France Pilgrimage Indianapolis ·  September 2026

Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart on our overnight flight to Toulouse. Meals and refreshments will be served aloft.

Upon arrival in Toulouse, journey to the peaceful mountain village of Lourdes, known for its healing waters after the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. It is also where the Blessed Mother announced she was the Immaculate Conception. Join hundreds of other pilgrims in the Blessed Sacrament procession and/or the candlelight procession that has endured since 1872. Lourdes will be our home for the next two nights. (D) Mass – Overnight Lourdes

Bask in the grace of Lourdes all day as we have Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, where Our Lady first appeared to St. Bernadette and had her dig for the spring that is now known across the world for its many miracles of healing. We also visit the humble home where St. Bernadette lived during the apparitions. Tonight, we join again the candlelight procession with thousands of other pilgrims in prayer and song. (B, D) – Mass Overnight Lourdes

After breakfast depart Lourdes and journey to Saint-Emilion, one of the most beautiful villages of France. Here we will visit the Monolithic Church dug out of the surrounding rock. It is the largest underground church in all of Europe. Our activities will also include visit to a wonderful local winery for lunch and a wine tasting. Drive to close by Bordeaux. Half of Bordeaux is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site, mainly due to its impressive concentration of historic churches and cathedrals. Check-in to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Bordeaux

This morning, we will take a walking tour of the historic center of Bordeaux, visiting the Basilique Saint Seurin, Eglise Notre-Dame, Eglise Saint-Pierre, Cathedrale Saint-Andre, and the Basilique Saint-Michel. Drive to Tours and visit the Basilica of Saint Martin, which houses the tomb of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beloved saints in France and a key figure in early Western monasticism. Also, visit the nearby Chapel of Saint Martin, built over the site of his original tomb. Transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Tours

Depart Tours for Le Mans, which has great significance for us living in Indiana, as the home of Holy Cross congregation (who founded Notre Dame) and the Sisters of Providence (who founded St Mary of the Woods), as well as the home for St. Theodore Guerin before being sent to Indiana. We will pray at the Cathedral of St. Julien and have Mass at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence beneath a beautiful stained-glass window display. Leave for the walled city of St. Malo. Famous for its role in Atlantic piracy, it is now the most visited city in the region. Marvel at the reconstruction of the Cathedral of St. Vincent – destroyed during WWII but rebuilt according to its original design. Transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Mass –
Overnight St. Malo

This morning, we journey to Mont-St.-Michel, a sacred island sanctuary where for over a thousand years pilgrims have ascended its winding paths in devotion to Saint Michael the Archangel, protector of the Church. Rising from the sea like a heavenly vision, it stands as a powerful symbol of faith, perseverance, and the eternal presence of God. Our visit here will include the Grande Rue, St. Aubert’s Chapel, and the Benedictine Abbey which is perched atop the rock island. Return to St. Malo for some free time to explore the town and dinner. (B, D) Mass – Overnight St. Malo

The day will be dedicated to exploring the sites associated with the heroic events of D-Day – June 6, 1944. After Mass in St. Malo, we will drive along the Normandy coast to St. Laurent to visit the National Cemetery and Omaha Beach, one of the sites where the Allies came ashore on D-Day. Proceed to Lisieux, the home of St. Therese the “Little Flower of Jesus” one of the most beloved modern saints, whose message of “the little way” inspires millions. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Lisieux

Spend time in Lisieux this morning visiting the home where Therese lived as a child, the Carmelite Convent where she was a nun, the Basilica of St. Therese, a grand and serene place of worship, and the Cathedral of St. Peter. Next, we leave for Rouen, where our walking tour will explore its magnificent Gothic cathedral and the Church of St. Joan of Arc. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Rouen

After breakfast, depart Rouen and drive through the countryside to Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny, a living masterpiece that inspired many of his most famous paintings, including the Water Lilies series. You can expect a serene, immersive experience walking through vibrant flowerbeds, the iconic Japanese bridge, and the tranquil lily pond that feels like stepping into one of Monet’s canvases. This afternoon, we will take an excursion to the Palace of Versailles. We will enjoy a guided tour learning about the history of this famous and beautiful site. Walking through the opulent halls, you’re transported into a world of royal grandeur, where gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and endless mirrors reflect the splendor of French monarchy. Continue to Paris, our home for the next two nights. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Paris

Today we begin at Notre Dame Cathedral, in the spiritual heart of Paris. Just a few blocks away on the same little island in the Seine is Sainte-Chapelle, built in 1248 to house the Crown of Thorns, and is one of the world’s most captivating array of stained-glass windows. Along the same river is the Musee d’Orsay, built in a former train station and housing the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist works in the world. We then view some of the most famous secular icons in Paris with outside visits to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc du Triomphe. Journey to the top of Montmartre and visit the Basilica du Sacre Coeur. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together celebrating the culmination of our pilgrimage. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Paris

Today marks the end of a marvelous experience as we transfer to the airport for the return trip home, filled with memories and graces of this pilgrimage that will last a lifetime.

Optional – for those wanting to spend extra time in Paris you can add an additional day or two on your own.