TREASURES OF FRANCE

This morning we begin with a walking tour of Lourdes to visit the Upper & Lower Basilicas; the Grotto of Massabielle; Boly Mill, the birthplace of St Bernadette; and Cachot, the home of St Bernadette at the time of the apparitions. The rest of the day is free for Adoration, Confessions, private devotion, reciting the Rosary and bathing in the miraculous spring. After dinner, we return to the Grotto of Lourdes for the Rosary and Candlelight Procession.

Overnight stay in Lourdes (B L D)

This morning, we will awaken feeling well refreshed! Following breakfast, we will journey to Toulouse to view many of the rare artefacts such as historical pipe organs, and the burial place of St Thomas Aquinas at the St Sernin Basilica, which is the finest Romanesque church in France. We continue our journey to breathtaking Rocamadour to visit the Shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Overnight stay in Rocamadour (B L D)

This morning we farewell to Rocamadour and proceed to Paray le Monial to visit the Shrine of Margaret Mary Alacoque, a nun and mystic, who promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Visit the Chapel of the Visitations and the Chapel of St Claude and enjoy an audiovisual presentation.

We start our day early as we journey through the scenic Loire Valley to see Nevers, where St Bernadette lived for 12 years as a member of the Congregation of the Sisters Charity of Nevers. We will visit St Gildard Convent, the site where St Bernadette’s incorrupt body rests. We will proceed to visit the Cathedral in Chartres, the 13th century cathedral building is literally a Bible in stone, with over 4,000 sculpted figures and 5,000 figures in the stained-glass windows, illustrating the Bible and lives of the Saints. Later this afternoon we will drive towards Lisieux, the home of St Therese.

Overnight stay in Lisieux (B L D)

Today we will proceed to Le Mont Saint Michel, surrounded by a magnificent bay which gives you breath-taking views. Le Mont St Michel is home to monastic congregation which was built and consecrated by Aubert, Bisho of Avranches at the request of Michael the Archangel.

Overnight stay in Lisieux (B L D)

This morning we will visit Lisieux, home of St Therese, the Carmelite nun famously known as “The Little Flower”. We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St Therese. Continue to visit the site of the Lisieux family home, Les Buissonets; and the Carmelite Convent Chapel where St Therese and her parents are buried. Later we will drive to Paris, the city of Light! to experience the unique expression of French art. Our panoramic tour of the city will pass by Champs-Elysees, Louvre museum, Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower. Enjoy a Seine River cruise in the evening.

Overnight stay in Paris (B L D)

After breakfast, visit the great churches of Paris: The Cathedral of Notre Dame, devoted to the Blessed Mother; and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Sacre Coeur. Later, visit the Shrine of Saint Vincent de Paul, as well as the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, where St. Catherine Laboure, a member of the Daughters of Charity, received her apparitions of Mary.

Overnight stay in Paris (B L D)

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and then transfer to Paris International Airport for our return flight to Australia.