Dear Pilgrims,

Thank you for reserving your space on the Catholic France & Our Lady of La Salette Pilgrimage with Father Heisler, Father Valenton, Sister Marijo, and the Sisters of Our Lady of La Salette.

We are so excited that you will be joining us on this spiritual pilgrimage through France, culminating with our visit to Our Lady of La Salette as we celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s apparition there in 1846.

Your Final Travel Documents are now ready below and can be easily viewed on your phone or computer. Printing these documents is optional; however, we kindly ask that you carefully review all of the important information and FAQs provided at the bottom of the page.

I look forward to joining you as we prayerfully journey through France, honoring Our Blessed Mother and the saints at these beautiful and sacred shrines.

We apologize for the short notice regarding this meeting. Because our pilgrims are joining us from many different parishes and states, we had not originally planned to hold an in-person pre-pilgrimage meeting.

However, Sister and I thought it would be nice to offer an optional gathering for anyone who is available to attend, and Father Heisler has graciously confirmed that he will be able to join us.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM
(Please R.S.V.P. below.)

During the meeting, we will briefly review the travel information provided below, and answer any questions you may have before our departure.

Please know that the meeting is completely optional. If you are unable to attend, there is no need to worry. All of the important information you will need for the pilgrimage is included below.

We look forward to seeing those of you who are able to join us and, most importantly, to beginning our pilgrimage together very soon!

I am excited to meet you at Washington Dulles International Airport on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 PM, in front of the Air France check-in counter.

If you have any questions or need further assistance before our pilgrimage, please feel free to contact me directly.

May God bless you as we prepare for this special journey together. I look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Warm regards,

Dan

Dan Callahan
Pilgrimage Director
dan@jmjtours.com

ACTION REQUIRED BY EACH PILGRIM TODAY

PLEASE CLICK THE RED BUTTON BELOW AND COMPLETE THE FORM TO CONFIRM YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND R.S.V.P. FOR THE OPTIONAL MEETING

Date:  September 16, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

Location:

La Salette Convent
7421 St. Michael Lane
Annandale, VA 22003

ACTION REQUIRED BY EACH PILGRIM TODAY

Please click on each of the (4) Final Travel Documents below to view.

Documents are in PDF format and available for you to download and store on your smartphone for use during the trip. You can also download them to your home computer and print them if you prefer.

The Red Button will allow you to click then proceed to download all 4 Documents.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All of this information in these documents (except Check-list) will be in your Pilgrimage Booklet you will receive at the airport on Sept 23.

• Final Flight Info
  (Tickets are e-tickets, not paper. So you just need your passport for check-in)
• Hotel / Lodging information
• Travel Check-List (important)
• Tip Summary

FINAL ITINERARY: Final Day to Day detailed Itinerary is provided on your badge at the airport meeting prior to departure on September 23, 2026.

Date: September 23, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Dulles Airport (IAD)
In front of Air France Counter

We will distribute the final packet at the airport meeting:

• Special Luggage Tags
• Trip Badge
• Badge Itinerary
• Pilgrimage Booklet with all info
• Check into flights

Father Heisler and Father Valenton will lead us in a pilgrimage prayer

SHOULD I PACK A CHANGE OF CLOTHES IN MY CARRY ON?

Yes! We highly recommend packing at least one change of clothes, along with spare socks, undergarments, essential toiletries, and all necessary medications in your carry-on bag.

This will help ensure that you have the essentials you need in the unlikely event your checked baggage is delayed or misplaced.

Important: Always pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage rather than in your checked baggage.

SEATING REQUESTS FOR ALL FLIGHTS

Our reservation on the flights is a group reservation. Group reservations are made 6-11 months in advance. With a group reservation the airline computer blocks seats in advance at that time. (Note: The seats are not always together in one section or area of the plane).

• 60 days prior to the trip departure date, we provide the names. The computer assigns the names to the pre-assigned seats in the group reservation.
• 30 Days prior the airline requests any final name changes and processes the group electronic reservation as a whole.
• Once the names are officially assigned to the flights in the group reservation. We are permitted to make requests.
• It is the airline policy that those requests are for the seats within the pre-assigned original group seats. Thus, we have a limited number of aisle seats, window etc within the group reservation.
• We first request couples or roommates traveling together be seated together. Then we request any special requests for an aisle or window etc.
• Due to the nature of the group reservation with the computer generated blocked seats, those requests are not always granted.
• Finally, once the group is at the airport checking-in we advise couples, those traveling together or those with special needs (window, aisle etc) check their seats with the agent at the counter. Typically, if your request is available they will make the change.

SHOULD I ADD MY TSA PRECHECK / KNOWN TRAVELER NUMBER (KTN) OR FREQUENT FLYER NUMBER AT AIRPORT CHECK-IN?

Yes. Since we are traveling on a Group Reservation, please provide your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) and/or frequent flyer number to the Air France agent at the airport check-in counter.

If you have TSA PreCheck, please give the agent your Known Traveler Number (KTN) before your boarding pass is issued and ask that it be added to your reservation. Once you receive your boarding pass, check to make sure the TSA PRECHECK indicator appears on it. Please remember that having a Known Traveler Number does not guarantee TSA PreCheck eligibility for every flight.

You may also provide your Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, or other eligible frequent flyer number to the Air France agent at check-in and ask that it be added to your reservation.

WHAT DO I NEED TO CHECK IN FOR MY FLIGHT?

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. JMJ Tours strongly recommends having at least six months of passport validity remaining.

• (Optional) TSA#/KTN # or Frequent flyer membership.

DO I NEED A VISA FOR FRANCE?

• U.S. citizens currently do NOT need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days.

• For our September 2026 pilgrimage, U.S. citizens do not currently need an ETIAS travel authorization.

• Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in operation. Upon entering the Schengen Area, U.S. travelers may be asked to provide a photograph and fingerprints as part of the immigration process. There is nothing you need to apply for in advance for EES.

• Non-U.S. citizens should verify the applicable entry requirements for their nationality well before departure.

ARE THERE MEALS ON THE FLIGHTS

Meals are included on our transatlantic flights. Depending on the airline and flight duration, a snack or light meal may also be provided on shorter connecting flights within Europe.

RESTROOMS IN EUROPE

Some public restrooms in Europe require a small fee, often around €0.50–€1.00. It is helpful to keep a few euro coins with you for this purpose, although some facilities now also accept credit cards or contactless payment.

Restrooms in cafés and restaurants are generally available to customers, so purchasing a coffee, pastry, or other small item is another option.

Tip: Keep a few euro coins handy throughout the pilgrimage.

You can also walk into a coffee shop or restaurant / bar and purchase a coffee or pastry and use the restroom free of charge.

RESTROOM ON THE BUS

The restroom on the bus is very small and for emergency use only. We will make rest stops for breaks as needed.

TIPPING FOR MEALS ON THE PILGRIMAGE

(See TIP SUMMARY GUIDE TRAVEL DOCUMENT above for more info)

Tips for meals that are included as part of our pilgrimage itinerary are already included. Feel free to leave a small amount if you receive exceptional service.

For meals you purchase on your own in France, tipping is not mandatory in the same manner as it is in the United States. Service is generally included in the price. However, leaving a small additional amount for especially good service is always appreciated.

TIP GUIDE FOR BUS DRIVER AND GUIDES
(Not included in the cost of the pilgrimage)

Euros is preferred. U.S. Cash is ok if you do not have Euros at that time)

PLEASE SEE THE TIP SUMMARY GUIDE TRAVEL DOCUMENT ABOVE:

Procedure:

BUS DRIVER & GUIDE
At the appropriate time nearing the end of the service, we will pass around (1) envelope for the Bus Driver and (1) for the Guide. (Euros or U.S. Cash is acceptable if you do not have Euros at that time)

LOCAL GUIDES
It is customary for pilgrims to personally thank and tip local guides at the end of the short tour if they wish. Simply approach the guide, express your thanks, and offer your tip.

CASH AT A BANK ATM

We recommend using only ATM machines at official BANKS only for the best exchange rates.

If you need euros during the pilgrimage, we recommend using an ATM located at or operated by a recognized bank whenever possible.

Avoid privately operated ATMs found in tourist shops, airports, restaurants, and currency-exchange locations, as they may charge higher fees or offer less favorable exchange rates.

The cash dispensed by an ATM in France will be in euros.

IMPORTANT TIP: If the ATM asks whether you would like the transaction converted into U.S. dollars, select EUROS / DECLINE CONVERSION. Allowing your own bank to perform the currency conversion will usually provide a better exchange rate.

TRAVEL ALERT for your credit card & debit card.

Many banks and credit card companies no longer require a travel notice. Before departure, however, we recommend:

• Confirming that your bank has your current mobile phone number and email address.
• Checking whether your particular bank or card issuer recommends a travel notification.
• Confirming whether your credit card charges a foreign transaction fee.Having more than one method of payment available in case a card is declined or lost.

IMPORTANT TIP: When making a credit card purchase in France, if you are asked whether you want to be charged in U.S. dollars or euros, select EUROS. Your own bank or credit card company will generally provide a better conversion rate.

HOLY MASS DONATIONS

• It is customary as a pilgrimage group to pass a basket or leave a donation at each church where we celebrate Holy Mass. This is a kind gesture supporting these local churches and religious communities
  that welcome our pilgrims.
• A suggested minimum donation is 3-5 Euros per person for each Holy Mass. More if you desire. (Euros are preferred or U.S. Cash is ok if you do not have euros at that time)

HOW CAN I EFFECTIVELY VOICE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DURING THE PILGRIMAGE?

During your pilgrimage, your JMJ Tours Trip Director and Main (on trip) Escort are available around the clock to support you. Please feel free to promptly share any issues, concerns, or grievances directly with your Trip Director or Trip Escort for the best resolution. Trip Staff is dedicated to assisting you with hotel stays, meals, transportation, and any other needs you may have.

Addressing concerns during the pilgrimage ensures timely solutions as rectifying problems once you’ve returned home becomes challenging. Most issues can be swiftly resolved when communicated to your guide without delay.

WILL THERE BE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SHOPPING?

Yes! We have included some free time during the pilgrimage for shopping and personal activities while maintaining the schedule necessary to visit all of our planned pilgrimage sites.

Feel free to ask your Tour Staff for recommendations regarding local specialties, religious items, and souvenirs. Small, lightweight items that are easy to carry make wonderful gifts—and don’t forget to bring something special home for yourself!

Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted and can provide additional security when making larger purchases.

Shrine and Church Gift Shops: Some smaller religious gift shops may prefer or require cash, so it is helpful to have some euros available.

Large, Heavy, or Fragile Items: If you purchase something that is difficult to carry, ask the shop whether shipping to your home in the United States is available.

Shopping Safety: Be especially alert in crowded tourist areas. Keep your purse, wallet, passport, phone, and other valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.

WHEN DO WE GO THROUGH IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS?

Upon arriving in Paris, we will go through Schengen passport control/immigration before entering France.

Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational, so U.S. travelers may be asked to provide fingerprints and a photograph as part of the entry process.

Upon returning from Paris, we will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Washington Dulles International Airport when we re-enter the United States. (See MPC below)

IMPORTANT: MOBILE PASSPORT CONTROL (MPC) APP FOR RETURN TO DULLES

(Not necessary if you plan to use Global Entry)

To help reduce your wait time through U.S. Customs and Border Protection when we return from Paris to Washington Dulles, we recommend downloading the free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to your smartphone before the trip.

Before the Trip:

1. Search for “Mobile Passport Control” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app.
2. Set up your traveler profile and enter your passport information.

Before Our Return Flight from Paris:
3. While waiting for our return flight in Paris, you can open the MPC app and prepare the required information.
4. Do not submit your information until you have landed at Washington Dulles.

Upon Arrival at Dulles:
5. After landing at Dulles, open the MPC app and complete and SUBMIT your information.
6. After exiting the Mobile Lounge, proceed down the escalator and stay to the right.
7. Look for the signs for Mobile Passport Control / MPC and follow them to the designated MPC processing area.
8. After clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection, proceed to baggage claim.

If you have Global Entry: You do not need to use MPC; simply follow the signs for Global Entry.

U.S CUSTOMS INFORMATION

U.S. residents returning from our pilgrimage are generally entitled to bring back up to $800 worth of merchandise duty-free, subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations and certain restrictions.

Be sure to declare all items purchased or acquired abroad as required, and it is a good idea to keep receipts for significant purchases.

Certain foods, meats, plants, agricultural products, and other restricted items must also be declared.

For the most current information, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov/travel.

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) REFUND IN FRANCE

France includes a Value Added Tax (VAT) in the retail price of most goods. Visitors whose primary residence is outside the European Union may be eligible to receive a partial VAT refund on qualifying purchases.

In France, qualifying purchases must generally total more than €100 at a participating retailer.

When making a qualifying purchase:

1. Ask the store if it participates in VAT refund / détaxe.

2. Present your passport if requested.

3. The retailer will prepare a VAT refund form, generally containing a PABLO barcode.

4. Keep the merchandise, receipts, and refund documents together.

5. At the airport when departing the European Union, validate your VAT refund documents at the PABLO/customs kiosk before checking any luggage containing the purchased items.

6. Follow the retailer’s instructions for receiving your refund, which may be applied to your credit card or provided through another refund method.

The amount actually refunded will normally be less than the full VAT percentage because processing or administrative fees may be deducted.

Important: VAT refunds generally apply to qualifying merchandise that you are taking out of the European Union, not services such as hotels and restaurant meals.

Allow additional time at the airport if you plan to process a VAT refund.

CAUTION! LANDSCAPE & TERRAIN IN EUROPE

European cities, historic towns, shrines, and pilgrimage sites often include uneven pavement, cobblestones, hills, steps, and changes in elevation.

Please exercise caution while walking. Many historic churches and buildings were constructed centuries before modern accessibility standards and may have steps, narrow entrances, or limited wheelchair accessibility.

Our buses may also be unable to stop directly in front of certain churches, hotels, or historic sites because of narrow streets, pedestrian zones, and local traffic restrictions.

Walking Expectations:

* Expect moderate walking each day.

* Some days may involve approximately 1–3 miles of walking, spread throughout the day.

* Comfortable, supportive walking shoes with rubber soles are strongly recommended.

* High-heeled shoes are not recommended.

* Not all churches and shrines are fully wheelchair accessible.

It’s important to note that many European streets are narrow, and stringent traffic regulations may prevent buses from dropping groups directly at their destinations. 

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR BRINGING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO EUROPE?

• Bring medications in original prescription containers with your name.
• Pack medications in carry-on luggage.
• Bring enough medication for the entire pilgrimage plus several extra days.
• TIP: please have copies of important prescriptions from your doctor in case of loss.

CELL PHONES (Smart phone-Very Important)

• For your personal safety and to ensure that you can receive important schedule updates and urgent text communications from JMJ Tours throughout the pilgrimage, we strongly encourage every traveler to bring a smartphone with an active international calling and data plan.

  Before departure, contact your cellular provider or review your account online to determine exactly what international coverage is included for France.

  Many carriers offer international travel plans or daily travel passes that allow you to use your regular phone number, texting, and mobile data while abroad. Coverage and fees vary considerably by provider and plan, so please confirm the details before departure.

  WhatsApp is also highly recommended. It allows calling and messaging using Wi-Fi or mobile data and is very useful for communicating with fellow pilgrims, family members, and Tour Staff.

  TIP: Avoid making calls from hotel room phones unless necessary, as international hotel telephone charges can be expensive.

EMERGENCY / COMMUNICATION

“How can family contact me during the pilgrimage?”

• They can contact you on your cell phone
• WhatsApp messaging is also highly recommended.
• Hotel contact information will is included in your hotel list Travel Document above.
• In emergencies, family may contact JMJ Tours.

IS IT SAFE TO DRINK THE LOCAL TAP WATER?

Yes. Tap water in France is generally safe to drink, but variations in mineral content and microorganisms might affect some individuals. To err on the side of caution, it is advisable to refrain from consuming local tap water as it might cause stomach discomfort. Bottled water is recommended.

TIP: Utilize travel and meal times as opportunities to stay hydrated. Mineral and regular water is usually included with most meals.

HOTELS / ACCOMMODATIONS

• Your hotels* come equipped with all the modern conveniences such as showers, toilets, bathtubs, and hair dryers, similar to those found in U.S. hotels.* La Salette Lodging: Hair dryers may not be provided in the guest rooms at La Salette.
• Room and Bed Size: please keep in mind that rooms, beds and elevators may be smaller in size according to European standards.
  
• You are responsible for any mini-bar items and charges for paid TV channels, etc. Please be aware that although we request non-smoking rooms for our clients, European hotels may be less strict about enforcing these rules.

TOILETRIES

Hotels provide soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries commonly found at home. Housekeeping is typically available , along with fresh towels.

TIP: some hotels do not supply washcloths, so it’s advisable to bring your own.

We recommend bringing your own shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and other personal care items, as the chemicals and fragrances in hotel products may not be suitable for your skin type.

ELECTRICITY

WILL I NEED AN ELECTRICAL ADAPTER OR CONVERTER IN FRANCE?

Yes. Electrical outlets in France are different from those used in the United States. France uses 230-volt electricity and primarily Type C and Type E electrical outlets.

Before leaving home, you should purchase a European plug adapter so that your U.S. two-prong or three-prong plug can fit into French electrical outlets.

For most modern electronics—including iPhones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, camera chargers, and many CPAP machines—you will normally need only a plug adapter, not a voltage converter, provided the device is rated for both U.S. and European voltage.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DEVICE IS DUAL-VOLTAGE?

Look at the small print on the charger, power block, or power supply.

If it says something similar to:

INPUT: 100–240V, 50/60Hz

If the device is dual-voltage and can be used in France with only a European plug adapter.

If it says:

INPUT: 110–120V

The device is not dual-voltage and should not be plugged directly into a French outlet. A properly rated voltage converter would be required.

For example, most Apple iPhone chargers are rated 100–240V, so an iPhone normally requires only a European plug adapter.

IMPORTANT: High-powered appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, heating pads, and similar devices require special attention. Do not use them in France unless they are clearly marked as dual-voltage and compatible with 220–240V electricity. When in doubt, it is safest not to use the appliance.

European adapter kits are readily available from retailers such as Walmart, Target, electronics stores, travel stores, and online retailers. We recommend purchasing your adapters before leaving the United States.

It is also generally best to avoid purchasing electrical appliances overseas for use at home unless you are certain they are compatible with U.S. voltage and electrical standards.

For additional information, photos, and examples of electrical adapters and converters, Click Here

TAXIS AND UBER

Use only official licensed taxis and Uber. Especially in Paris.

Uber is excellent in Paris.

Licensed taxis should display an official taxi sign and use the required meter. In Paris, certain airport taxi routes have regulated fixed fares.

Whenever possible, use an official taxi stand, have your hotel arrange the taxi, or use a reputable transportation app.

Avoid accepting unsolicited transportation offers from individuals approaching travelers at airports, train stations, or tourist locations.

TGV TRAIN:  PARIS TO LYON

We will depart directly from the Paris train station from Paris to Lyon via the TGV high-speed train in the morning on September 29. Train tickets are included as part of the pilgrimage package.

Luggage: Our group will assist one another in loading luggage onto the train

GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY

• Protect your Passport (Keep in a safe zippered pocket if possible)
• Refrain from excessive displays of jewelry or cash (carry only what you need for the day).
• Utilize room safes or entrust valuables to the hotel manager (safe at desk).
• Ensure valuables are insured against theft.
• Avoid venturing alone into unfamiliar areas especially at night.

• Be cautious if approached by strangers offering unsolicited assistance.

  * Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded churches, public transportation areas, tourist attractions, and shopping districts.

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

See the Weather outlook below (As of September 14, 2026) to have an idea on what is the weather for our pilgrimage. Please check the weather on your own closer to the trip.

Date	Overnight City	Expected Daytime	Expected Night	General Conditions
Sept. 24‑25	Rouen	64–73°F	52–55°F	Mild, clouds and sun; currently looks fairly dry.
Sept. 25‑27	Granville, Normandy	66–68°F	53–55°F	Cool coastal weather; partly cloudy, breezy at times.
Sept. 27‑29	Paris	69–74°F	52–59°F	Pleasant; sun and clouds, currently relatively dry.
Sept. 29‑30	Lyon	70–77°F	50–57°F	Mild to warm during the day; cooler evening.
Sept. 30‑Oct. 3	La Salette	50–55°F	38–42°F	Cold mountain weather; rain possible and potentially much colder than the other cities.

FINAL NOTE ON SCHEDULED ITINERARY

We make every effort to follow the published pilgrimage itinerary on the bottom of our webpage Click Here  (bottom of page, updated on Final Booklet/ Badge at the Airport Departure) as closely as possible. However, the itinerary should be considered a guide to our planned journey rather than a guarantee that every visit will occur exactly as scheduled.

Religious celebrations, church activities, national or local events, traffic, weather, transportation delays, site closures, and other circumstances beyond our control may occasionally require us to change the timing or sequence of visits or, in rare circumstances, omit or substitute a particular stop.

We plan to celebrate Holy Mass each day and visit the sacred sites listed in our itinerary whenever possible. If a scheduled church or chapel becomes unavailable, we will make every reasonable effort to arrange Holy Mass at an appropriate alternative location.

Our goal throughout the pilgrimage is to provide a prayerful, meaningful, well-organized journey while remaining flexible when circumstances require adjustments.