Purpose: To visit one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Paris, and to see the highlights of history, culture and Christianity. To explore the unique town of Bruges, Belgium and to stop at the historical communities of Calais and Dunkirk. To spend several days in a reminder of America’s involvement in WWII and particularly in the area of Normandy.
This trip is full
Trip Overview
The following will be our focus:
— People: Christians that we will learn about include Clovis I, St. Denis, Charlamagne, Louis XIV, Peter Waldo, John Calvin, Joan of Arc and others.
— Christian Sites: Major Christian Churches that we will visit are the following: Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Basilica of Sacré-Coeur (all in Paris), Rouen Cathedral in Rouen, Sanctuary of Saint Therese of Lisieux, Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges.
— Tourist Sites Include: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triumph, Montmartre, Versailles, Bruges, Calais, Dunkirk, Normandy cemeteries and beaches. You will have a full free day in Paris, a half-day free in Bruges, and some free time in Normandy.
Trip Details
— 13 days including travel days.
— 11 nights of lodging - Paris (6); Bruges (2); Normandy (3)
Guides: We will have a guide in Paris, Bruges (half-day), Normandy, Mont-Saint-Michel (half-day).
Overview: Our trip to France and Belgium is designed to see some beautiful Christian places and learn about some of the most important Christian leaders.
However, we are also going to visit some of the most important historical and tourist sites in all of the world. Since France isn’t known for its saints (like Ireland or Scotland) and since we have no Biblical references to France (like we do in Israel, Turkey or Greece), this trip is also designed as much for Christian fellowship.
The Christian history of France is almost exclusively Roman Catholic. Christianity gained prominence when Clovis I, the king of the Franks, was baptized around 496 AD, leading to the establishment of Catholicism as the state religion and shaping France's cultural and political landscape for centuries. Today, 57.5% of the total population of France declares to be Catholic and 3.1% identify as Protestants.
Traditionally, Christianity first spread to France directly after the crucifixion of Christ. Many disciples were banished from Jerusalem, and (possibly) some of them traveled to Gaul (France). Some of them include Lazarus, Mary Magdalene, and Joseph of Arimathea. Phillip was also commissioned to spread Christianity through Gaul. There was some resistance, but not much hostility towards Christians. There, for a while, Christianity prospered.
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Here are the hotels, dates, address and phone number:
— Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026 -- Hotel Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel: 20 Rue Jean Rey Paris France 75015 +33145785342 — In: Wednesday 22 Apr 26 Out: Monday 27 Apr 26 -- 5 Nights
— Monday, 27 Apr 2026 -- Hotel Navarra: Sint-Jakobsstraat 41 Brugge France 8000+32 50 34 05 61— In: Monday 27 Apr 26 Out: Wednesday 29 Apr 26 -- 2 Nights
— Wednesday, 29 Apr 2026 -- Best Western Plus Le Moderne Caen: 116 Bd Marechal Leclerc Caen France 14000 +3323860423 — In: Wednesday 29 Apr 26 Out: Saturday 02 May 26 -- 3 Nights
— Saturday, 02 May 2026 -- Hotel Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel: 20 Rue Jean Rey Paris France 75015 +33145785342 — In: Saturday 02 May 26 Out: Sunday 03 May 26 -- 1 Night
Packing -- Suitcase and Bags
— ONE suitcase with total measurement of 62 inches and 50 pounds or less.
— One backpack or shoulder bag that will stay with you on the bus. (Some people pack a folding bag in their suitcase to carry or check on the way home — souvenirs.)
— A packing list will be provided separately.
MISC. INFO
Weather — temperatures would typically be 45-65 degrees. Most weather in Paris in April stays firmly in the moderate zone, with beautiful sunny days, clear blue skies, and comfortable temperatures perfect for sightseeing, touring, and cruising down the Seine.
Dress should be very casual. Layering is necessary in the spring in France. Modesty is also a key as we will be entering a number of churches (cathedrals and basilicas).
Tour Info: You will a receive a paperback tour book that covers the places we will visit and an ebook for your smartphone/iPad.
Electrical adaptor is 2 pin, standard for Europe.
Currency: Euro (Exchange rate:1 Euro =1.14 dollars)
Electronics
Verizon and ATT have an international plan that costs $10/day while abroad (or $100 per month). It provides the same features as here in the US. Otherwise, you will have wifi in every hotel, coffee shops and other locations.There is no problem taking laptops or tablets.
Flights and Extra Hotels Nights
As always, I would suggest that you come a day or two early, if possible, to rest up and acclimate to the time change. However, you will have to make your own hotel reservations for those extra nights. You can contact the Hotel Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel if you would like to stay in the same hotel. (https://tinyurl.com/ys7jhw7x). The cost right now is about $220 per night but rooms are limited.
Flights from Fort Wayne on Delta, United or American are around $1,100 for round trip. If you need help in booking your flights please feel free to contact us.
The Cost of the Trip
Trip Cost: $4,695
Final Payment of $3,595 due January 15, 2026
— PLEASE NOTE: The value of currency is always changing. There could be an extra cost if the Euro becomes stronger against the dollar in coming months. This is beyond our control, of course, but wanted you to be prepared for the possibility.
— Cancellation insurance link will be sent to you once your full payment is received.
DETAILS OF THE TRIP
The price of the trip is $4,695 which includes the following:
— All entrance fees (see itinerary)
— Eleven nights in four-star hotels.
— Guides in Paris, Versailles, Brugge and Normandy
— Bus and bus driver for entire trip
— All breakfasts and two dinners (April 22 and May 2)
— France travel book
— Travel insurance through Faith Ventures
— Headsets (Whispers)
— All tips for guides, driver and hotels
Date for Next Meeting
-- Sun, Mar 15, 2026 — 12:30 p.m.
The meeting will be recorded for anyone who cannot attend.