paris to lourdes
Come join Fr. Paul Lacombe and Tom Gregory, along with ALP staff, on an epic pilgrimage to France! The group will travel to two of the greatest Marian destinations of France: Lourdes and Rocamadour. We will visit Paris, kayak for two days on the beautiful Dordogne River, and you will have the option of biking to Lourdes from the Pyrenees mountains. Enjoy delicious French food and excellent company all along the way!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kayaking to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and praying in the beautiful abbey
- The apparition site at Lourdes
- The Sacred Heart Basilica in Paris
ITINERARY
Paris (Days 1-3)
Head into Paris from the CDG Airport I Brief orientation I Walk by the exterior of the Notre Dame Cathedral (damaged by fire in 2019) I Visit St. Germain-des-Pres, St. Suplice, the Miraculous Medal Shrine, and Sacre Coeur I Walk along the River Seine I Visits to the Louvre, Saint-Chapelle I See the Eiffel Tower
The Dordogne River (Days 3-5)
Transfer to Argentat to begin kayaking the next morning I Two days of kayaking on the stunning Dordogne River lined with chateaus, churches, cliffs, and beaches on our way to Rocamadour I Enjoy the peaceful waters of the river as you take in the sights I If time allows, walk a couple of miles on the pilgrimage trail to Rocamadour
Rocamadour (Days 5-7)
Rocamadour, one of the oldest and most visited pilgrimage destinations in France, little known today outside of France, was founded by Zacheus, the tax collector from the Gospel of St. Luke, according to tradition I Relax in the cliff side town for a layover day enjoying the views and lush surroundings I Try the local Rocamadour cheese
Lourdes (Days 7-9)
Optional completely downhill bike ride to Lourdes from Cauterets, in the Pyrenees mountains, along a dedicated bike path I Pray at the grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette I Discover the places associated with St. Bernadette and the story of the apparitions I Participate in the candlelight rosary procession
LODGING
Religious Houses
We will be staying mainly in 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. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and nice, but not “luxurious'”. Normally 1 or 2 roommates of the same gender. 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.
LUGGAGE
You may bring any type of luggage with you on this trip. This particular itinerary is not a backpack-only pilgrimage. We will provide a detailed packing list. We will use luggage transfers while we are kayaking.
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.
France
(9 Days, 8 Nights)
$2,450
INCLUDES
• 8 nights lodging
• All breakfasts
• All dinners
• Ground transportation
• 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
• Alcoholic drinks
• Single room supplement ($500)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
july 2-10, 2024
Sign-up Deadline: March 15, 2024 I Max Capacity: 20
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 4: Kayaking
Level 3: 12 miles, 4 hours. River (flat with some small waves).
Day 5: Kayaking
Level 3: 14 miles, 4 hours 30min. River (flat with some small waves)
Day 5: Hiking
Level 1: 2.7 miles, 2ooft elevation gain. Daypack. Optional
Day 7: Biking
Level 2: 17 miles, 2 hours. Paved and gravel. No traffic. Optional
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.
Details
Arrival
Trip staff or a private driver will meet you at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG).
Departure
Transportation to the Tarbes-Loudes-Pyrenees Airport (LDE) will be provided the morning of departure day.
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 may occasionally hop on a bus or a metro.
Eligibility
This pilgrimage is open-enrollment: anyone can sign up. Must be comfortable with the activities and activity levels listed. Must know how to swim in order to kayak. Must be able to handle your own luggage (except when using a luggage transfer for kayaking) and have a sense of adventure.
trip leaders
Fr. Paul Lacombe
Chaplain, College of Charleston CSA
Christopher Baker
Founder and Director of ALP
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up & Deposit
Fill out our short online form and make the $500 deposit required to reserve your place
Step 2: Registration
We will send you the trip info and registration packets to complete and send back to us
Step 3: Payment & Confirmation
Please wait to buy your plane ticket until you receive a trip confirmation