Day 1-5
Distance:
870km /
540mi
Paris to Lourdes
- Admire the stained glass, rose windows, the towers and steeple of Cathedral Notre-Dame in the historic centre of the île de la Cité in Paris.
- Marvel at the Sainte-Chapelle Chapel whose upper chapel is covered with stained-glass windows, of which two-thirds are original.
- Ride the funicular at the Butte Montmartre to visit Sacré-Coeur, one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Paris.
- In the evening, walk the Seine River promenade or enjoy a bateau mouche river cruise.
- One hour away from Paris in the Loire Valley, explore the Chartres Cathedral, one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Fly to Lourdes and tour The Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes. Ride the funicular to the Pic du Jer mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenees.
- Taste savory Pyrenees lamb, garbure (soup with ham and beans), Gascon black pig, or a variety of duck dishes.
- Treat yourself to traditional gâteau à la broche (pancake batter cake), or cailloux du gave (boiled sweets).
On the way
Spiritual heritage in France
Come visit France's ancient religious sites, monasteries and magnificent cathedrals!
Exploring Paris Through Religion
Visit a number of cathedrals in Paris, France.
Tips for Traveling to France
From connectivity to etiquette, shopping to sleeping, there's plenty to learn about France before you go.
Day 6-10
Distance:
900km /
560mi
Lourdes to Santiago de Compostela
- Follow the Way of Saint James on a modern-day pilgrimage through Spain.
- Stop in Burgos for one of the finest examples of Spanish Gothic art in the Burgos Cathedral.
- Explore the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos and the generously decorated lower cloister.
- In Leon, stand beneath the towers of the Great Gothic Cathedral where the stained glass dates from the 13th through 20th centuries.
- Along the remains of the old wall that once surrounded León, walk back in time to the Roman era.
- Arrive in Santiago de Compostela and tour the old town’s streets and squares before entering its Cathedral. Attend the pilgrim mass and witness the botafumeiro. This giant censer flies above the transept naves and is a rite only performed here.
- Savor the tastes of Galician-style octopus, Galician pie, razor clams, pilchards, zorza (marinated pork), Padrón peppers, and tarta de Santiago (almond cake) for dessert.
On the way
Pilgrimages Throughout Spain
The holy city of Santiago de Compostela, is the main destination for religious tourism in Spain and marks the end of the Way of Saint James.
Lourdes, France
A major centre of pilgrimage in Europe, Lourdes attracts many pilgrims from around the world.
Religious Tourism in Spain
Religious tourism is very popular in Spain. Learn more about the country's religious routes.
Day 11-14
Distance:
550km /
340mi
Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon
- Arrive in Lisbon and seek out the village feel of each historic neighbourhood.
- Start in Baixa Chiado by taking the Santa Justa Elevator to the ruins of the Carmo Convent, the only remaining early Gothic architecture in Lisbon.
- Close to the mouth of the Tagus River, visit Belém with its tower and monastery, now UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the iconic Monument to the Discoveries.
- Stop for lunch, or a bica (small cup of aromatic black coffee), in the 200-year-old Café Martinho d’Arcada, a favorite hangout of the poet Fernando Pessoa.
- At night, listen for fado, a historic Portuguese music genre awarded World Heritage status, in a fado house or in a traditional neighborhood.
- Join in the gathering of devotees at Fatima in October for the Candlelight Procession and the Adeus (Farewell) Procession, or explore the Fatima Chapel in the heart of the current Fátima Sanctuary.
On the way
Religious Tourism in Portugal
Portugal offers a roadmap of temples, devotions and religious festivals that you can follow whether in search of the sacred or on a journey of self-discovery.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Santiago de Compostela is the final destination of the Way of Saint James, a route that will offer you a pilgrimage unique experience.
Lisbon, Portugal
A list of the top 10 things to see and do in Lisbon, Portugal.