Five of the world’s greatest Gothic cathedrals await on this once in a lifetime pilgrimage! 

Visit the cathedrals of Reims, Amiens, Rouen, Chartres, and the newly restored Notre Dame of Paris.  Follow the lives and spirituality of two powerful young saints, St. Joan of Arc and St. Therese of Lisieux, and commemorate the fallen heroes of WWII at the beaches of Normandy. The lives of saints and the splendor of churches, chapels and other holy sites throughout northern France will help echo the words of The Little Flower: “The world is thy ship and not thy home”!

Join us as we travel through the French countryside, discovering the stories of saintly heroes and sacred sites that continue to strengthen the faith of Catholics worldwide. 

*DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE*    

Hotels:

One night in Reims

Two nights in Rouen

One night in Lisieux

One night in Caen

One night in Normandy

Two nights in Mon-Saint-Michel

Two nights in Paris

Depart the USA to Paris, France from your local airport. Enjoy a full meal and inflight entertainment (movies, music, etc.) on your overnight flight. 

Bienvenue en France!  Arrive at Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport (pending flight confirmation). Upon arrival, proceed to Baggage Claim and to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be warmly greeted by our local Trinity Tour Travels guide and driver who will accompany you throughout the pilgrimage. We drive to Reims with lunch en route (1.5 hours) and begin our journey through France with a visit to Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims (Cathedral of Reims). Built in the 13thcentury, it is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  For nearly 1000 years, it was the site of French Coronations and is most famously known for the crowning of Charles VII with St. Joan of Arc at his side – a moment that transformed the course of the Hundred Years’ War. Adorned with breathtaking stain glassed windows by Chagall and more than 2000 sculptures, this cathedral is considered a marvel of majestic symmetry.

Mass time and location to be confirmed.

Check-in, diner & overnight in Reims.

Breakfast and check-out at the hotel and we travel to Rouen (3 hours). Stopping first in Amiens along the way, we tour the magnificent Gothic Cathedrale Notre Dame d’Amiens (Cathedral of Amiens).  Known as the largest medieval cathedral in the world by interior volume, it is one of the purest examples of High Gothic architecture. Completed in 1288, and also dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is the seat of the Bishop of Amiens, and houses the great holy relic believed to be the head of St. John the Baptist.  Here we see the “Bible in Stone” – hundreds of sculpted figures depicting the life of Christ, the Last Judgment, and the lives of numerous saints, apostles, and prophets.  A Pilgrim Path is at the center of the cathedral floor – a labyrinth symbolizing the Christian journey toward salvation - while at night, the church façade is illuminated with a projection showing its original medieval colors revealing how brilliantly painted the sculptures once were.   Lunch on your own this afternoon with Mass time and location to be confirmed.  Arrival in Rouen late this afternoon with free time as schedule allows.

Check-in, dinner & overnight in Rouen.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our day in the historic city of Rouen, located along the River Seine in the Normandy region of France. Once one of the most prominent cities in medieval Europe, Rouen played a pivotal role in the life and martyrdom of St. Joan of Arc. At just 19 years old, Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried, and condemned to death in Rouen. On May 30, 1431, she was burned at the stake in the Old Market Square, after being accused of heresy and witchcraft by a politically motivated tribunal under English control. Her only "crime" was her steadfast faith, devotion to God, and loyalty to the rightful king of France, Charles VII, whom she had helped to crown in Reims after a series of divinely inspired military victories. Her trial and execution took place in a city caught in the bitter strife of the Hundred Years' War between England and France.  Today, we explore Rouen’s many sites connected to her life story. Our tour includes the historic city center, the Abbey of Saint-Ouen, and the Old Market Place where Joan was martyred. We also visit the Joan of Arc Historical Exhibition, which uses multimedia displays and documents to retrace the events of her trial and legacy.  Lunch on your own nearby and  we continue to the Church of Saint Joan of Arc. This modern church was completed in 1979 and is located on the exact spot of her execution. Its dramatic roofline, resembling flames, symbolizes the fire that ended her earthly life but ignited a legacy of holiness and courage that continues to inspire the Church.  

We visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Rouen, another masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This cathedral features the tallest spire in France and is known for is ‘flamboyant’ style -  its construction spanning between the12th and 16thcenturies. Inside, we find a chapel dedicated to St. Joan of Arc, a reminder of her vindication and canonization. Though condemned in her lifetime, the Church formally declared her innocent in 1456, and she was canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV, becoming one of the patron saints of France and a symbol of courage, purity, and divine mission.   Mass time and location to be confirmed with free time as schedule permits.

Dinner & overnight in Rouen.

An early breakfast and check-out at the hotel. We depart Rouen and drive to the pristine small town of Lisieux, known as the home of St. Therese Martin, the Little Flower (one hour). One of four female Doctors of the Church (declared in 1997 by Pope St. John Paul II), St. Therese of Lisieux was only 24 years old when she died, leaving behind her legacy of spiritual childhood, called the Little Way: trust God with absolute confidence, do small everyday actions with great love, accept one’s weakness so that God’s mercy can work fully, and know that holiness is accessible to everyone, not just the heroic or strong.  Lisieux is the 2nd most important Catholic pilgrimage destination in France and the Basilica of Lisieux containing her tomb is one of the largest built in the 20th century.  It is dedicated entirely to the saint’s message of Confidence and Love.  We visit The Buissonnets, the home of the Martin family, and the Carmelite convent where the young Therese entered the religious life at age 15.  Mass time and location to be confirmed.  Lunch on your own this afternoon with free time as schedule permits.

Check-in, dinner & overnight in Lisieux.

Following breakfast and check-out at the hotel, we travel to Caen, Normandy (one hour).

We participate in an unforgettable tour of the Mémorial de Caen, commemorating WWII, and the battle for Caen.  It is the largest museum in France dedicated to 20th century history and is known in particular for its memorial to the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy.  Lunch on your own followed by a walk into the city to visit the Abbey of Saint-Étienne (Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames). These two beautiful abbeys were founded and dedicated to St. Stephen in 1063 by William the Conqueror (as a form of atonement to reconcile with the Church having disobeyed papal wishes about his marriage) and are considered the most important of Romanesque buildings in Normandy. We tour the old neighborhood of Vaugueux with its stone houses dating to the Middle Ages. The neighborhood comes to life each evening with trendy cafes, bars, and nightlife! Free time to enjoy Caen.  Mass time and location to be confirmed.

Check-in, dinner & overnight in Caen.

Following an early breakfast and check-out at the hotel, we depart for the historic Beaches of Normandy (1.5 hours).   En route, we stop at Ferme de Billy, a beloved destination in the commune of Rots. This family-run estate features over 15,000 apple trees spread across beautiful orchards, along with friendly donkeys, a flowing stream, and a well-preserved 12th-century chapel. The visit includes a tour of the farm and cider tasting!  The chapel on the grounds is a reminder of the enduring Catholic faith rooted deeply in the rural heritage of Normandy.  We continue to one of the most solemn and historically significant places in modern history—the Normandy Landing Sites of World War II.  June 6, 1944, known as D-Day, marks the beginning of the Allied invasion that helped liberate France and ultimately all of Europe from Nazi occupation. The operation continued until July 24, 1944 and became a pivotal turning point in the war.  Tens of thousands of Allied soldiers—American, British, Canadian, Scottish, and French—stormed the beaches that morning. Their sacrifice was immense, with thousands giving their lives that very day in the name of freedom and justice. Today, the shoreline of Normandy still bears the marks of that courageous stand, and it remains a place of reflection, gratitude, and prayer.  We begin our visit at Bénouville’s Pegasus Bridge, the first objective secured by British paratroopers just after midnight on D-Day.  We continue to Arromanches, part of the Gold Beach sector, where the Allies constructed the largest artificial harbor in history—an engineering marvel that allowed tanks, troops, and supplies to enter France and sustain the campaign inland.  We visit Omaha Beach, the most recognized and heavily defended of the landing sites. Known for its steep bluffs and difficult terrain, this beach saw the highest number of casualties on D-Day. It remains a sacred place of remembrance and a symbol of sacrificial courage.  Our day in Normandy invites us to contemplate the moral weight of war, the sanctity of life, and the call to peace. Many chaplains and faithful soldiers served and died here, and we remember them as men who carried not only weapons, but rosaries, and the hope of a restored peace grounded in truth. Lunch on your own nearby with free time as schedule allows. Mass time and location to be confirmed.

Check-in, dinner & overnight in Normandy.

Breakfast and check-out at the hotel and we begin the day with a visit to the historic town of Sainte-Mère-Église, which translates to "Holy Mother Church." This small village played a major role in the early hours of the D-Day invasion. During the night of June 5–6, 1944, approximately 30 American paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division landed in and around the town, marking it as the first French town to be liberated by Allied forces during World War II.  We visit the Airborne Museum, which tells the moving story of these soldiers and their heroic efforts. Nearby is the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, which holds particular significance both historically and spiritually. It was on this church that American paratrooper John Steele famously became entangled when his parachute was caught on the steeple during the landing. He feigned death and survived, and his story remains one of the most memorable of D-Day. Mass is celebrated here this day. Lunch on your own nearby prior to travel to Mont-Saint-Michel (2 hours).  En route, we stop at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer overlooking Omaha Beach. This is the site of the famed Allied landing in D-Day in 1944 known as Operation Torch. The cemetery honors 9,388 American military casualties and stands as a solemn tribute to American sacrifice in liberating Europe from Nazi occupation. We continue travel to the awe-inspiring Mont-Saint-Michel; a tidal island located off the coast of Normandy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a medieval abbey that towers over the sea and surrounding sands. Tradition holds that in 708, St. Michael the Archangel appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches, instructing him to build a sanctuary on the rocky island. Over the centuries, Mont-Saint-Michel has served as a monastic center, pilgrimage destination, and fortress. The abbey remains one of the greatest architectural and spiritual marvels of France, offering panoramic views and an atmosphere of profound reverence. Free time near the island as schedule allows.

Check-in, dinner & overnight on Mont-Saint-Michel.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we explore the extraordinary Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the earliest places inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its rich heritage and dramatic natural setting. Our visit centers around the majestic Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey. To reach the abbey, our group is dropped off by bus approximately 1.5 miles from the shuttle point. A shuttle will then take us to within 270 yards of the island entrance. From there, we continue on foot along the cobblestone streets through the medieval village, covering about 250 more yards to reach the base of the climb.  

PLEASE NOTE: The ascent to the abbey involves climbing 350 steps known as the “Grand Degré,” beginning near the parish church. There is no elevator access, so this day requires a good degree of mobility and a HIGH degree of physical fitness. However, the effort is rewarded with both breathtaking views and a profound spiritual experience.  Mont-Saint-Michel's religious significance dates to the year 708, when St. Michael the Archangel appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches in a vision, instructing him to build a sanctuary on the rocky mount. After two additional apparitions, the bishop carried out the heavenly command, and a chapel was built in honor of St. Michael.  Nearly 300 years later, Benedictine monks settled on the island and began organizing the structures into a formal monastery to welcome pilgrims. The monks offered hospitality and spiritual formation to those who came seeking prayer and penance. Over the centuries, the abbey has endured wars, destruction, and secularization—particularly during the French Revolution, when it was converted into a prison.  In the 20th century, efforts were made to restore the sacred character of the site. Today, the Monastic Fraternity of Jerusalem resides at Mont-Saint-Michel, carrying on the tradition of prayer and community life. Lunch on your own with Mass time to be confirmed.  Free time to explore the charming village below, with its narrow lanes, stone houses, cafés, and local shops. Mont-Saint-Michel is also famed for its dramatic tides, which can advance with astonishing speed, tide that “comes in with the speed of a galloping horse”!  

Dinner & overnight on Mont-Saint-Michel.

After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, we travel to Chartres (3.5 hours). We tour the famed Gothic Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres which is believed to house the Sancta Camisa – the tunic Our Lady wore at the birth of Jesus!  A UNESCO World Heritage site, this cathedral was built between 1134 and 1260 and is renowned for its vibrant and intricate stained glass -  “Bible in Glass”, its 13th century labyrinth, and the famous Chartres Blue used throughout which is regarded as among the most beautiful medieval artistries in the world.  Lunch on your own and free time in Chartres (schedule permitting)  before our departure to Paris (1.5 hours). Mass time and location to be confirmed.

Check-in, dinner & overnight in Paris.

Following breakfast at the hotel, our day begins with a tour of the iconic and newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris. A central place of Marian devotion for over 850 years, it is considered the Mother Church of Paris as it serves as the seat of the Archbishop. Home of numerous beatifications, canonizations, and coronations, this Gothic masterpiece most notably houses the holy relics of the Crown of Thorns, fragments of the True Cross, and a nail from the Crucifixion of Christ.  A visit to the stunning Basilica of Sacre Coeur follows in the area known as Montmartre (“Mount of  Martyrs”). This basilica is devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus emphasizing Christ’s divine love for humanity, reparation for sin, and trust in His mercy – a devotion which grew in the 19th century following St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s visions of Christ.  A visit to the Royal Chapel of Sainte-Chapelle upon confirmation.

Lunch on your own and free time in Paris to explore the Eiffel Tower, walk the Champs-Elysees, visit the Loevre, visit Rue de Bac, or simply stroll along the Seine.  Mass time and location to be confirmed.

Farewell Dinner and overnight in Paris.

Final breakfast and check-out at the hotel. With many holy, historic, and treasured memories that take us from the heights of great art and architecture to the simplicity of a Carmelite nun, to the unforgettable visit to an historic battlefield, to the restoration of spirit that we find in the re-built Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris, we transfer to the airport for return to the USA. 

A Dieu soit la gloire!