Join Fr. Ed Guilloux on a pilgrimage to France! Fr. Ed was born in France and moved to the United States as a child, and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Arlington in Virginia. He is thrilled to be leading this pilgrimage to some of his favorite holy places in his homeland. The trip starts in Paris where we will get to know this amazing city- praying in its beautiful churches, eating its delicious food, and exploring its elegant streets. Transferring to Normandy, we will visit Lisieux, Alencon, the D-Day beaches, and Mont St. Michel. The final portion of our trip will be the 3-day walking “Chartres Pilgrimage” for the feast of Pentecost.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris
- Praying at the tombs of St. Therese of Lisieux and her parents SS. Louis and Zelie Martin
- Walking barefoot through the bay of Mont St. Michel on the traditional pilgrimage route
ITINERARY
Paris
Days 1-3: Discover the Notre Dame Cathedral I Visit St. Germain-des-Pres, St. Suplice, and Sacre Coeur I Pray at the Miraculous Medal Shrine and tombs of St. Catherine Laboure and St. Vincent de Paul I Walk along the River Seine I Visits to the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and the exterior of the Eiffel Tower
Normandy
Days 3-7: Transfer to Alencon and visit the house where St. Therese of Lisieux was born and other sites related to her family I Hike the traditional pilgrimage route across the bay to Mont St. Michel and visit the Abbey church and museum I Visit Omaha Beach (one of the D-Day landing sites) and the American cemetery in France I In Lisieux, pray at the tombs of St. Therese and her parents SS. Louis and Zelie Martin I Discover Rouen where St. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake
The Chartres Pilgrimage
Days 8-11: The “Chartres Pilgrimage” is an annual 3-day walking pilgrimage from Paris to the Chartres Cathedral put on by the Association Notre Dame de Chretiente. The pilgrimage covers 62 miles and begins every year on the Saturday before Pentecost. The 2025 pilgrimage consisted of 19,000 people. The pilgrimage celebrates mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. I Transfer to the airport the morning of day 11
*Itinerary subject to change. Participation in the Chartres Pilgrimage dependent upon availability
LODGING
LEVEL: Camping & Standard
For 2 nights, during the Chartres Pilgrimage, we will be camping with thousands of people. For the other 8 nights, we will 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. 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). Some meals will be provided through the Chartres pilgrimage. 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 pilgrimage. Daily mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities will be part of each day.
FRANCE WITH FR. ED
$2,380
INCLUDES
• 10 nights lodging in host country
• All breakfasts
• 4 lunches
• All dinners
• Ground transportation during the pilgrimage
• Entrance fees into Mont St. Michel Abbey, Sainte-Chapelle, and Rouen Joan of Arc Memorial
• Airport shuttles at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage
• Outdoor activities (gear rentals, guides, tips, etc.)
• 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
• 6 lunches
• Single room supplement (Superior Level) ($750)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
May 16-26, 2026
Sign-up & Deposit: January 15, 2026
Details
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 4: Hiking
Level: 2
Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Mostly flat
Type of Pack: Daypack
This hike must be undertaken barefoot due to the mud/sand surface.
Day 8: Hiking (Chartres Pilgrimage)
Level: 4
Distance: About 21 miles
Type of Pack: Daypack
Day 9: Hiking (Chartres Pilgrimage)
Level: 4
Distance: About 21 miles
Type of Pack: Daypack
Day 10: Hiking (Chartres Pilgrimage)
Level: 4
Distance: About 21 miles
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
Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
You are responsible for booking your own ticket. Please do not book anything until you receive the “Trip Confirmation”. You must arrive by noon on May 16 which means you would leave the US on May 15.
DEPARTURE
Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
You are responsible for booking your own ticket. Please do not book anything until you receive the “Trip Confirmation”. Please do not book a ticket before 9am.
TRANSPORTATION
We will be using a variety of transportation on this pilgrimage both public and private.
INSURANCE
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
ELIGIBILITY
-Must be comfortable with the activity levels. Please note: the Chartres Pilgrimage is very demanding.
-Must be between 21 and 35 years old. Preference is given to those in the Diocese of Arlington where Fr. Ed serves. There will be a waitlist for those not in the Diocese of Arlington until November 15th. After November 15th, those from outside the Diocese of Arlington will be admitted to the pilgrimage assuming space is available.
By signing up for this pilgrimage, you agree to our Booking Terms & Conditions
LEADERS
FR. ED GUILLOUX– French native and priest of the Diocese of Arlington
CHRISTOPHER BAKER– Founder and Director of ALP (will be present for at least part of the trip)
ALP STAFF– To be determined soon
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 receive a confirmation