A Sacred Journey toFrance
A Mother & Daughter Pilgrimage
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.”— Psalm 84:5
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Sacred Journey
There are trips, and then there are pilgrimages. This is something altogether different — a ten-day immersion into the sacred heart of Catholic France, designed to deepen your relationship with the Lord and draw you closer to the daughter or mother walking beside you.
From the soaring stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle to the quiet cloisters of Mont-Saint-Michel, from the rolling fields of Brittany to the rose-scented air of Lisieux — every step of this journey is an invitation to encounter Christ in the beauty He has written across the landscape of France.
Hear from Chantal
Chantal Howard of Catholic Finishing School shares the spiritual vision and her heart behind this pilgrimage.
The Itinerary
Ten days of sacred sites, daily Mass, and holy encounters across the most beloved landscapes of Catholic France.
Day 1 · Sept. 25
Departure to France
We depart for France, carrying our intentions and prayers across the Atlantic, hearts already turned toward the sacred.
Day 2 · Sept. 26
Paris — City of Light & Grace
Arrive in Paris. Visit the luminous Sainte-Chapelle and Sacré-Cœur atop Montmartre. A Holy Hour, Mass at Saint-Pierre, and the quiet charm of Montmartre’s winding streets.
Day 3 · Sept. 27
Paris · Chartres · Brittany
Morning Mass at Rue du Bac, followed by the magnificent Cathedral of Chartres. Transfer to Brittany; overnight in Pontorson.
Day 4 · Sept. 28
Saint-Anne-d’Auray & Josselin
A solemn Mass and a deeply moving mother-daughter consecration ceremony at Saint-Anne-d’Auray. Afternoon in the medieval village of Josselin — coffee, cobblestones, and quiet joy.
Day 5 · Sept. 29
Pontmain & Mont-Saint-Michel
On the Feast of the Archangels, visit Pontmain — site of a beloved Marian apparition — then walk in pilgrimage to the breathtaking Mont-Saint-Michel. Feast Day Mass, guided tour, and an evening vigil.
Day 6 · Sept. 30
Mont-Saint-Michel · Tilly · Lisieux
Morning prayer at Mont-Saint-Michel before a walking tour and Mass in Tilly-sur-Seulles. Transfer to Lisieux for a gentle evening of rest and reflection.
Day 7 · Oct. 1
Lisieux — Feast of St. Thérèse
The Feast of the Little Flower! The Grand Basilica, the Carmel of Lisieux, and Les Buissonnets — her beloved childhood home. Feast Day Mass, reflection, and journaling.
Day 8 · Oct. 2
Lisieux · Étretat · Rouen
Visit the cathedral where young Thérèse attended Mass, then a scenic stop along the dramatic chalk cliffs of Étretat. Arrive in Rouen for the evening.
Day 9 · Oct. 3
Rouen & Paris — La Grande Finale
A morning tour of Rouen, city of Joan of Arc, then Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Joan of Arc Memorial, and a farewell dinner cruise along the luminous Seine.
Day 10 · Oct. 4
Departure Home
We return home — changed, deepened, and carrying within us the graces of France. The pilgrimage ends, but the interior journey continues.
A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim
Each day is woven together with prayer, sacred beauty, and time to simply be present to God and to each other.
- MorningMorning Prayer & Daily Mass
Each day begins at the altar. Fr. Antoine Thomas leads the group in the sacred liturgy, grounding every adventure in the Eucharist.
- DaytimeGuided Pilgrimage at Sacred Sites
Professional guides bring history, art, and faith to life as we walk through cathedrals, shrines, and the storied countryside of France.
- MiddayMeals & Leisure Time
Linger over French lunches, browse charming village shops, or simply sit in a garden and breathe. These unhurried hours are part of the pilgrimage too.
- AfternoonSpiritual Conferences & Reflection
Fr. Antoine Thomas offers spiritual conferences drawing on the contemplative charism of the Community of St. John, with time for personal prayer and journaling.
- EveningDinner & Holy Hour
Evenings gather the group around the table — and sometimes around the Blessed Sacrament — for conversation, laughter, and the deep rest that only grace provides.
Everything You Need to Simply Show Up
Your pilgrimage package is thoughtfully designed so that all you need to do is arrive with an open heart.
Your Guides
Two women who love France, love the faith, and love accompanying other women into deeper encounter with Christ.
Catholic Mom Calm
Sterling Jaquith
Sterling Jaquith is a Catholic homeschooling mom of six and the founder of Catholic Mom Calm. She has spent ten years teaching women that motherhood isn't the obstacle to a holy life — it is the holy life. She lives in north Idaho with her husband Michael and their six kids. She loves learning about how the brain works and reading about the lives of the saints.
Catholic Finishing School
Chantal Howard
Chantal Howard is the founder of Catholic Finishing School, wife, and mother of seven. Formed by a personal encounter with St. John Paul II, study at the Angelicum in Rome, and her own discernment of religious life in France at sixteen, she has spent more than fifteen years accompanying young women into the beauty of Catholic womanhood. France, in many ways, is where her own becoming began!
Spiritual Companion
Vickie Leigh Smith
Vickie Leigh Smith is a wife, mother of five — four on earth and one in heaven — and an inspirational Catholic speaker and teacher. A convert who was led into the Catholic Church by the voice of the Blessed Mother, she counts Padre Pio as her spiritual father and hosts the Upper Room, a prayer ministry rooted in listening for the Holy Spirit. She joins this pilgrimage to walk with mothers and daughters in prayer — and to bear witness to what Jesus and Mary have done in her own life.
Spiritual Director
Fr. Antoine Thomas
A native Frenchman and member of the Community of St. John, Fr. Antoine Thomas brings the contemplative spirit of his order to every liturgy and conference. He will lead the group in daily Mass, offer spiritual direction, and illuminate the sacred landscapes of his homeland with the eyes of faith.
Questions & Answers
Who is this pilgrimage for?
This pilgrimage is designed for mothers and daughters traveling together. It is recommended for daughters aged 14 and older. It is equally beautiful for women at any stage of life — whether in active discernment, raising a family, or entering a new season.
Does the price include flights?
The $4,399 per person price is a Land Only Package. You will arrange your own international flights to and from France. We are happy to provide guidance on recommended arrival airports and logistics.
What is the daily spiritual structure?
Each day begins with Morning Prayer and daily Mass celebrated by Fr. Antoine Thomas. Afternoons include spiritual conferences, time for personal prayer, and quiet reflection. Evenings gather the group for dinner and, on select nights, a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament.
Who handles the logistics and tour coordination?
All pilgrimage logistics are managed by Nativity Pilgrimage, a professional Catholic pilgrimage company with extensive experience leading groups through France and Europe.
Is there free time built into the trip?
Yes — intentionally so. A pilgrimage is not a race. There is time built in to wander cobblestone streets, sit in a French café, journal in a cathedral pew, and simply breathe. These unscheduled moments are often the ones where God speaks most clearly.
What if I have more questions?
We would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you promptly.
Come Walk With Us
France is waiting. The sacred sites of the Church are waiting. And perhaps — most importantly — the woman sitting beside you on this journey is waiting, too.
This is your invitation to go deeper, together.
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