paris, normandy, & Brittany
This pilgrimage starts in Paris where we will get to know this amazing city– praying in its beautiful churches, eating the delicious food, and exploring its cozy streets. Transferring to Normandy, we will visit Lisieux and pray at the tomb of St. Therese, walk along Omaha beach, and then bike to Mont St. Michel. Finally, in Brittany, we will visit Dinan and St. Malo enjoying some kayaking along the way! The last day will be spent in Versailles.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Biking to the Mont St. Michel
- Praying at the tomb of St. Therese of Lisieux
- Paris and all of its wonders
ITINERARY
Paris (Days 1-3)
Greet ALP staff at the Paris CDG Airport I Brief orientation I Explore the wonderful city of Paris I Walk by the exterior of the Notre Dame Cathedral (damaged by fire in 2019) I Visit St. Germain-des-Pres, St. Suplice, and Sacre Coeur I Walk along the River Seine I Visits to the Louvre, Saint-Chapelle, and Eiffel Tower
Normandy (Days 3-5)
Transfer to Lisieux I Visit the house of St. Therese of Lisieux I Pray at the tombs of St. Therese Martin (the Little Flower) and her parents SS. Louis and Zelie Martin I Visit the Omaha Beach and the American cemetery in France I Stroll the streets of Bayeux
Bike to Mont St. Michel (Days 5-7)
Bike two consecutive days to the Mont St. Michel I Hike in the bay at low tide, which, before the construction of the road, was the only way to reach Mont St. Michel I Relax on the island and enjoy the sweeping views of the countryside I Pray with the monks and nuns in the magnificent abbey church
Brittany (Days 8-9)
Transfer to Dinan I Walk along the Rance in the quaint town I Head out on the water and enjoy some kayaking I Explore Saint Malo, the famous walled-in city on the coast I Pray in the incredible cathedral
Versailles (Days 9-10)
Transfer to Versailles I Visit the famous chateau, the home of the kings of France I Enjoy the intricate gardens and lovely fountains on the expansive grounds I Pray in the cathedral of Versailles and walk around down town I Closing dinner I Transport to the airport early the next morning
LODGING
Religious Houses & Hotels
We stay mainly in the guest accommodations of religious houses (monasteries, convents, sanctuaries, etc.). The culture and history of these places really adds to the character of our pilgrimage. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and nice, but not “luxurious'”. Normally 1 or 2 roommates of the same gender. If you are interested in a single-room supplement, please contact us- we cannot guarantee its availability. Air conditioner is generally not available.
EATING
We eat mainly at restaurants. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Some meals may be picnics. 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 worn on your back. We indicate in the Activity Levels section if hiking will be done with a backpack or a daypack. 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 our pilgrimages. Daily mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage for you to join as you like. We hope to have a chaplain on every trip, but we cannot guarantee this.
PARIS, NORMANDY, & BRITTANY
(10 Days, 9 Nights)
$2,580
INCLUDES
• 9 nights lodging
• All breakfasts
• All dinners (with a drink)
• Ground transportation during the pilgrimage
• Entrance fees into Mont St. Michel Abbey, Versailles Chateau and Gardens, Louvre Museum, Saint Chapelle
• Airport shuttles to and from Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG) at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage
• 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
• All lunches
• Single room supplement if available ($650)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
2024 dates tba
Sign-up Deadline: TBA I Max Capacity: 20
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 5: Bike
Level 3: 35 miles, 360ft elevation gain. Mostly paved. No or little traffic
Day 6: Bike
Level 2: 15 miles, 574ft elevation gain. Mostly paved. No or little traffic
Day 7: Hike
Level 1: 4 miles, 2 hours. Optional*
Day 8: Kayak
Level 3: 5.5 miles, 3 hours. River (flatwater)
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 an easy manner. All activities are weather-dependent. Distances may vary from the information given above.
more Details
Arrival
Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG). Staff will be at airport the morning of arrival day to greet you. The official pilgrimage start time is noon- please arrive before then. If you arrive before or after start day, we can help you make arrangements to meet us independently. Please wait to buy your plane tickets until you receive a confirmation from us.
Departure
The official pilgrimage end time is 7 am on departure day in Paris, but you are flexible to leave when you need to. We will arrange transportation to Charles-de-Gaulle Airport for you.
Transportation
We will be using a variety of transportation on this pilgrimage, both public and private. We will be using some trains, private taxis and shuttles, and metros.
Insurance
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
Eligibility
Must be comfortable with the activities and activity levels listed.
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up
Fill out our short online form
Step 2: Registration
We will send you the registration packet to complete and send back to us
Step 3: Payment & Confirmation
Please wait to buy your plane ticket until you recieve a confirmation