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 Omaha beach, 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 to Mont St. Michel
  • Praying at the tomb of St. Therese of Lisieux
  • Saint-Chapelle in Paris originally built to house the Lord’s Crown of Thorns

ITINERARY

Paris

Days 1-3: 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  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 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

    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 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

    $2,300

    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 

     

    2025 dates tba

    Sign-up Deadline: TBA I Max Capacity: 20 

    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 BAKERFounder 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

    Contact Us

    15 + 6 =