Join Fr. Stephen Sanguinetti on a pilgrimage to France. This trip will visit Lisieux, Normandy Beach, Paris, Lourdes and more!
Fr. Stephen Sanguinetti was ordained a priest in 1995 and holds a licentiate in moral theology from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. His ministry has included parish work and seminary formation in Rome as well as service in Argentina and the United States. He has led Select International Tours pilgrims in Italy and France.
Tipping /gratuities for the guide(s), driver, and wait staff (please refer to the suggestions; we will provide you with your final documents). Suggested budget $200- $220.00.
We depart from Denver on an overnight flight to Paris. Dinner and breakfast will be served on the flight. Quotes for add-on flights, optional Premium Economy and Business Class prices are available upon request. We work with group airfares, which do not permit seat selection. If you wish to reserve specific seats on the flights, we recommend purchasing your own airline ticket and the land-only option with us.
Welcome to France! Upon arrival, we are greeted by our English-speaking tour manager, who will accompany our group throughout the entire trip. We board our motorcoach for a drive to the medieval city on the banks of the river Seine, Rouen. We see the restored medieval quarter and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, often painted by Claude Monet and celebrate Mass (TBC). Throughout its turbulent history, the city was destroyed several times. During the Middle Ages, it was devastated by fire and the plague. The English occupied it during the Hundred Years’ War when the French heroine Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc) was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in the central square in 1431. We visit the Church of St. Joan of Arc. Our day continues with a drive to Lisieux. Settle into our hotel for dinner and a well-deserved night of rest. Meals: L.D
We have an entire day in St. Therese’s hometown. We celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Therese and have time for personal reflection and prayer. At her family home, Les Buissonnets, we see the saint’s relics, clothing, and personal objects. We also visit the Carmelite Convent, where she entered in 1888 and is now buried. Dinner and overnight stay in Lisieux. Meals: B.D
We drive through the beautiful French countryside en route to the Normandy Beaches. The 54 miles of Atlantic stretching from Utah Beach in the west to Sword Beach in the east are littered with WWII museums, monuments, cemeteries, and battle remains left in tribute to the courage of the British, Canadian, and American armies that successfully carried out the largest military operation in history: D-Day. On these serene beaches, at the crack of dawn on June 6, 1944, the Allies finally gained a foothold in France; from this moment, Nazi Europe was destined to crumble. We will see the American Memorial and Cemetery where the memories of these heroes were laid to rest. We celebrate Mass near Omaha Beach and remember our brave, fallen soldiers. We return to Lisieux for dinner and an overnight stay. Meals: B.D
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board our motorcoach for Paris. We stop in Chartres to explore the magnificent Cathedral, including the museum and the crypt. Celebrate Mass, have time for lunch in town, and stretch our legs before we board the bus for the ride to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris, we stop for a visit to the newly rebuilt Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris’ most beloved church, and the chance to venerate the Crown of Thorns (TBC) before settling into our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Paris. Meals: B.D
After breakfast, we embark on a city tour of Paris. We continue to the Montmartre section of Paris to explore the city’s Bohemian quarter and the magnificent Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart Basilica), where we celebrate Mass. Tonight, we have a special dinner on a Seine River dinner cruise, where we see the light show at the Eiffel Tower from the upper deck of the ship or the lounge. We enjoy seeing Paris at night. Overnight in Paris. Meals: B. Special Dinner
Following morning Mass and a tour at La Madeleine (TBC), we have a day at leisure to explore the city independently. We may want to visit one of the city’s many museums (be sure to purchase your tickets online well in advance), see St. Chapelle with its incredible stained glass windows, explore one of the famous areas of the city, or enjoy a nice meal while people-watching, a favorite Parisian pastime. Dinner is on our own tonight. Overnight in Paris. Meals: B
This morning, we celebrate Mass at the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal and see the incorrupt body of St. Vincent de Paul in the chapel of Maison-Mere before we join commuters and take the TGV train to Lourdes. Upon arrival in Lourdes, we are transferred to our hotel. Following dinner, we join pilgrims from all over the world for the Candlelight Procession. Overnight in Lourdes. Meals: B.D
We celebrate Mass, visit the Basilica and the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette, and drink water from the miraculous spring that has been a source of healing for many. Our group will have the opportunity to visit Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette, and the “Cachot,” an abandoned prison where Bernadette’s impoverished family once lived. We will also pray the Stations of the Cross and attend the Blessing of the Sick in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. Meals: B.D
After breakfast, we celebrate Mass, followed by a full day of prayer and devotion. We visit the baths, immerse ourselves in the miraculous water, and browse for religious gifts. In the evening, we join the Candlelight Procession. Our farewell dinner in Lourdes is accompanied by wine. Overnight in Lourdes. Meals: B.D
Today marks the end of our pilgrimage. We say farewell to a country and a trip that will last in our memory forever. We celebrate Mass (TBC) before we are transferred to the airport for our return flight home. Meals: B
Base Price. Main trip package.
Base Price and Group Air from Denver. Main trip package.
Solo Room (Additional Charge). Additional supplement.
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