Lourdes & Rocamadour
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This unique and peaceful itinerary centers around two of the greatest Marian destinations in France: Lourdes and Rocamadour. Several days of leisurely kayaking down the Dordogne River from one quaint French village to another is an incredible experience in itself, and, combined with the pilgrimage destinations, this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will get a chance to escape the classic touristy areas and enjoy the beauty of the French countryside with profound spiritual encounters, delicious food, and excellent company all along the way!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kayaking to the village of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and its beautiful abbey
- The cliff-side sanctuary of Rocamadour
- Praying at the apparition site of Our Lady to St. Bernadette
ITINERARY
The Dordogne River
Days 1-6: Meet in Brive-la-Gaillarde and discover the Caves of St. Anthony of Padua before our welcome dinner I Transfer to Monceaux to begin kayaking after an introduction 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 I Finally, after skipping a section with a van, the castles on the way to Beynac will take your breath away
Rocamadour
Days 6-8: Rocamadour, one of the oldest and most visited pilgrimage destinations in France, little known today outside of France, was founded by Zaccheus, the tax collector from the Gospel of St. Luke, according to tradition 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 which also brings some fame to the town
Lourdes
Days 8-10: Transfer to Lourdes with a stop in Toulouse to visit the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas I In Lourdes, pray at the grotto where the 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
Level: Standard. To learn more about our lodging levels, click here.
Optional Upgrade: From Standard to Superior (double-occupancy)
Single-room Supplement: Available (Superior level)
We will be staying mainly in hotels, but we may spend a couple of nights in the guest accommodations of religious houses (monasteries, convents, sanctuaries, etc.). 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. 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. Mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage. Unless we have a chaplain, daily mass will not be available along the Dordogne River.
LOURDES & ROCAMADOUR
$2,220
INCLUDES
• 9 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
• Travel to and from the airport
• Optional lodging upgrade ($450)
• Single room supplement ($650)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
july 3-12, 2026
Sign-up Deadline: March 1, 2026
Leaders: Chris Baker, Founder and Director of ALP
Details
ACTIVITY LEVELS
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 2: Kayaking
Level: 3
Distance: 12 miles
Duration: 4 hours
Day 3: Kayaking
Level: 3
Distance: 12 miles
Duration: 4 hours
Day 4: Kayaking
Level: 3
Distance: 14 miles
Duration: 4.5 hours
Day 5: Kayaking
Level: 3
Distance: 10 miles
Duration: 3.5 hours
Day 6: Hiking
Level: 1
Distance: 2.7 miles
Elevation gain: 220ft
Duration: 1.5 hours
This hike depends on where we get dropped off on the way to Rocamadour. It could be significantly shorter.
Day 7: Hiking
Level: 1
Distance: 2.7 miles
Elevation gain: mostly flat
Duration: 1.5 hours
This hike is a to the Rocamadour train station and may be cancelled if we are taking a private bus to Lourdes
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
Meet at the train station in Brive-la-Gillarde by 5pm on day 1. You may reach Brive-la-Gillarde from Toulouse, Paris, Bordeaux- or whatever fits with your travel plans. We recommend arriving in France on the day before and taking the train a day early in order to minimize the risk of flight delays causing you to miss a train.
DEPARTURE
This pilgrimage ends in Lourdes. You may fly out of the Lourdes airport or take a train to Toulouse, Paris, Bordeaux, or wherever fits with your travel plans. If flying out of Toulouse, please check the train times from Lourdes and be sure not to get your plane ticket from Toulouse too early.
TRANSPORTATION
We will be using a variety of transportation on this pilgrimage. We will likely be taking a train from Rocamadour to Lourdes. Private shuttles will also be used at various times.
INSURANCE
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
ELIGIBILITY
Must know how to swim. Must be comfortable with the activities and activity levels. Must have a sense of adventure. Under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
By signing up for this pilgrimage, you agree to our Booking Terms & Conditions
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up & Deposit
Fill out our short online form
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