Shrines Of France - 10 Days

Lourdes, Lyon, Nevers, Paray Le Monial, Ars, La Salette, Lisieux & Paris

Day 1 - Canada / Paris
Departure on overnight flight to Paris. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

Day 2 - Paris / Lourdes
Upon your arrival in Paris this morning, we connect to the 1-hour flight to Lourdes. Arrive in Lourdes and transfer to your hotel. 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 for over 140 years, it is the birthplace of St. Bernadette to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Relax or explore before dinner, followed by the candlelight procession before retiring. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes.

Days 3 & 4 - Lourdes
During your stay in Lourdes you will have a chance to celebrate daily Mass at the Grotto, enjoy a video presentation telling the story of Lourdes, and walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette. See the Boly Mill where St. Bernadette was born, view the "Cachot," an abandoned prison where Bernadette's impoverished family lived in humility. Join your prayers with pilgrims from around the world as you pray for the sick and drink water from the miraculous spring that the Virgin directed Bernadette to locate at the base of the grotto which has flowed uninterrupted since 1858. Submerge yourself in the Baths which claim thousands of healings. Experience Christ's love as you walk the life-size Stations of the Cross overlooking the holy Grotto. Kneel in the chapel built on the very rock of the Grotto, in obedience to the request of the "Immaculate Conception". Our tour of Lourdes includes visits to the Sanctuary, the Basilica of St. Pius X, the world's largest underground church. Contemplate Christ's Passion as you pray at the unique 3-dimensional Stations of the Cross; attend the blessing of the sick, and participate in nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes.

Day 5 - Lourdes / Lyon / Nevers / Paray Le Monial
After breakfast, transfer to Pau Airport for the morning flight to Lyon. Depart by motorcoach for Nevers to visit St. Gildard's Convent to pray before the uncorrupted body of St. Bernadette. At the conclusion of the eighteen apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, St. Bernadette lived for 12 years as part of the congregation of the Sister of Charity of Nevers, after taking the veil in 1867. Dinner and overnight in Paray Le Monial.

Day 6 - Paray Le Monial / Ars / La Salette
Tour of Paray Le Monial, where we will visit the birthplace of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the early afternoon we arrive in the pretty little town of Ars, where St. Jean-Marie Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests lived. People continuously flowed into Ars from every part of France seeking his spiritual guidance and healing. The charity and love for people of this simple curate of Ars became famous all over the Christian world. He died in 1895 and his incorrupt body lies in repose, along with many relics from this saint who was canonized in 1925. Next we go to La Salette for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 - La Salette / Lyon / Paris
Tour of 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. A spring forever marks the spot where the Virgin appeared and where millions of pilgrims come in order 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 honour the Virgin Mary. Return to Lyon in the afternoon for the TGV (high speed) train to Paris. Transfer to hotel, dinner, and overnight.

Day 8 - Paris / Lisieux / Paris
We travel northwest to the town of Lisieux, the home of St. Therese, whom Pope Pius X called "the Greatest Saint of Modern Times." Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity comes alive as you visit the Basilica Cathedral of St. Peter and Les Buissonets, her family home. On display are relics, clothing and personal objects belonging to the "Little Flower." View the statute depicting the Virgin Mary who smiled at St. Therese during an ecstasy before curing her illness. Combine your prayers in the Carmel Chapel with the Carmelite sisters, just as St. Therese did before her death in 1897. Return to Paris for dinner and overnight.

Day 9 - Paris
We take a guided tour of this beautiful city, visiting the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the Church of the Sacre Coeur and the Church of St. Vincent de Paul. Afternoon free for individual visits and shopping. This evening we can take an optional dinner cruise on the River Seine (additional cost). Dinner and overnight in Paris.

Day 10 - Paris / Canada
Travel to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal to view the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Labouret whose guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin displayed a vision of the miraculous medal and later the green scapular. The Virgin promised bountiful graces for all who wear these. Transfer to the airport after your memorable pilgrimage throughout France to return home to Canada.