneration and you will have an opportunity to pray with her.

Throughout the tour, our expert guide will offer personal insights and historical context, ensuring that each day deepens your devotion to Jesus and nurtures your ability to hear and follow God's Will for your life

While we cannot promise that there will be an english speaking Priest on your pilgrimage, (If you know one and want him to come along tell him that we will take one Priest for free on all of our pilgrimages) we can promise that you will be able to participate in daily Mass in French and that there will also be English speaking priests available to hear Confessions while in Paris, Lisieux, and Ars.

What's included?

Our comprehensive package covers everything for a seamless, inspiring journey

  • Expert guided tours Led by our founder Hava.
  • Ground transportation Comfortable private bus and/or train transfers between Paris, Lisieux, Alencon, Paray-le-Monial, Ars, and Nevers.
  • Entrance reservations Access to sacred sites, including Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, Sacre Cœur Basilica, Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, body of Saint Vincent de Paul, Paray-le-Monial's Chapel and Ars's Tomb of Saint John Vianney; home of Saint Therese in Alencon and key sites in Lisieux are all free, but all request a donation that helps pay for their upkeep, and most require us to have reservations made beforehand to be visited. Blue Mantle will make all of the reservations for you.
  • On-site support & spiritual activities including opportunities for daily Mass and confession.
  • Curated itinerary A full itinerary packed with Saints and Sacred sites that also includes scheduled free time for reflection and personal exploration of the sights visited.
  • Authentic accommodations Dedicated pilgrims' housing run by religious orders in all the major pilgrimage sites. See FAQ for further details.
  • Three square meals per day Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all planned for you. Please note that we will be eating most meals with the religious in pilgrims' houses, except for in Paris where there will be lots of baguette sandwiches for lunch and dinners in traditional French restaurants. Dietary preferences will NOT be taken into account, only allergies matter in France.
    So if you are a picky eater, then you'll have the chance to ask for the grace to overcome that, like Saint Therese did.

What's not included?

Please note the following items are not included

  • International airfare Flights to and from France.
  • Passport fees You will need a valid passport to get to and from France.
  • Optional excursions Any additional activities during your free time or outside of the planned itinerary, such as visiting exhibits in the Louvre, climbing the Eiffel Tower etc.
  • Personal expenses Souvenirs, snacks, and incidental costs.
  • Travel insurance Recommended, but not provided by our little company.
  • Tips Gratuities to Sanctuary-specific guides/religious orders who will meet and assist you throughout the Pilgrimage.
Testimonials

Hear from our Pilgrims


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Global00440280300

May 2025 • Friends

Awesome pilgrimage!

“We had an amazing pilgrimage with Havilah! She took us us to several awesome spots in France. Her experience and her personal faith shine through in her guided tours.”

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Ethan W

May 2025 • Friends

Excellent planner and more excellent Catholic

“Havilah did a fantastic job leading us across France and showing us the rich history steeped in our shared faith, especially as it relates to the Sacred Heart. She did a great job wrangling a large group of over 25 people, even in such a busy place as Paris, despite our best efforts to resist learning the definition of urgency in a packed itinerary. Further...”

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E R

May 2025 • Friends

Great Local Guide

“Havilah was a great guide and very knowledgeable about the history behind each site we visited. I felt that the schedule was perfect, not too busy but we always had something to do. Would recommend highly!”

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Resort29222178595

May 2025 • Friends

An amazing event filled pilgrimage!

“This was a beautiful pilgrimage I went with a large group of 26 people and everyday was so event filled. We enjoyed some great French cuisine and saw so many beautiful churches and learned so much about each location we visited. The price we paid for the trip was very worth it for all the activities we did!”

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OnAir644613

Jun 2024 • Family

Amazing Experience of St. Therese with Family

“We took a family day trip (mom, dad and five kids) to Lisieux and Alencon with Blue Mantle. Wow! The hour drive from Paris was beautiful itself, really gets you out into the French countryside, but the story of St. Therese, her saintly parents (St. Louis and St. Zelie) really came to life. The tour guide was super friendly and was able to walk us through the...”

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Mary M

Jun 2024 • Couples

An epic experience!

“Havilah was such an amazing tour guide. Not only her knowledge but her excitement to share these places was infectious! Her sincere love for Catholicism, France & it's history made the trip all the more special & meaningful. She was also very easygoing and we never felt rushed or bored. We highly recommend Blue Matle!”

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fprofita

Apr 2024 • Couples

Amazing Pilgrimage

“Hava took us to Alencon and Lisieux to visit where St Therese was born and lived until she entered Carmel where we also had Mass. The sites were so spiritual. I loved every minute of it. Hava was so accommodating to our every need. I highly recommend this company to lead your pilgrimage. The day was fantastic but having Hava take us really made it special.”

Read more on Tripadvisor