Arrival in Marseille airport. Welcome by your English-speaking Lumen Terra guide-tour leader and transfer to Saint Maximin la Sainte Baume (46 miles). Lunch on your own. Arrival and settle in the Royal Convent **** in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. Evening eucharistic celebration. The royal convent is an ancient convent recently turned into a 4-star hotel that kept the spirit of the monastery with lots of charm and confort. The dining room is in the ancient dining rooms of the monks and the sanctuary is just next door. Dinner at the hotel and night at the Royal Convent **** in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning Prayer time. Transfer to Cassis (42 miles). Discover the calanques of Cassis situated near Marseille. They extend along over 20 kms of the Mediterranean coast. The word "calanque" designates in the local dialect a valley cut by a river that is then flooded by the sea. In Cassis, the rugged landscape of the calanques is of staggering beauty. In these enchanting surroundings one can drink a glass of white wine by the port, discover the coastline by boat or walk the path that goes through Cassis. Here is a fabulous stop to marvel before the beauty of the creation ! Discover the coast by boat. Transfer to Cotignac (62 miles). Possibility of having lunch with the community. Visit of the sanctuary Notre-Dame de Graces in Cotignac, between Cannes and Marseille. A typical village of the Provence region, Cotignac is marked by the apparitions of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus as well as by that of Saint Joseph. These apparitions make this small village the only one in the world where the entire Holy Family has appeared ! Pilgrims today can visit the sanctuary, speak and pray with the community of Saint Jean, a dynamic renewal community of apostolic brothers and sisters. Meeting with a brother of the Saint Jean community. The sanctuary was born at the time of the apparition of the Virgin on August 10, 1519. As he had done each day, Jean de la Baume, shepherd in the region, began his day with prayer. On this day the Virgin told him to build a Church at this precise spot so that pilgrims might come in procession to receive the grace and gifts that she wanted to grant them. Over the years the Chapel became a sanctuary. It is in the 17th century that the most important miracle happened for the French. It was after years of sterility that the royal couple, Anne of Austria and Louis XIII, went on pilgrimage to Cotignac and thanks to their faith, Louis XIV was born. To give thanks and praise king Louis XIII consecrated France to the Virgin Mary. King Louis XIV came in 1660 to thank the Virgin Mary for his life. Transfer to Le Thoronet (12 miles). Midway between Marseille and Nice, discover the very beautiful abbey of Thoronet nested in the green hills of the back country of Provence. Its very simplistic architecture and its light make it one of the most remarkable example of cistercian architecture in France. As a result, the site is listed as a national historical monument. No monks live in the abbey ever since 1971 and the French Revolution. The abbey has however gained back a spiritual dimension thanks to monsignor Rey, bishop of Frejus-Toulon. Following his directions, a mass with gregorian chants is now celebrated there every sunday. Next door to the abbey, you can also discover the monastery of the Torrent de Vie. There, the young community of contemplative and eremetic sisters of the monastic family of Bethlehem and of the Assumption of the Virgin welcomes you. They are a testimony of the renewal of Faith in France. Meeting with Bishop Dominique Rey, bishop of Frejus-Toulon. He is totally implicated in the new evangelization. Eucharistic celebration in the monastery with the Sisters of Bethleem. They have a monastery in the New York State. Transfer to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume (25 miles). Evening Prayer time. Dinner at the hotel. Private concert in the Basilica (you just need to cross the hotel and walk in the Basilica which is right next door) with Jubilate Toulon choir (gregorian chant). Night at the Royal Convent **** in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.

Today you will live a special day of desert in the wonderful abbey of Lerins. Breakfast at the hotel. Morning Prayer time. Transfer to Cannes (50 miles). Boat ride Cannes / Ile de Lerins. 11:25 am Eucharistic celebration in the abbey. Wine tasting. Lunch at the abbey (pending). Discovery of the Cistercian abbey of Lerins (abbey, fortified tower) on the island of Saint Honorat just in front of Cannes on the Cote d'Azur. It's in this magnificent landscape that the brothers invite you to share in the silence that favors the climate of prayer and contemplation. Their relationship with the world is illustrated by the Abbey's position on the island of Saint-Honorat, near the coast but separated by the sea: to be "in the world" without being "of the world". The brothers live by the rule of Saint Benedict which combines prayer and work. The abbey is particularly known for its production of good wines and liquors. In the 5th century, Saint Honorat was drawn by the monastic ideal and founded the community on the island of Lerina which today has taken the name of the saint. This monastery would rapidly become one of the greatest centers of western monastic tradition in its early years and was responsible for many foundations. The abbey helped Saint Maxim to grow spiritually as well as other bishops in France (the saint founder too, who went on to become bishop of Arles). The bishops of this Abbey participated in the conversion to Christianity of Provence and several well-known saints spent time at the Abbey of Lerins learning about monastic life. Saint Patrick spent time here before going to evangelize Ireland. Meeting with a brother of the religious community to have time for a lectio divina. Boat ride Ile de Lerins / Cannes. Transfer to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume (70 miles). Evening Prayer time. Dinner and night at the Royal Convent **** in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning Prayer time. Transfer to Gordes (72 miles). 10:00 am - Eucharistic celebration. The abbey of Senanque is located in the heart of Provence in a natural setting of lavender and of extraordinary beauty. One of the purest examples of early cistercian architecture, the abbey is still in use by the community of cistercian monks living there today. One can discover the 12th century abbey through a guided visit of the dormitory, the abbey Church, the cloister, the heating room and the chapter room. As the monks say, "it is the testimony of men brought together by the call of Christ to follow him more closely that gives meaning to the religious edifice". The cistercians organize their day around three pillars: the liturgical divine offices, lectio divina and work. The offices allow the praise and thanksgiving of God together throughout the day, the preference of God over all other activities, and the realization that even during work that the monks are to be turned toward God. Living according to the rule of Saint Benedict which indicates "they are truly monks if they live by the work of their hands", the brothers of Senanque are full of ideas: honey, essential oils, jams, beauty products and numerous products derived from lavender are sold at the abbey's store. Lunch on your own in the wonderful village of Gordes (classified as "one of the most beautiful villages in France"). Transfer to Avignon (24 miles). Visit of the famous papal palace, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site. Avignon became the seat of the papacy between 1309 and 1423 with the popes in Avignon before they returned to Rome. The construction of the palace began in 1335. It is the largest gothic construction of the middle ages. Two popes were responsible for directing the construction and they gave the palace its aspect of a Christian fortress: ramparts, keep, moats, a magnificent Chapel... Six conclaves were held here and ended in the election of : Benedict XII, Clement VI, Innocent VI, Urban V, Gregory XI and Benedict XIII. The Papacy returned to Rome for political reasons and following the improvement of the relations between catholics and orthodox. Today, the papal palace is open to all. It is also known for its famous festival d'Avignon, one of the most important international festivals of contemporary entertainment. - Evening Prayer time. Dinner and night in a 4-star hotel. Thursday, June 20th 2019 : AVIGNON / CARCASSONNE / LOURDES Breakfast at the hotel. - Morning Prayer time. - Eucharistic celebration. Transfer to Carcassonne (148 miles). Discover the fortified city of Carcassonne, exceptionally well-preserved and of a rare beauty. Its visit will give you an idea of what it would have been like to live in the Middle Ages. Situated in the south of France, not far of the mediterranean sea and the pyrenees mountains, Carcassonne is known worldwide and is listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site. A nice walk will take you through small paved streets, from the chateau to the ramparts (view from the outside), passing by the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire and the ancient houses. This rocky peak has been inhabited since the 4th century BCE and the town has been protected by ramparts since the 3rd century. First a Gallic city and then a Roman one, it became in the 13th century the impregnable fortress that it is today. This master-piece of military architecture is both remarkable and well-preserved. The town is particularly beautiful in the annual fireworks during which the talented pyrotechnicians of France offer this sound and light show. Lunch on your own. Transfer to Lourdes (163 miles). Evening Prayer time. Dinner and night in a 4-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning Prayer time. Eucharistic celebration. Transfer to Carcassonne (148 miles). Discover the fortified city of Carcassonne, exceptionally well-preserved and of a rare beauty. Its visit will give you an idea of what it would have been like to live in the Middle Ages. Situated in the south of France, not far of the mediterranean sea and the pyrenees mountains, Carcassonne is known worldwide and is listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site. A nice walk will take you through small paved streets, from the chateau to the ramparts (view from the outside), passing by the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire and the ancient houses. This rocky peak has been inhabited since the 4th century BCE and the town has been protected by ramparts since the 3rd century. First a Gallic city and then a Roman one, it became in the 13th century the impregnable fortress that it is today. This master-piece of military architecture is both remarkable and well-preserved. The town is particularly beautiful in the annual fireworks during which the talented pyrotechnicians of France offer this sound and light show. Lunch on your own. Transfer to Lourdes (163 miles). Evening Prayer time. Dinner and night in a 4-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning Prayer time in a Chapel of the sanctuary. Day of pilgrimage at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, doorway to the Pyrenees mountain chain. Known throughout the world, it is here that the Virgin Mary appeared to the uneducated shepherdess as the Immaculate Conception. Today the Grotto where there were the apparitions is a place of prayer for all the pilgrims who flock here, many on pilgrimages for the sick. Each person can take some water from Lourdes for himself or for a friend. You can walk in the footsteps of Bernadette and visit the places where she lived : the Boly mill where she grew up and the cachot where her family had to move later on. The sanctuary also offers the possibility to deepen one's relationship with the Virgin Mary. The welcoming of the sick is particularly well organized and physical healings continue to happen. The museum of the miraculously healed and the examining office, in the confines of the sanctuary, are there to attest to the authenticity. Possibility to participate in a time of prayer at the Grotto of the apparitions, walk the way of the cross, go to the baths, see a movie about the story of Saint Bernadette, go to confession. Everything began with a young girl, Bernadette, who was born in 1844. In spite of a very difficult life, she received a special grace. After her father, a miller, was ruined, Bernadette lived in a former prison room with her parents, her sister and her three brothers. One day she said "it is because I was the poorest and the most ignorant that the Holy Virgin chose me". It was on February 11, 1858, and for several times after that, that the Virgin appeared to her and revealed messages to her. The young girl, on the Virgin's indications, found a spring from which the water allowed healings. She later entered into religious life in Nevers. Lourdes is today the third most visited pilgrimage site in the world and the second most visited town in France after Paris. ? Eucharistic celebration. Lunch on your own and free time in the afternoon. ? Evening Prayer time in a Chapel of the sanctuary. Dinner and night in a 4-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. ? Morning Prayer time. Transfer to Saintes (226 miles). ? Eucharistic celebration. Lunch at restaurant. Visit of the Roman amphitheatre and the Saint Eutrope Basilica (UNESCO site). Transfer to Nantes (148 miles). ? Evening Prayer time. Dinner and overnight in a 4-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Le Mont-Saint-Michel (117 miles). ? Morning Prayer time. Visit the abbey of 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 abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. In the year 709, after the first apparitions of the archangel Michael, a first Chapel is built on the mount and dedicated to the archangel Michael. Nearly 300 years later, the benedictine monks established their community. They reorganized the existing buildings so as to make it into a monastery and to welcome pilgrims. The pilgrimage to Mont-Saint-Michel then became one of the most famous in the Christian world. Transformed into a prison at the French Revolution, the abbey was then restored and was listed as a national historical monument before a religious community was again established. Today, it is the monastic fraternity of Jerusalem that lives here, a renewal community that has as vocation to be an oasis of prayer in the heart of towns. Their liturgy is sung in two parts (men and women) and goes perfectly with the beauty of the Church. Among the pilgrims who come today are those who wish to follow in the footsteps of those of the middle ages by crossing the bay on foot. N.B. : The visit begins with the bus drop-off in the parking lot that is situated at a distance of 2,5 kms. Then you walk to the free shuttle-bus stop that takes you to within 250 m of the entrance to the medieval citadel. From there it is an easy walk through the village by the paved main street for about 200 m. Then from the parish Church begins the "Grand Degre", about 350-step climb up to the abbey. There is no elevator but you have the possibility to enjoy the view from the village and to walk in the charming streets. ? Eucharistic celebration. Lunch on your own. Transfer to Le Tronchet (26 miles). ? Evening Prayer time. Dinner and night in a 4-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. ? Morning Prayer time. Transfer to Omaha Beach (100 miles). On June 6, 1944 tens of thousands of American, English, Canadian, Scots and French soldiers landed on the beaches of the Normandy coast to free France from the Nazi stronghold. Thousands of young soldiers died that first day in the name of liberty, the value that makes the greatness of mankind. The coast of Normandy still has the indelible scars of that event. Walk on the beach. Lunch on your own. Transfer to Coleville-sur-Mer (3 miles). Discover the American Cemetery, where these young soldiers are buried. Prayer time in the Chapel of the American Cemetery (please note only 25 people can seat). Transfer to Lisieux (71 miles). Pilgrimage at the sanctuary of Lisieux 2h from Paris. Discover the Basilica and watch a movie about the life of Saint Therese, doctor of the Church and called "the little Therese" by the pilgrims who appreciate her for her gospel simplicity. Visit of the "Buissonnets", the family home where Saint Therese spent her childhood, then discover the Carmelite convent where she remained cloistered until her death. Have a time of prayer by her relics at her Shrine. Then discover the Carmelite convent where she remained cloistered until her death. ? Guided Eucharistic Adoration in the carmel. ? Eucharistic celebration. Born in Alencon, Therese spent more than 10 years in Lisieux in the house called "les Buissonnets". At the age of 15, she told her father of her desire to become a Carmelite nun. She went all the way to Rome with him to make the request directly to Pope Leo XIII and became a Carmelite two years later. It is at the request of the prioress that she began to write "History of a Soul" telling her history before her "entry into life" at the age of 24. Therese 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. A huge Basilica has then been constructed to welcome the crowds coming from the four corners of the world after discovering her "small way" to holiness. Pope John Paul II came to pray here during his trip in France in 1980. Today, pilgrims can come to pray for the intercession of this saint who promised to spend her time in heaven doing good on earth. Discovery of the Saint Peter Cathedral where the Martin family went regularly to mass. Transfer to your hotel in Pont-Audemer (22 miles). ? Evening Prayer time. Dinner and night in a 4-star hotel in Pont-Audemer.

Breakfast at the hotel. ? Morning Prayer time. Transfer to Paris (101 miles). 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 Laboure to whom the Virgin Mary appeared and to leave with a medal that the daughters of Charity still share with those who they meet. Each pilgrim can come to pray in the same spot of the apparitions or in front of the Saint's reliquary. After several apparitions of both Saint Vincent de Paul and of Christ, Catherine Laboure had the joy of speaking 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. It was here that the Virgin appeared for the first time. The Virgin asked her to offer to the world a medal for which she gave the details. This object, simple but full of symbolism, profoundly marked the Parisian spirit when the city was hit with a terrible epidemic of cholera in 1832. The daughters of Charity distributed the first medals. Healings and conversions increased more and more. The nuns had then to cope with many requests and it was a true tsunami. Parisians called the medal "miraculous", the name it still holds today. Just a few blocks away from the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, discover the Chapel of Saint Vincent de Paul and the relics of this saint. Through this Chapel, pilgrims may pray Saint Vincent who was fervent apostle of Charity. Saint Vincent de Paul was born in 1581 and kept throughout his life the concern for the very poor. Ordained a priest in 1600, he brought together several years later some well-to-do ladies to take care of the penniless and the sick. He also helped slaves and peasants. He was the founder and superior of the community of Lazarists, a group of priests whose apostolic mission is in rural areas. He also founded the community of the daughters of Charity as well as a Mission seminary from which left many priests for Madagascar. He led many projects for the poor in Paris, up until his death in 1660. He was proclaimed a saint on June 16, 1737 by Pope Clement XII. ? Meeting with Fleur Nabert, Christian artist (exact place to be determined). Lunch with Pierre-Marie Dumont (founder of Magnificat) in a private area of the restaurant of La Madeleine Church. ? Concert in La Madeleine Church (exact Church to be confirmed). 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. This project was seen as atonement and also as the force of hope and spiritual renewal. Parisian and French Christians pledge to maintain there a permanent 24/7 prayer in exchange for the protection of Paris. In 1872, the archbishop of Paris approved the project and chose the hill of Montmartre for the site. The financing of the edifice was through individual gifts (often modest ones) from people all over France. Their names are engraved in the stone of the Basilica. For over a century, Parisians and pilgrims from all over the world relay to maintain the permanent prayer. Montmartre is a hill overlooking Paris north of the river Seine. It's a lively neighbourhood well known for its ideal location, the romantic charm of its small streets and for the many artists who decided to live here at the end of the 19th century. Its name comes from Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris, who died as a martyr on the 3rd century. Tradition holds that he and his companions died here giving it its name, that is of Montmartre, "the mount of martyrs". ? Eucharistic celebration. Dinner at La Bonne Franquette, typical French Brasserie of Montmartre. ? Evening Prayer time. Night in a 4-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. ? Morning Prayer time. On the Ile de la Cite, in the historic heart of Paris, visit of the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris, a jewel of gothic art. Discover this unique site which is still a place of rich spirituality with around twenty priests ordained each year. It is also possible to venerate here the Crown of Thorns on the first Friday of each month. The project to build this splendid Cathedral began in 1160 when the bishop of Paris wanted for his diocese a new Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The first stone was laid in 1163 in the presence of Pope Alexander III. The edifice met perfectly the expectations of the bishop as it is an architectural jewel and its rose windows are spectacular and huge. It became the symbol of Paris and of Christian France. In the 17th century, after 23 years of marriage and no children, King Louis XIII consecrated France to the Virgin Mary in thanks for the birth of his son, the famous Louis XIV. ? Possibility of discovering the towers of the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris. Visit the Sainte Chapelle (Holy Chapel), a real treasure hidden on the island of the Ile de la Cite in the centre of Paris. It has been built as a royal ecrin to receive the holy relics of the Crown of Thorns acquired by French king Louis IX. Discover the lower part with its openwork design and its bright colours and the upper part flooded with light with huge stained glass windows. This Chapel is an architectural feat with nothing to compare it to in the world. The relics have been transferred in the Cathedral of Notre Dame located just a few meters away. The Sainte Chapelle (Holy Chapel) is a real treasure hidden on the island of the Ile de la Cite in the centre of Paris. It has been built as a royal ecrin to receive the holy relics of the Crown of Thorns acquired by French king Louis IX. Discover the lower part with its openwork design and its bright colours and the upper part flooded with light with huge stained glass windows. This Chapel is an architectural feat with nothing to compare it to in the world. The relics have been transferred in the Cathedral of Notre Dame located just a few meters away. In the beginning of the 13th century during the Crusades, the emperor Beaudouin II de Courtenay had such a huge need for money that he was willing to sell the most important relic that he had : the Crown of Thorns. He met with king Louis IX and after two years of discussions to confirm the authenticity of the relics, the holy Crown arrived in France in 1239. Two years after that, the king of France acquired other relics of the Passion of which there is a part of the holy Cross. Louis IX decided to build a monument worthy to house the relics : the Sainte Chapelle, built in the centre of the royal palace on the Ile de la Cite. This master-piece was built in 5 years. Lunch on your own. Cultural and spiritual guided visit of the famous Louvre museum, one of the largest and most important in the world ! It is an unavoidable place of culture in France. The collections are exceptional and visitors come from around the world to discover its treasures. The eight galleries (Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities, islamic art, sculptures, art objects, paintings and graphic arts) allow for but a fraction of the rich collection to be exhibited. Among the most celebrated art to be exhibited are the Mona Lisa by Leonardo de Vinci and the Venus de Milo. ? You will specifically discover paintings such as "The Wedding Feast at Cana" from Veronese and "La Pieta de Villeneuve-les-Avignon" from Quarton. Located in centre Paris, the Louvre was once a palace constructed by Philippe Augustus in 1190. Throughout the centuries, kings have transformed the edifice, each one leaving his personal touch by adding on a wing or even changing the general architectural style. This was a royal residence of the kings of France until the King Louis XV. In 1791, just after the French Revolution, the Louvre was decreed "a union of all the monuments of sciences and arts". It opened to the public on August 10, 1793. One enters through the 20 m high glass pyramid, built at the request of the president Francois Mitterrand. External discovery of the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris with its silhouette immediately recognizable. With more than 6 million visitors each year, it is the most visited monument in France after the Cathedral Notre-Dame. Built in only two years for the 1889 World Fair, it was first called the "300 meter tower" but then took the name of its creator Gustave Eiffel. The tower was supposed to be torn down once the World Fair was over but was happily spared as it showed itself to be useful for scientific research (weather station/telephone/radio). --> Farewell dinner in Brasserie Mollard. ? Evening Prayer time. Night in a 4-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. ? Eucharistic celebration. ? Morning Prayer time. Transfer to the airport. Lunch on your own. End of our services NB : The program might be modified depending of technical problems or unexpected events. All visits will be honored.