Daily itinerary
Day 1 – Evening flight departure from Detroit to Nantes, France (via Paris).
Day 2 – Morning arrival in Nantes. Transfer to historic Vannes, on the south coast of Brittany, with intact 3rd-century ramparts, cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a gothic cathedral (containing the reliquary of the Dominican preacher, St. Vincent Ferrer). Late afternoon transfer to Hotel Abreuvoir in Héric, in the heart of the countryside (3 nights).
Day 3 – A day for St. Louis Marie de Montfort and the Vendéan martyrs he inspired. Feel the presence of the great Breton missionary and Marian author as we visit St. Laurent-sur-Sèvre, where he died on April 28, 1716. The basilica named after him houses his tomb and that of Blessed Marie Louise Trichet, who co-founded the Sisters of Wisdom with him. Also, visit the Vendée Memorial of Les-Lucs-sur-Bologne, honoring the more than 300,000 men, women, and children who gave their lives in this region during the French Revolution (1793- 1796) for the defense of their priests and the right of freedom to believe in the Holy Mass.
Day 4 – A day for the Grand Parc Puy- de-Fou, established in the late 1980s by the young French author Philippe De Villiers, who, upon discovering the ruins of a Renaissance castle in Les Epesses, named Le-Puy-du-Fou, wrote a novel and later choreograph-ed a dramatic play about the life of the family who owned the castle, spanning from the 14th-century to WWII. One of its members was a heroic general in the Vendéan Uprising. Held on the grounds of the castle ruins, the play was so wildly successful that it became the catalyst for this theme park, which today hosts 26 historical shows daily and is rated the 4th most popular theme park in the world. In 2017, Cardinal Robert Sarah offered a Mass here for the organization that works to ensure the historical accuracy of the shows. In a stirring sermon, he encouraged them, saying –Through your work, the castle of Puy-du-Fou rises like a cry towards Heaven, reminding the world that, in the face of hatred of faith, a people has risen: the people of Vendée!
Day 5 – Morning departure north for Normandy, with our first stop at the Benedictine Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. This 8th-century Wonder of the Western World, with its rich history, is spectacularly located just off the English Channel, surrounded by a bay with some of Europe’s largest tidal ranges. Even more wondrous is that it was built and consecrated by the 8th-century Bishop Aubert at the request of the Archangel Michael, who came to him three times in a dream. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims from all over the world come here to honor the great archangel. Continue on our journey northeast to Lisieux, the delightful town of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, the “Little Flower”. Upon arrival, walk in her footsteps to visit Les Buisonettes (her family home), St. Peter’s (parish church), the Carmel she entered in 1888 (see her tomb and those of her saintly parents), and the grand basilica named for her—Check-in at Hotel Ibis Styles.
Day 6 – Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is our next destination to honor St. Joan of Arc, the maid of Orleans. Upon arrival, visit one of the most famous gothic cathedrals in the world as well as the Jean D’Arc Memorial, where one is taken back to 15th-century France when the young dauphin was robbed of his throne – the same dauphin that 19-year-old Joan helped restore to his throne, only to end up being burnt at stake here in 1431. Next, drive to medieval Chartres Cathedral, another gothic masterpiece that houses a relic of a veil said to have been worn by Our Lady—early evening arrival at our guesthouse in Ver-sur-Launette.
Day 7 and 8 – These next two days, we will celebrate Canon Commins 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Orders with Holy Mass at the historic St. Louis Church in Port-Marly, dedicated to the 13th-century king of France and now served by the Institute of Christ the King. Reception in Chaville. Enjoy a visit to the Palace & Gardens in Versailles.
Day 9 – A day in unforgettable Paris to visit majestic Sacre Coeur, Rue du Bac (Miraculous Medal apparition to St. Catherine Laboure), and more!
Day 10 – Morning visit to St. Denis (first bishop of Paris) Basilica before our non-stop flight home to Detroit.
Description
Canon Jean-Baptiste Commins, ICKSP, invites members of St. Joseph’s Shrine in Detroit on a pilgrimage to France to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Ordination to Holy Orders. From Brittany, Vendée & Normandy to Paris & Versailles, take in sites of saints and martyrs! Visit the world-famous Grand Park Puy du Fou, where day after day, the story of the Vendéan people, who died for the freedom to believe in and for their priests to offer the Holy Mass, is re-told, in show after show, for over thirty years! Best of all, pray the Mass of the Ages and be treated to petits motets in glorious gothic cathedrals and churches all along the way.
Terms and Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
PAYMENT: A deposit is required to hold a reservation. The tour cost is based on payment by personal check or bank transfer. There is a 3.5% surcharge for credit card use.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If a written cancellation notice is received beyond 95 days before departure, a full refund less $500 applies. If the notice is received within 95 days of departure, $500 plus any amount retained by the airline, hotels & bus companies will be non-refundable.
ITINERARIES: Itineraries are prepared in advance and are subject to change without notice.
BAGGAGE: Baggage allowances vary according to the airline/destination. Typically, one suitcase (a maximum of 50 pounds) is permitted to check on the plane (unless otherwise specified).
DOCUMENTATION: All passengers must have a government-issued passport to travel to France. Check with the US State Department for the latest health requirements for international travel, as they are subject to change.
ROOM OCCUPANCY: Tour costs are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are limited and cost extra. A roommate cannot be guaranteed, but we will connect you with one if available.
TRAVELERS INSURANCE: Travelers Insurance is highly recommended. We do not accept responsibility for loss or damage to property due to handling and/or accidents.
MEALS: The meals are mostly pre-arranged. If needed, we will do what we can to assist you on a case-by-case basis, with no guarantees.
AIR CARRIER RESPONSIBILITY: The airlines cannot be held responsible for any act, omission, or event when passengers are not on board their aircraft. As international carriers, the airlines are subject to international conventions limiting their liability; the limitations of liability stated on the passenger’s airline e-ticket confirmation shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the passenger under the conditions stated on the ticket. The airlines are not responsible for any negligent acts and/or omissions of independent contractors, their employees, agents, or representatives. Tour participants fly jet service in economy class.
RESPONSIBILITY: St. Olav Enterprises, LLC (doing business as Sacred Heart Tours) acts only as an agent for the airlines, hotels, and bus companies or owners or contractors providing accommodations, transportation, or other services, and all Coupons, Exchange Orders, Receipts, Tickets and Contracts issued by the company are issued subject to any and all tariffs, terms and conditions under which any accommodations, transportation or any other services whatsoever are provided by such airlines, hotels or bus companies or owners or contractors, and by the acceptance of such coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets, the tour member agrees to the following and also agrees that neither Sacred Heart Tours nor any of its affiliates or subsidiary companies shall be or become liable or responsible for any loss, injury or damage to any property, person or otherwise in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services resulting, directly or indirectly, from acts of God, dangers incident to the sea, fire, breakdown, in machinery or equipment, acts of governments, or other authorities, dejure or de facto, wars (declared or undeclared), hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, cancellations or delays, of or changes in itinerary or schedule, or from any causes beyond the control of Sacred Heart Tours or for any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient documents, and that neither Sacred Heart Tours nor any of its affiliates or subsidiary companies shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expense or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of any of the foregoing causes. If illness or other imperative reasons compel a member to withdraw after a tour begins, there would be little or no refund, as most services are prepaid. There is no refund for missing sightseeing or meals. Sacred Heart Tours reserves the right to require any individual to withdraw from a tour if their conduct is deemed by them to be detrimental to or incompatible with the tour’s interest, harmony, comfort, and welfare. The airlines, bus companies, or any transportation company whose service is employed on the tour will not be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during which passengers are not on board their conveyance. When issued, the passage contract in use by these companies shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the tour purchaser.
