YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO FRANCE
A 12-DAY PILGRIMAGE INCLUDING PARIS, LISIEUX, MONT SAINT MICHEL, AND CHARTRES
FEATURING TWO DAYS AT PUY DU FOU HISTORICAL THEME PARK
YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO FRANCE
A 12-Day Pilgrimage accompanied by an SSPX Priest
JUNE 21-JULY 2, 2027
Starting at $4,365
TRIP SYNOPSIS
Journey through some of the most important Catholic sites in France, from the martyrdom of St. Joan of Arc in Rouen and the “Little Way” of St. Thérèse in Lisieux, to the medieval pilgrimage sites of Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres. Experience the historic Normandy beaches and remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives during the Second World War; discover the dramatic historical productions at Puy du Fou theme park; and visit the tomb of St. Martin of Tours. In Paris, explore Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the sites associated with the Miraculous Medal and St. Vincent de Paul. Conclude with a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, bringing together France’s rich Catholic, royal, and cultural heritage.
Experience an incredible journey enriched by daily Holy Mass, the companionship of fellow traditional Catholics, and the ease and comfort of group travel.
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
Rouen: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Church of Saint-Maclou, Gros-Horloge astronomical clock, Place du Vieux-Marché where St. Joan of Arc was martyred, Church of Saint Joan of Arc
Lisieux: Basilica of St. Thérèse, Les Buissonnets, Carmelite Convent and Shrine of St. Thérèse, Cathedral of Saint-Pierre
Normandy Beaches: Pegasus Bridge, Arromanches, Omaha Beach, American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer
Bayeux: Bayeux Cathedral view
Mont-Saint-Michel: Medieval village and Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, historic Benedictine monastery
Puy du Fou: Immersive historical shows and medieval villages, spectacular live performances, traditional French culture and heritage, Cinéscénie night show
Tours: Basilica of Saint-Martin, tomb of St. Martin of Tours, Cathedral of Saint-Gatien
Chartres: Chartres Cathedral
Paris: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Sainte-Chapelle, Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul, Église Saint-Sulpice, panoramic city tour
Versailles: Palace of Versailles, royal apartments and Hall of Mirrors, magnificent gardens
ITINERARY
Day 1. Monday, June 21 – FLIGHT TO PARIS
Board your transatlantic flight to Paris.
Day 2. Tuesday, June 22 – ARRIVAL IN PARIS / ROUEN
Arrive in Paris and travel to Rouen, a city closely associated with the life and martyrdom of St. Joan of Arc, the “Maid of France.” Explore its historic center with visits to the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Church of Saint-Maclou, and the Gros-Horloge, a remarkable 14th-century astronomical clock. In the ancient market square where St. Joan was martyred in 1431, reflect upon the courage and faith of one of France’s most beloved saints, followed by a visit to the Church of Saint Joan of Arc. Celebrate Holy Mass before dinner and overnight in Rouen. (D)
Day 3. Wednesday, June 23 – ROUEN / LISIEUX
Depart from Rouen and travel to Lisieux, the hometown of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the place where she lived her “Little Way” of spiritual childhood. En route, enjoy a traditional Calvados tasting. Upon arrival in Lisieux, visit the magnificent Basilica of St. Thérèse, built in her honor and one of the largest pilgrimage churches in France. Visit Les Buissonnets, the Martin family home where Thérèse spent her childhood, followed by the Carmelite convent where she entered religious life at the age of fifteen and lived until her death. Pause for prayer at her shrine and relics before visiting the Cathedral of St. Peter, where Thérèse attended Mass and first discerned her vocation to Carmel. Enjoy lunch on your own and a free afternoon in Lisieux. Dinner and overnight in Lisieux. (BB, D)
Day 4. Thursday, June 24 – LISIEUX / NORMANDY BEACHES / BAYEUX / LISIEUX
Today make an excursion to the Normandy coast, where the historic events of D-Day unfolded in June 1944. Visit Pegasus Bridge, made famous by the daring Allied operation to secure the bridge on the opening night of the invasion, followed by Arromanches and Omaha Beach. At the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, honor and pray for the thousands of young American men who gave their lives for the liberation of Europe. Continue to Bayeux, one of Normandy’s oldest cities, to visit its magnificent cathedral. Return to Lisieux for dinner and overnight. (BB, D)
Day 5. Friday, June 25 – LISIEUX / MONT-SAINT-MICHEL / RENNES
Depart Lisieux for Mont-Saint-Michel, one of France’s most extraordinary medieval landmarks and a historic center of pilgrimage dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. Along the way, enjoy a traditional cider tasting before arriving at the breathtaking island abbey, rising above the surrounding bay. Explore the magnificent abbey and, if available, have the opportunity to meet with a monk of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. Enjoy lunch on your own and time to explore the charming medieval village and its winding streets before transferring to Rennes for dinner and overnight. (BB, D)
Day 6. Saturday, June 26 – RENNES / PUY DU FOU
This morning, depart Rennes for Puy du Fou, a unique historical theme park known for its spectacular productions that bring the history of France to life. Enjoy the park’s immersive villages, historical reenactments, and live shows throughout the day, with time to explore at leisure and experience its different attractions. In the evening, attend Puy du Fou’s Cinéscénie (subject to ticket availability), the park’s renowned nighttime production featuring thousands of performers, elaborate sets, music, and special effects that recount the history and traditions of the Vendée region. Dinner and overnight at the Puy du Fou hotel. (BB, D)
Day 7. Sunday, June 27 – PUY DU FOU
Enjoy a full day at Puy du Fou, with time to discover its immersive historical villages, spectacular live productions, and attractions depicting different periods of French history. Explore the park at leisure and enjoy lunch on your own, with the opportunity to select from a variety of shows and experiences throughout the day. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in an onsite hotel at Puy du Fou. (BB, D)
Day 8. Monday, June 28 – PUY DU FOU / TOURS
Today, after a leisurely morning in Puy du Fou, transfer to Tours, a historic city in the heart of the Loire Valley and an important center of French Catholic heritage. Visit the Basilica of Saint-Martin, built over the tomb of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beloved saints of France, followed by the magnificent Cathedral of Saint-Gatien, renowned for its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass. Enjoy lunch on your own and a leisurely afternoon to explore Tours before dinner and overnight. (BB, D)
Day 9. Tuesday, June 29 – TOURS / CHARTRES / PARIS
Begin today by heading to Chartres, home to the magnificent Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres, one of France’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and a renowned destination of pilgrimage, famous for its remarkable stained glass and the Sancta Camisa, traditionally believed to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary. After time to explore and lunch on your own, continue to Paris for a panoramic tour of the city and a visit to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, perched above Paris on Montmartre. Enjoy free time to discover the city before dinner and overnight in Paris. (BB, D)
Day 10. Wednesday, June 30 – PARIS
Begin your first full day in Paris on the Île de la Cité, the historic island at the heart of Paris and the birthplace of the city, where centuries of French Catholic history come together. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and the magnificent Sainte-Chapelle, with its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass. Continue to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré and entrusted her with the mission of the Miraculous Medal, followed by the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul and the historic Église Saint-Sulpice. Enjoy free time to explore Paris before dinner and overnight. (BB, D)
Day 11. Thursday, July 1 – PARIS / VERSAILLES / PARIS
Spend your final full day in Paris on an excursion to Versailles, the magnificent former residence of the French monarchy. Explore the Palace of Versailles, including the lavish State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors, where important events in French history unfolded. Stroll through the extensive formal gardens, with their fountains, sculptures, and grand avenues, before returning to Paris. Enjoy lunch on your own and a leisurely afternoon to explore the city at your own pace, followed by a farewell dinner and overnight in Paris. (BB, D)
Day 12. Friday, July 2 – PARIS / UNITED STATES
Begin the final day of the pilgrimage with Holy Mass before breakfast. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your transatlantic flight home. (BB)
Buffet Breakfast (BB); Dinner (D); Welcome Dinner (WD); Farewell Dinner (FD)
* In case of unforeseen events, this itinerary is subject to change.
CHAPLAIN
This pilgrimage will be accompanied by a priest of the Society of St. Pius X who will celebrate daily Tridentine Mass.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
We do not foresee travel restrictions during the trip. We will post any relevant updates here.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations for this pilgrimage are in first-class hotels.
Rooms in double occupancy are for two people to share; they have two twin beds or one double bed. Rooms in single occupancy have a single bed and are for one person to occupy; a “single supplement fee” is added for single occupancy rooms.
Rouen: Hotel Paulette Rouen Centre Cathedrale or similar
Lisieux: L’Ermitage Religious house or similar
Nantes: Hôtel Voltaire Opera or similar
Puy du Fou: Best Western San Benedetto or similar at Puy du Fou premises
Tours: Best Western Central Hotel or similar
Paris: Hotel la Conversation or similar
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
The group air reservation is with Air France (AF). The outgoing flight departs from Newark (EWR) airport. Please do not purchase any air tickets until we notify that the group is fully formed. The group air schedule could undergo minor changes from the airlines; if a major change occurs, we will modify the listed flight schedule.
Flight AF71 JUN21 departs Newark (EWR) at 5:00PM, arrives Paris (CDG) at 6:10AM JUN22
Flight AF70 JUL02 departs Paris (CDG) at 12:30PM, arrives Newark (EWR) at 2:45PM
TRIP PACE
The pace for this pilgrimage is “on the go”.. There is daily walking and standing. Pilgrims must be in active enough condition to walk 3-4 hours and stand for 2-3 hours per day. We strongly recommend preparing oneself by walking before the trip, building up to at least 2-3 miles per day.
Sometimes walking is up or down slopes, and at times sidewalks and terrain will be uneven. Pilgrims must have full mobility and be able to climb several stairs, since many of the visited places have no other access. A certain pace must be kept by all pilgrims in order to cover the scheduled sightseeing. Some days may have several hours on the motor-coach.
Also see the “PHYSICAL HEALTH & FITNESS” section in the General Terms & Conditions.
PRICING INFORMATION
Price per person in double occupancy Land-only: $4,365
Price per person in double occupancy With-air: $5,485
Single supplement if you wish to have single occupancy: $820
Registration for air-inclusive package with non-refundable deposit of $300pp is due by: March 10, 2027
Registration for land-only package with non-refundable deposit of $300pp is due by: March 10, 2027
Balance due by: April 23, 2027
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Scheduled roundtrip transatlantic flights from Newark (EWR) when booking trip with air
Accommodations in first-class hotels
Gratuities to tour escort, local guides, and driver
Daily Holy Mass
Deluxe motor-coach for scheduled transfers and sightseeing
Daily breakfasts and most dinners
Services of a professional English-speaking tour escort
Admission fees for all included sightseeing
Porterage for one suitcase per person at the hotels, where available
Service charges, government fees
What’s not included:
Travel insurance
Church alms
Also see the “NOT INCLUDED” section in the General Terms & Conditions.