Join Fr. Rich Toohey on a pilgrimage to France. This trip will visit Lisieux, Normandy Beach, Paris, Mont St. Michel and more!
Join Fr. Rich Toohey on a pilgrimage to France. This trip will visit Lisieux, Normandy Beach, Paris, Mont St. Michel and more!
Fr. Rich Toohey is a Catholic priest and pilgrimage leader with Select International Tours. He has accompanied pilgrims through Italy on journeys centered on Eucharistic miracles and through France in the footsteps of the saints.
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 on an overnight flight to Paris. Dinner and breakfast will be served on the flight. Quotes for add-on flights, as well as optional Premium Economy and Business Class prices, are available upon request and will be quoted once we are within 120 days of departure. We work with group airfares, which do not permit seat selection. If a specific seat assignment is important, then we suggest purchasing land only with us and booking your own flights.
Upon arrival in Paris, the group will meet the guide and driver before departing for Normandy. The journey begins with a scenic drive toward the historic city of Rouen, closely associated with St. Joan of Arc. In Rouen, the group will visit the site where Joan of Arc was martyred in 1431 and stop at the Church of Saint Joan of Arc, built near the Old Market Square where she was executed. Here, we celebrate Mass. The church’s striking modern architecture and stained-glass windows create a powerful setting for reflection on the courage and faith of this remarkable saint. We have time for lunch on our own. After time to explore Rouen’s historic center and reflect on this important moment in French and Catholic history, the group will continue toward Lisieux, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in France. Lisieux is especially known as the home of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, whose spirituality of simplicity and trust in God continues to inspire millions of pilgrims. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy dinner before settling in for the evening.
Following breakfast, which is included each morning, we visit the hometown of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Doctor of the Church and one of the most beloved saints in modern Catholic spirituality. This morning is dedicated to discovering the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, “The Little Flower.” We begin with a guided visit to the Basilica of St. Thérèse, one of the largest churches built in the 20th century. Continue to Les Buissonnets, the Martin family home where Thérèse lived her childhood. Then visit the Carmelite Convent, where she entered religious life at age 15 and where her remains rest today. Celebrate Mass at the Basilica, near the tombs of her holy parents, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Lisieux.
This morning, the group will depart Lisieux and travel to the historic Normandy landing beaches, the site of the Allied landings on June 6, 1944, known as D-Day. These beaches played a decisive role in the liberation of Europe during World War II. The visit will include the moving Normandy American Cemetery, located above Omaha Beach, where more than 9,000 American soldiers are buried. Walking among the long rows of white crosses and Stars of David overlooking the sea offers a powerful moment of remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. Time will also be dedicated to exploring Omaha Beach, one of the most intense landing sites of the D-Day operation. Standing on the same shore where Allied troops landed provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who took part in this historic event. The afternoon may allow additional time to explore the surrounding area and learn more about the history of the Normandy landings before returning to Lisieux. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner and overnight in Lisieux.
Our journey continues across the Normandy countryside toward one of the most spectacular landmarks in France: Mont-Saint-Michel. Upon arrival, we walk through the village’s narrow, winding streets, lined with stone houses, small shops, and centuries-old fortifications that bear witness to the island’s strategic importance throughout history. Celebrate Mass at the Abbey with the monastic community, sharing in the rhythm of prayer that continues to sanctify this unique site. Our visit continues with the ascent to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a masterpiece of medieval architecture dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. Inside, we will discover peaceful cloisters, grand Gothic halls, and panoramic terraces offering breathtaking views over the bay. Learn how Mont-Saint-Michel served as a major pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages, a fortress that resisted multiple sieges during the Hundred Years’ War, and, later, an important cultural symbol that has inspired artists and writers for generations. Before leaving, take time to explore the ramparts or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of this extraordinary site. Dinner and overnight in Mont-Saint-Michel.
This morning, we continue south toward Solesmes, home to the renowned Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes. This Benedictine monastery is internationally famous for its role in preserving and promoting Gregorian chant. Visitors will experience the peaceful monastic atmosphere and may hear the monks chanting during one of the daily liturgical offices. After a break for lunch, we continue to the historic city of Le Mans, known for its beautifully preserved medieval quarter and ancient Roman walls. While in Le Mans, the group will visit the Shrine of Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, making this visit especially meaningful for those connected to the university. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner and overnight in Le Mans.
We depart Le Mans toward Chartres, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in France since the Middle Ages. Chartre Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkably preserved stained-glass windows and its mystical labyrinth. Celebrate Mass in the cathedral, then enjoy a guided tour to appreciate its medieval architecture, sculpture, and spiritual symbolism. During our visit, discover the crypt, walk the famous labyrinth, and venerate the relic of the Veil of the Virgin Mary, preserved here since the Middle Ages. Time is given for silent prayer in this sacred space. In the afternoon, free time to walk through the historic streets before continuing to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris, we check into our hotel and enjoy dinner and an overnight.
We begin our exploration of the spiritual heart of Paris with a visit to the newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the world’s most iconic churches and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Visitors will have time to admire the cathedral’s remarkable interior and reflect on its long history as a center of faith and pilgrimage. The group will then visit the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, built in the 13th century by King Louis IX to house precious relics of the Passion. This royal chapel is renowned for its extraordinary stained-glass windows, which bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of color when touched by sunlight. Together, Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle make Île de la Cité an unparalleled treasure of Gothic art and French heritage, inviting every visitor to pause, look upward, and feel the deep spiritual and cultural resonance of this ancient island. In the afternoon, the group will visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Rue du Bac, one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in the city. It was here in 1830 that the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré, asking for the creation of the Miraculous Medal. Later, the group will visit the Church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, dedicated to the saint known for his lifelong commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner is at leisure tonight with the opportunity to taste the local food. Overnight in Paris.
This morning, we travel just outside the city to visit the remarkable Basilica of Saint-Denis, one of the most historically significant churches in France. Built on the burial site of Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris who was martyred in the 3rd century, the basilica soon became an important place of Christian pilgrimage. Saint-Denis also became the royal necropolis of France, serving for centuries as the burial place of the kings and queens of the French monarchy. Despite damage suffered during the revolutionary period, the basilica’s tombs have been carefully restored and now provide a fascinating insight into the political, artistic, and religious history of France. We have time for lunch before we visit the Chapelle de Picpus, a peaceful and deeply meaningful site connected to the events of the French Revolution. The chapel stands next to a small cemetery where many victims of the Reign of Terror were buried after being executed at the nearby guillotine in 1794. Among those buried here is the Marquis de Lafayette, the famous French nobleman and military officer who played a key role in supporting the American Revolution. It holds particular significance for visitors from Our Lady of Peace Parish, as it is dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix and invites reflection on themes of reconciliation, sacrifice, and hope. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner is at leisure.
This morning, discover the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Montmartre and the amazing view of Paris from up there. In 1870, war broke out between France and Germany, and France was invaded. The idea took hold that France’s ordeals were due to its spiritual faults rather than solely to political ones. This gave birth to the construction of a basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This project was seen as both an atonement and a force of hope and spiritual renewal. Parisian and French Christians pledge to maintain a permanent 24/7 prayer in exchange for the protection of Paris. In 1872, the archbishop of Paris approved the project and chose the hill of Montmartre for the site. Celebrate mass in the crypt of Sacré-Coeur, then take time to admire the breathtaking panoramic view over Paris. Enjoy lunch and some leisure time for additional sightseeing in Paris. Perhaps visit the Eiffel Tower, the city’s most recognizable landmark, or one of the many museums (be sure to purchase tickets online in advance). We will meet back up this evening for our farewell dinner on a Seine River dinner cruise, where we will see Paris illuminated by night. Overnight in Paris. (B.Special Dinner)
Today marks the end of our pilgrimage. We say farewell to a country and a trip that will last in our memory forever. We are transferred to the Paris airport for our return flight home.
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