Catholic France and Our Lady of La Salette
180th Anniversary of the Apparition
Paris • Rouen • Lisieux • Mont-Saint-Michel • Pontmain • Ars • La Salette
With / Sister Maria Josephine S. Valenton, SNDS
and the Sisters of Our Lady of La Salette
___________________________________________
Pilgrimage to Our Lady of La Salette – France
September 24 – October 3, 2026
Join JMJ Tours on a profound spiritual pilgrimage through France, culminating at the mountain sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 180 years ago in 1846 with a message of conversion, reconciliation, and hope. This journey weaves together prayer, sacred history, and beautiful landscapes, offering pilgrims time for reflection, healing, and renewal of faith.
Along the way, pilgrims will visit some of France’s most beloved Catholic shrines and historic sites, including Lisieux(St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus), Mont-Saint-Michel, Pontmain, Normandy, American Cemetery. Paris (Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Miraculous Medal Chapel, Sacré-Cœur), Ars (St. John Vianney), and Lyon, before spending several prayerful days at La Salette itself. Each site deepens our encounter with Christ through the witness of saints, Marian apparitions, and the Church’s living tradition.
This carefully guided pilgrimage blends daily Mass, prayer, and spiritual commentary with comfortable accommodations and thoughtfully paced travel. Whether you are seeking deeper conversion, peace of heart, or a renewed trust in God’s mercy, this pilgrimage invites you to step away from daily life and journey toward a faith renewed in the presence of Our Lady.
Mont-Saint-Michel
La Salette Pilgrimage includes:
- Roundtrip Airfare Air France
Washington Dulles – Paris (Non-stop) - Return Lyon – Washington Dulles
- All airport taxes, fees and fuel charges
- Private Motor Coach Transportation per itinerary
- TGV Train Paris to Lyon
- Cable Car in Montmartre, Paris
- Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris
- Four Star Accommodations in a double occupancy with private bath
- 1 Night Rouen
- 2 Nights Granville
- 2 Nights Paris
- 1 Night Lyon
- 3 Nights La Salette on site Religious Guest House
Highlights of the Trip
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, despite the 2019 fire, remains a symbol of French Catholicism and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is a place of perpetual adoration and offers breathtaking views of Paris. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is where St. Catherine Labouré received visions of the Virgin Mary in 1830.
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, despite the 2019 fire, remains a symbol of French Catholicism and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is a place of perpetual adoration and offers breathtaking views of Paris. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is where St. Catherine Labouré received visions of the Virgin Mary in 1830.
In Paris, where we will pray at the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, site of Our Lady’s apparition to St. Catherine Labouré. Pilgrims will also experience the beauty of Paris, from the restored Notre-Dame Basilica to the iconic Eiffel Tower, blending faith, culture, and friendship.
In Paris, where we will pray at the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, site of Our Lady’s apparition to St. Catherine Labouré. Pilgrims will also experience the beauty of Paris, from the restored Notre-Dame Basilica to the iconic Eiffel Tower, blending faith, culture, and friendship.
Rouen is the capital of Normandy. An important city in Roman times and in the Middle Ages, that boasts Gothic churches such as Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen, as well as a pedestrianised center with cobbled streets and medieval half-timbered houses. Its magnificent Notre-Dame cathedral has often been depicted by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet.
Rouen is the capital of Normandy. An important city in Roman times and in the Middle Ages, that boasts Gothic churches such as Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen, as well as a pedestrianised center with cobbled streets and medieval half-timbered houses. Its magnificent Notre-Dame cathedral has often been depicted by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet.
At the age of 15, Thérèse told her father of her desire to become a Carmelite nun. She went to Rome to make the request directly to Pope Leo XIII and became a Carmelite two years later. She wrote “History of a Soul” telling her history before her “entry into life” at the age of 24. Thérèse was quickly beatified and canonized at the request of her worldwide readers. Healings have been seen amongst those who come to pray by her tomb.
At the age of 15, Thérèse told her father of her desire to become a Carmelite nun. She went to Rome to make the request directly to Pope Leo XIII and became a Carmelite two years later. She wrote “History of a Soul” telling her history before her “entry into life” at the age of 24. Thérèse was quickly beatified and canonized at the request of her worldwide readers. Healings have been seen amongst those who come to pray by her tomb.
Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic pilgrimage sites, rising dramatically from the tides of Normandy and dedicated to the Archangel Michael. For centuries, pilgrims have crossed the bay to reach its medieval abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Today, Mont Saint-Michel remains both a living spiritual destination and a powerful symbol of faith, perseverance, and sacred journey.
Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic pilgrimage sites, rising dramatically from the tides of Normandy and dedicated to the Archangel Michael. For centuries, pilgrims have crossed the bay to reach its medieval abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Today, Mont Saint-Michel remains both a living spiritual destination and a powerful symbol of faith, perseverance, and sacred journey.
Pontmain took place an apparition of the Virgin Mary recognized by the church. In 1871, five children contemplate the “beautiful lady” dressed in a blue dress with stars in the sky of Pontmain. The Virgin gave them this message: “But pray, my children. God will answer your prayer very soon. My Son allows himself to be touched”.
Pontmain took place an apparition of the Virgin Mary recognized by the church. In 1871, five children contemplate the “beautiful lady” dressed in a blue dress with stars in the sky of Pontmain. The Virgin gave them this message: “But pray, my children. God will answer your prayer very soon. My Son allows himself to be touched”.
St. John Vianney, also known as the Curé d’Ars, is considered the patron saint of parish priests. His life of devotion and his love for the “Good God” – as he liked to call him- transformed the life of the inhabitants of the village. The priest, who had such trouble learning to read and succeeding at the seminary, eventually had crowds of people came to hear him preach. The village of Ars is to this day highly influenced by this saint.
St. John Vianney, also known as the Curé d’Ars, is considered the patron saint of parish priests. His life of devotion and his love for the “Good God” – as he liked to call him- transformed the life of the inhabitants of the village. The priest, who had such trouble learning to read and succeeding at the seminary, eventually had crowds of people came to hear him preach. The village of Ars is to this day highly influenced by this saint.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette is a major Marian pilgrimage site in the French Alps, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to two shepherd children in 1846. Known for its message of reconciliation and hope, the sanctuary welcomes pilgrims seeking prayer and reflection. Its dramatic mountain setting reinforces La Salette’s role as a place of silence, conversion, and spiritual renewal.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette is a major Marian pilgrimage site in the French Alps, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to two shepherd children in 1846. Known for its message of reconciliation and hope, the sanctuary welcomes pilgrims seeking prayer and reflection. Its dramatic mountain setting reinforces La Salette’s role as a place of silence, conversion, and spiritual renewal.
Walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in June 1944 and discover Utah Beach and Arromanches. You will visit Pointe du Hoc and you’ll be invited to remember and pray at the American Cemetery (Colleville-sur-Mer). Stop at Sainte-Mère-Eglise, where American paratroopers carried out a bold landing.
Walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in June 1944 and discover Utah Beach and Arromanches. You will visit Pointe du Hoc and you’ll be invited to remember and pray at the American Cemetery (Colleville-sur-Mer). Stop at Sainte-Mère-Eglise, where American paratroopers carried out a bold landing.
In 1870, war broke out between France and Germany, and France was invaded. The idea took hold that the ordeals incurred by France were due to its spiritual faults rather than only political ones. This gave birth to the construction of a basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus.
In 1870, war broke out between France and Germany, and France was invaded. The idea took hold that the ordeals incurred by France were due to its spiritual faults rather than only political ones. This gave birth to the construction of a basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus.
Catherine Labouré spoke three times with the Virgin Mary from July to December 1830. The young novice of the daughters of Charity was
awakened in the middle of the night and invited to go to pray in the community’s chapel. The Virgin asked her to offer to the world a medal for which she gave the details. Healings and conversions happened while the epidemic of cholera in 1832.
Catherine Labouré spoke three times with the Virgin Mary from July to December 1830. The young novice of the daughters of Charity was
awakened in the middle of the night and invited to go to pray in the community’s chapel. The Virgin asked her to offer to the world a medal for which she gave the details. Healings and conversions happened while the epidemic of cholera in 1832.
Housing the incorrupt relics of St. Vincent de Paul, the Chapel of Saint Vincent de Paul is a revered pilgrimage site in Paris, a pioneer of organized charity and service to the poor. Located on Rue de Sèvres, the chapel attracts pilgrims inspired by his legacy of compassion and humility. It remains a place of prayer closely associated with works of mercy and Christian service.
Housing the incorrupt relics of St. Vincent de Paul, the Chapel of Saint Vincent de Paul is a revered pilgrimage site in Paris, a pioneer of organized charity and service to the poor. Located on Rue de Sèvres, the chapel attracts pilgrims inspired by his legacy of compassion and humility. It remains a place of prayer closely associated with works of mercy and Christian service.
Itinerary
Departure Washington Dulles Airport to Paris, France
Wednesday, September 23 | Meet at Washington, Dulles.
Meet at Dulles airport: 6:30 PM for distribution of trip envelopes (Luggage Tags, badge, booklet) Father Heisler pilgrimage prayer & blessing prayer.
- Departure 9:20 PM
(Non-Stop) Washington, Dulles to Paris
Air France Flight # 53
Dinner on Flight - Arrival THURSDAY
Paris – Thursday, September 24, 2026 – 11:00 AM
Arrival in Paris / Rouen
Thursday, September 24
Arrive in Paris and meet your JMJ Tours guide. Travel north to Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, famous for its half-timbered houses and Gothic spires. Visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Rouen, immortalized by Monet, and stroll through the old market square where St. Joan of Arc was martyred.
Dinner and overnight in Rouen.
Rouen / Lisieux / Utah Beach / Mont-Saint-Michel
Friday, September 25
We will reach Lisieux by coach (about 61 miles, 1h30) for a pilgrimage at the sanctuary of Lisieux. Visit of the “Buissonnets”, the family home where Saint Thérèse spent her childhood, then discover the Carmelite convent where she remained cloistered until her death.
In the afternoon, we reach Landing Beaches by coach (about 94 miles, 2h15). Walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in June 1944 and discover Utah Beach. You’ll be invited to remember and pray at the American Cemetery (Colleville-sur-Mer).
Dinner and night at your hotel near Le Mont-Saint-Michel.
Mont-Saint-Michel / Pontmain
Saturday, September 26
4h30 away from Paris, you’ll find the Mont-Saint Michel. Stroll through this charming village with stone houses and narrow streets, built on a rock off the coast of Normandy and surrounded by one of the world’s largest bays known for its incoming tide that “comes in with the speed of a galloping horse”. The village and the bay are listed in Unesco’s World Heritage sites.
Visit of the sanctuary of Pontmain where took place an apparition of the Virgin Mary recognized by the Church. The Virgin gave them this message : “But pray, my children. God will answer your prayer very soon. My Son allows himself to be touched”.
Dinner and night at your hotel near le Mont-Saint-Michel.
Mont-Saint-Michel / Paris
Sunday , September 27
Pilgrimage to the chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, a high spiritual Parisian place where several apparitions of the Virgin Mary took place in 1830. These apparitions are recognized by the Church. It is a place of peace and silence in the heart of Paris. One can there invoke the Virgin Mary with this prayer “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee”. It is also the occasion to discover the life of Saint Catherine Labouré to whom the Virgin Mary appeared and to leave with a medal that the daughters of Charity still share with those who they meet.
Just a few blocks away from the chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, discover the chapel of St. Vincent de Paul and the relics of this saint. Through this chapel, pilgrims may pray St. Vincent who was fervent apostle of Charity.
Then we will visit the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, a jewel of gothic art. Discover this unique site which is still a place of rich spirituality with around twenty priests ordained each year.
Dinner and night at your hotel in Paris.
Paris
Monday, September 28
Transfer to Montmartre and take the cable car to discover the basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre and the amazing view you have over Paris from up there.
In 1870, war broke out between France and Germany, and France was invaded. The idea took hold that the ordeals incurred by France were due to its spiritual faults rather than only political ones. This gave birth to the construction of a basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Lunch on your own. Afternoon on your own.
Seine River Cruise dinner.
Paris / Lyon
Tuesday, September 29
TGV Paris / Lyon.
Lunch on your own.
Discovery of Lyon in the afternoon.
Coach transfer to your hotel.
Dinner and night in a 4-star hotel.
Lyon / Ars / La Salette
Wednesday, September 30
In Ars, 1h from Lyon (23 miles), discover the life and influence of the saint Curé d’Ars (patron saint of priests). When he arrived in Ars the priest found himself confronted with rampant poverty, alcohol and futile pleasures. The life of devotion of Saint Curé d’Ars and his love for the “Good God” – as he liked to call him- transformed the life of the inhabitants of the village.
In the afternoon, transfer to La Salette (about 126 miles, 3h15).
Dinner and night at Our Lady of La Salette Sanctuary
La Salette (Day of Prayer & Rest)
Thursday, October 1st
On September 19, 1846 the Virgin Mary appeared to two children, Maximin and Mélanie, who were shepherds living in the area. They did not know their catechism nor did they know how to read or write. The Virgin appeared in tears before confiding in them a message of conversion for all people. Since the time of the apparitions, thousands of people have come. One can better discover the lives led by these children by walking the mountain paths and by visiting the places where they lived. A group of priests, monks and nuns is available throughout the year to receive and help everyone who comes to advance in peace and joy.
Dinner and overnight at the La Salette Sanctuary.
La Salette (Day of Prayer & Rest)
Friday, October 2nd
Enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by the stunning Alpine scenery of La Salette. Participate in optional devotions, the Rosary, or quiet personal reflection.
The serenity of the sanctuary offers time for renewal and thanksgiving.
Dinner and overnight at the La Salette Sanctuary.
Return Home
Saturday, October 3rd
After breakfast, depart for Lyon Airport for your return flight home, carrying the spiritual grace of this beautiful French pilgrimage.
Simple Payment Options
Pay in full
$5249*
Includes a $100 Discount if paid before:
FEBRUARY 27, 2026
After FEBRUARY 27, 2026 ADD $100.
Total $4579
Based on Double Occupancy (2 Per Room)
Payments
Deposit
$950*
Due on or before:
February 27, 2026
| Payment #2: | March 20, 2026 | $1049 |
| Payment #3: | April 20, 2026 | $795 |
| Payment #4: | May 20, 2026 | $785 |
| Payment #5: | June 20, 2026 | $785 |
| Payment #6: | July 20, 2026 | $785 |
Please note. if you register as double occupancy and a roommate is not available 30 days prior to the trip date. You will be required to pay the single supplement.
*After FEBRUARY 27, ADD $100. Total $1050
Deposit (Non-Refundable) is required to hold your reservation. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis.
*Included $100 discount for Early Registration by FEBRUARY 27, 2026.
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