Join CTK for an epic pilgrimage in France including a variety holy destinations, outdoor activities, beautiful landscapes, and quaint villages. From the streets of Paris, to the waters of the Dordogne river and from the Pyrenees mountains to the grotto where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, you will experience great adventure, true fellowship, and deep prayer. Sign-up today!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kayaking from village to village for 3 days
- Praying at the tombs of St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Thomas Aquinas
- The apparition site and miraculous water of Lourdes
ITINERARY
Paris
Days 1-2: Discover the Notre Dame Cathedral I Pray at the Miraculous Medal Shrine and tomb of St. Catherine Laboure I Walk along the River Seine and see the Eiffel Tower I Free time to visit the Louvre or Saint-Chapelle I Explore the Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Normandy
Days 2-3: Transfer to Normandy and visit Lisieux I Pray at the tomb of St. Therese in the Carmel where she was a nun I Pray at the tomb of her parents SS. Louis and Zelie Martin in the Basilica I Pray in the Cathedral and visit the childhood home of St. Therese I Discover the town of Alencon where St. Therese was born
The Dordogne River
Days 4-6: Spend 3 days kayaking on the Dordogne river from one incredible French village to another I Paddle to the village of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and visit the beautiful abbey I The next day’s paddle brings us to Carennac with its stunning architecture I Creysse the next day will blow you away with its small streams, rural farmhouses, and the Church of Saint-Germain towering over it all
Rocamadour
Days 6-8: Explore Rocamadour, a town and sanctuary rarely known today outside of France I Learn why in the Middle Ages it was the 4th most popular pilgrimage destination for Christians I Pray in the basilica of Saint-Sauveur and the crypt of Saint-Amadour which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites I Try the local Rocamadour cheese
Pyrenees Mountains
Days 8-10: Make a quick stop in Toulouse to pray at the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas I Hike to the beautiful Lake Gaube, and pass the famous Pont d’Espagne, in the Pyrenees Mountains I Optional mostly downhill bike ride on a dedicated bike path from the town of Cauterets to Lourdes
Lourdes
Days 10-12: Pray at the grotto where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette I Discover the places associated with St. Bernadette’s life and learn the story of the apparitions I Participate in the candlelight rosary procession in the evening and bottle up some Lourdes holy water to bring home to family and friends
*Itinerary subject to change
LODGING
Lodging Level: Standard
We will be staying in hotels and the guest accommodations of religious houses (monasteries, convents, sanctuaries, etc.). The faith, culture, and history of these places adds a unique element to the character of our pilgrimage. Air conditioner is generally not available.
EATING
We eat mainly at restaurants. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Breakfasts provided are in the local style (typically not as hearty as American style). We can accommodate most food allergies.
BACKPACKS
All of your belongings must fit in a backpack. We will provide a dry-bag/container for your items in the kayaks of at least 50L. No rolling suitcases or other types of luggage are allowed on this trip. We will provide a detailed packing list.
PRAYING
Prayer is at the heart of the pilgrimage. Daily mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage.
FRANCE
$2,750
INCLUDES
• 11 nights lodging
• 4 breakfasts
• 2 lunches
• All dinners
• Ground transportation (including from the Paris CDG airport to Paris)
• Outdoor activities (guides, rental equipment, tips)
• Pilgrimage materials (reading packet, prayer booklet, maps, group gear)
• Masses and other spiritual activities
• All tips and service charges to drivers, restaurants, etc.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Flights
• Transport to airport on departure day
• 7 breakfasts
• 9 lunches
• Single room supplement ($850)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
july 13-24, 2026
Sign-up Deadline: February 6, 2026
Details
ACTIVITY LEVELS & INFO
THE DORDOGNE RIVER
The sections of the Dordogne we will be paddling are suitable for beginners and tourists. The river will be mainly flat water but there will also be some small rapids. The river is typically shallow with the bottom varying between rocks, mud, and grass. The water is clear, and given the time of year this trip is scheduled for, the water should not be very cold. There are many beaches along the way where we will stop for swimming and relaxing. The kayaks will be “sit-on-top” and you may have the option of a single or a tandem. A large plastic container (about 50L) will come with your boat and you will put inside of there everything you will need for the kayaking days and nights while your backpack remains at the kayak headquarters.
Day 4: Kayaking
Level 3: 12 miles, 4 hours.
Day 5: Kayaking
Level 3: 12 miles, 4 hours.
Day 6: Kayaking
Level 3: 14 miles, 4 hours 30min.
Day 9: Hiking
Level: 1
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 775 ft.
Type of Pack: Daypack
Optional. There will also be options to hike further on this day for those who would like.
THE BIKE RIDE
The path is a dedicated bike path the entire way. The amount of time on small country roads will be minimal to none. There are a couple of small towns you pass through where you may need to walk your bike or be comfortable on the road. The path is mainly paved, but there are some gravel sections. The ride is mainly downhill. You must be able to control your speed with your breaks (we will teach you). The first part coming down from the mountains is steep, but the majority of the ride is pretty level and goes through a valley to Lourdes. There is a beautiful little town along the way where some people might want to stop which would require going up a hill about 350ft and is not included in the calculation below.
Day 10: Biking
Level: 2
Distance: 19 miles
Elevation Gain: 350ft.
Elevation Loss: 2,150ft.
Type of Pack: Daypack
Click Here to learn more about how we determine our activity levels
“Optional” means it is easy for you to skip the activity. Skipping or modifying other routes may be possible but not in as easy of a manner. Activities are weather-dependent. Distances and durations may vary from the information given above
ARRIVAL
You are responsible for booking your own ticket.
Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Staff will be waiting for you at the airport.
Your flight must be scheduled to arrive before noon on July 13th. This means you leave America on July 12th.
We recommend you arrive a day early.
DEPARTURE
Departure will be in the morning on the last day (July 24th) and you will arrive back into the US the same day.
There is no organized transportation to the airport from Lourdes because people will likely be flying out of different airports. We recommend checking both the Lourdes and Toulouse airports for flights. Often, people will take a high-speed train from Lourdes back to Paris and fly from there.
TRANSPORTATION
We will be using a variety of transportation on this pilgrimage. A private coach will be utilized for at least part of the trip, but we may also hop on a train for some of our transfers depending on the amount of participants.
INSURANCE
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
ELIGIBILITY
This pilgrimage is for students of Christ the King Parish at LSU.
By signing up for this pilgrimage, you agree to our Booking Terms & Conditions
LEADERS
RACHEL HAYDEL– Campus Minister
OLIVIA HEBERT– FOCUS Missionary
FR. JOHANNES SCHWARZ– Chaplain
CHRISTOPHER BAKER– Founder/Director, ALP
SIGNING UP
Sign up through the CTK website