top of page

France

Overview (for pilgrims)

France is home to some of the most famous Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.
Lourdes – the Marian shrine where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. Millions visit each year for prayer, healing, and the baths.
Lisieux – shrine of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (“the Little Flower”), including her basilica and Carmel convent.
Paris – Notre-Dame Cathedral (under restoration), Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and many historic churches.
Nevers – resting place of St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body.
Ars-sur-Formans – shrine of St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests.
Chartres Cathedral – a UNESCO site with centuries of Marian devotion.

  • Overview (for pilgrims)

  • Documents & Entry

  • Money & Payments

  • Electricity & Emergency Numbers

  • What to Pack (Pilgrim-Focused)

  • Language

  • Weather

  • Religious Events & Dress Code

  • Transportation

  • Food, Water & Tipping

  • Etiquette in Holy Places

  • FAQs

Documents & Entry

  • U.S. citizens: Visa-free for up to 90 days in the Schengen Area (including France). Passport should be valid for the duration of stay (recommended: 6 months).

  • EU/EEA citizens: May enter with national ID or passport.

  • UK/other nationals: Follow Schengen rules for your nationality.


Money & Payments

  • Currency: Euro (€).

  • Credit/debit cards widely accepted; carry cash for small shops or rural areas.


Electricity & Emergency Numbers

  • Electricity: 230V/50Hz, plugs Type C and E. Travelers from the U.S. need an adapter.

  • Emergency number: 112 (EU-wide).


What to Pack (Pilgrim-Focused)

  • Comfortable walking shoes (for shrine grounds, processions, cobblestone streets).

  • Modest clothing for Masses and holy sites (shoulders/knees covered).

  • Rosary, prayer book.

  • Light rain jacket/umbrella (weather in Lourdes and Lisieux can be wet).

  • Daypack and reusable water bottle.

  • Plug adapter and portable charger.


Language

  • Official language: French.

  • English is spoken in pilgrimage centers (Lourdes, Lisieux, Paris), less so in rural areas.


Weather (Quick Guide)

  • Spring (Mar–May): Mild, 10–20°C (50–68°F), possible rain.

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm, 20–30°C (68–86°F), busiest pilgrimage season.

  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cooler, 10–18°C (50–65°F), fewer crowds.

  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, 0–8°C (32–46°F), especially in northern/central France.

Religious Events & Dress Code

  • Lourdes: Daily Masses, candlelight rosary processions and Eucharistic processions.

  • Lisieux: Pilgrimages around the feast of St. Thérèse (Oct 1).

  • Paris: Major liturgies at Sacré-Cœur and historic churches.

  • Dress code: Modest clothing required in all shrines and churches; shoulders and knees covered.


Transportation

  • France has excellent high-speed trains (TGV) connecting Paris with Lourdes, Lisieux, and other cities.

  • Local buses and taxis available at pilgrimage towns.

  • Pilgrimage groups often use private coaches.


Food, Water & Tipping

  • Tap water is safe to drink.

  • French cuisine: baguettes, cheese, pastries, wine (with meals).

  • Tipping: not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is customary.


Etiquette in Holy Places

  • Maintain silence and prayerful atmosphere in sanctuaries.

  • Photography often allowed outdoors, but not during liturgies.

  • Respect processions and pilgrims seeking prayer.


FAQs

Do I need a visa?

  • U.S., EU, UK citizens: No visa required for up to 90 days.

What are the main pilgrimage sites?

  • Lourdes, Lisieux, Nevers, Ars, Chartres, Paris.

Is France safe for pilgrims?

  • Yes, but use normal city awareness in Paris (pickpockets in crowded places). Lourdes and other shrines are safe and welcoming.

bottom of page