paris & normandy
This pilgrimage 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 and pray at the tomb of St. Therese, walk along the D-Day beaches, and then bike to Mont St. Michel. The last day will be spent in Versailles. Join us for this incredible experience of beautiful countryside, magnificent cultural wonders, and sublime pilgrimage destinations.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Biking through the countryside of Normandy
- Praying at the tombs of St. Therese of Lisieux and her parents Louis and Zelie Martin
- The stained-glass windows of Saint-Chapelle in Paris, the chapel built to house the Lord’s Crown of Thorns
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, Saint-Chapelle, and the exterior of the 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 and her parents SS. Louis and Zelie Martin I Visit the Omaha Beach (one of the D-Day landing sites) and the American cemetery in France I Stroll the quaint streets of Bayeux and enjoy some classic Norman cuisine
Mont St. Michel
Days 5-8: 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
Versailles
Day 8-9: 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 the pilgrimage. Daily mass on most days, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage for you to join as you like.
PARIS & NORMANDY
$2,250
INCLUDES
• 8 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 ($690)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
June 17-25, 2025
Sign-up Deadline: March 15, 2025 I Max Capacity: 20
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
PILGRIMAGE RETREAT
Italy
OPEN ENROLLMENT: More prayer, local feast day celebrations, and lodging in the same place all week
LOURDES & ROCAMADOUR
France
OPEN ENROLLMENT: To two of the greatest Marian shrines in France and kayaking for 4 days on the Dordogne River
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 5: Bike
Level 3: 36 miles, 700ft elevation gain. Mostly paved. No or little traffic
Day 6: Bike
Level 2: 15 miles, 175ft elevation gain. Mostly paved. No or little traffic
Day 7: Hike
Level 1: 4 miles, 2 hours. 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
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. 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, but you are flexible to leave when you need to. We will arrange transportation to Charles-de-Gaulle Airport for you until noon that 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 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.
THE LEADERS
CHRISTOHER BAKER– Founder and Director of ALP.
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