France, A Journey of the Heart
4 Days in Paris and
8 days in the South of France.
Journey to
France
October
13th to 24th october 2025
October 13th to 24th october 2025
Tour Price:
$5,289*
4 Days in Paris and
8 days in the South of France.
Reverend Liesa Garcia will serve as our Spiritual Leader, guiding us through a transformative spiritual experience. Alongside her, Olivia Gotti, our French guide, will lead us through the beautiful and serene landscapes of the south of France. Olivia, who has co-led numerous tours to this region with Jim, now brings her expertise through her own company specializing in Spiritual Travel to France. Her deep knowledge and passion for the area will enrich our journey.
- 11 Nights 4 star Hotels with daily breakfast. Includes seven dinners, and two lunches
Stay in the heart of Paris on a quiet square in a former 18th-century mansion at the Hotel Bourgogne & Montana. Our hotel is within walking distance to the Seine River, the Musee de Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. Tour includes a Seine River Dinner Cruise where you will see Paris iconic sites illuminated at night. Tour includes skip-the-line tickets to the Musee De Orsay and the opportunity to visit Notre Dame Cathedral which reopened in December 2024. Free time to tour the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Monet’s Garden or sites of your own choice.
We will embark on a scenic 5-hour train journey through the picturesque French countryside, traveling from Paris to Toulouse, located in the heart of the south of France. This unique and exclusive tour will be led by Reverend Liesa and our French guide Olivia, offering an enriching experience. Toulouse is renowned for its rich medieval heritage, where literacy, the sciences, and the arts flourished. This vibrant city was also a beacon of freedom of religion and women’s rights, making it one of the first democracies in the world. We will spend a total of three nights in this captivating city, immersing ourselves in its fascinating history and culture. Grand Hotel L’ Opera
We will visit Rocamadour, one of France’s most renowned pilgrimage sites, famous for its Black Madonna and its significant role during the Middle Ages. Perched dramatically on the cliffs above the Alzou Valley, Rocamadour continues to draw visitors from around the world, both for its spiritual importance and breathtaking beauty.We will spend one night in this historic town, soaking in its serene atmosphere and exploring its remarkable history and sacred sites. Hotel Beau Site
We will spend four nights in the magnificent Chateau des Ducs de Joyeuse, located in the picturesque town of Couiza, nestled in the heart of the Cathar region. This 16th-century castle, a historical gem, is listed for its architectural significance and sits on expansive grounds along the serene River Aude. Originally built for the Dukes of Joyeuse in the mid-1500s, the castle has been beautifully restored and is now a charming hotel. During our stay, we will indulge in daily breakfasts and savor exquisite dinners at La Cour des Ducs, where you can experience the finest of local gastronomy, surrounded by the castle’s timeless elegance.
We will visit Mirepoix’s famous Monday market, where the vibrant stalls offer a true taste of local life. This charming market is set in a picturesque medieval town known for its colorful timber-framed buildings and lively atmosphere.
Explore former Roman spa town of Rennes-le-Château, a place steeped in mystery and legend. One of its most intriguing features is the mystical portal, mapped into the land by five surrounding mountain peaks. This sacred landscape has long been associated with esoteric beliefs and spiritual significance for those following the path of the Magdalene.
- With Oliva’s guidance we will journey to the Throne of Isis, located in an enchanted forest high above Rennes-le-Château.
We will explore the Niaux Caves (Les Grottes de Niaux), located in the stunning Vicdessos Valley. These caves are renowned for their rock paintings, which date back over 14,000 years. The vivid and intricate artwork offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of prehistoric humans and their spiritual or symbolic expressions. A visit to Niaux is a unique journey into the depths of ancient history and artistry.
We will visit Carcassonne, one of the most intact medieval cities in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning example of medieval architecture, with its fortified walls, watchtowers, and narrow cobblestone streets. Stepping into Carcassonne is like stepping back in time, as it retains its historic charm and grandeur, offering a truly immersive experience in the heart of medieval France.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: 13 October 2025, Paris
After arriving in Paris you will check into the Hotel Bourgogne & Montana (https://en.bourgogne-montana.com). Depending upon your arrival time, you may have time to explore Paris on your own. Our hotel is centrally located in the 7th arrondissement near the Seine River, the epicenter of Paris. Take a walk along the Esplanade des Invalides to orient yourself. You may plan your own activities ahead or the hotel can assist you with any arrangements. If you wish to visit any major sites, it is advised to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. (parisdiscoveryguide.com)
6pm No host cocktail hour at the BM bar
Day 2 14 October 2025, Paris
Start the day with a guided tour to Notre Dame Cathedral, which re-opened in December 2024. Afterwards you will have the day to explore Paris on your own. Visit the Louvre, Champs Elysees, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe rooftop terrace, the Eiffel Tower (www.toureiffel.paris/en/the-monument) or a site of your choice. Once again, it is advised to book your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.
6 pm This evening we will embark on a Seine River Dinner Cruise. We will see the city’s most iconic landmarks illuminated at night while enjoying a delicious dinner. It’s a great way to relax after spending the day exploring the bustling streets of Pairs.
Day 3 15 October, 2025, Paris
This morning, as a group, we will have skip-the-line tickets to visit the Musee de Orsay, which is .4 miles from the hotel. The Museum is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography.
The remainder of the day is Paris on your own. We will take a group of those who wish to the Musee Marmottan Monet, one of my favorite, uncrowded museums. Visit any of the sites you have not yet seen: the Catacombs, Pere Lachaise cemetary, or shopping at Le Bon Marche also in the 7th arrondissement, Marche Raspail, a foodie mecca, or one of the many Paris flea markets.
Once again, it is advised to book your tickets for any of the major sites in advance to avoid the long lines.
Day 4 16 October, 2025 Toulouse in the South of France
After breakfast we depart Paris and take a 5-hour train to Toulouse for a unique and exclusive tour of the South of France. Toulouse has always attracted mystics, magicians, and heretics. As early as the 11th century, the ancient texts, preserved by the Islamic world and translated from Arabic to Latin, had slipped over the Pyrenees from Spain and into the southern lands of Occitania. In the warm sun of the south, art, music, literature, philosophy, poetry, and religious tolerance fermented and blossomed making way for the religious movement known as Catharism. The Jewish communities of Narbonne, Beziers, and Carcassonne became important sites of Kabbalah study. Courtly Love and the poetry of the troubadours enhanced the Southern Noble’s courts.
Grand Hotel L’Opera (www.grand-hotel-opera.com)
Day 5 17 October, 2025
After our morning meeting we will walk to the Black Virgin church of Notre Dame de la Daurade, a basilica established in 410 when Emperor Honorius allowed the conversion of Pagan temples to Christianity. The original building of Notre Dame de la Daurade was a temple dedicated to Apollo.
The ancient church is presided over by a Black Virgin.
Afterwards we will have a guided, walking tour of the “Pink City”, Toulouse. Discover 2000 years of history, the Palace du Capitole, built in the 11th century, the Basilica of Saint Sernin, the 16th century Pont Neuf, ancient Roman ruins, and Gothic wonders. Stroll along the Garonne and old elaborate architecture, narrow streets, small squares and historic landmarks that make Toulouse an incredible city.
Welcome Dinner that evening near the hotel. (Time TBD)
Grand Hotel l’Opera
Day 6 18 October, 2025 Rocamadour
This morning we will travel from Toulouse to Rocamadour, a beautiful clifftop village. It is well known for being one of the most famous pilgrimage sites on the Le Puy route of the Camino de Santiago. Rocamadour is the second most visited attraction in France after the Mont Saint Michel.
After lunch (included), we can walk around the pretty medieval streets in the village and make our way up to the top where you will reach the main church, Notre Dame where you can find the Black Madonna. You will also get a beautiful view out onto the Dordogne Valley.
There are 233 steps to get to the top, so it’s highly recommended to wear comfortable shoes. If you are not up for the walk, you can go on the funicular.The very unique thing about Rocamadour is that the houses and church were built into the stone itself.
Hotel Beau Site – Rocamadour (www.beausite-rocamadour.com)
Day 7 19 October, 2025
We will have the morning free. After lunch, we will depart for Chateau des Ducs de Joyeuse. Château Des Ducs De Joyeuse is located in Couiza in the heart of the Cathare region, on extensive grounds on the banks of the River Aude. Originally built for the Dukes of Joyeuse in the mid-16th century, the castle is now used as a hotel. The well-preserved building, flanked by round towers, is regarded as typical of many buildings in the Languedoc region. Each room has classic decor and is equipped with a TV and a private spacious private bathroom. Guests can enjoy a meal in the chic restaurant or out in the courtyard (all dinners included).
Château Des Ducs De Joyeuse (www.chateau-des-ducs.com)
Day 8 20 October, 2025
We will drive to the medieval town of Mirepoix for the Monday morning market. This market is the most colorful and beautiful in the region. Mirepoix is a fortified town in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Its central square is edged with covered wooden arcades, giving protection from the rain and hot sun, supporting half-timbered residences. In the early 13th century there were as many as fifty Cathar ‘houses’ in the town. The Cathar lived in egalitarian communities, called, ‘houses’ and strove to follow the examples of early Christians and those who’d come before like the Hebrew Essenes. They believed that the Catholic church had fallen far from the ideals of early Christianity.
Dinner at the Chateau included.
Château Des Ducs De Joyeuse
Day 9 21 October, 2025
We will journey toward the Pyrenees mountains to Niaux to visit prehistoric caves. Halfway up a mountainside about 12km south of Foix, the Grotte de Niaux is the most impressive site, with a fabulous gallery of bison, horses, and ibex adorning a vast subterranean chamber called the Salon Noir. There’s also one tiny depiction of a weasel – the only cave painting of the animal yet found.
The Salon Noir is reached via an 800m underground trek through pitch darkness. To preserve the paintings, there’s no lighting inside the cave, so you’ll be given a torch as you enter. On the way, look out for graffiti left by previous visitors, some of which dates back to the 17th century.
Lunch at Niaux included. Dinner at the Chateau included.
Château Des Ducs De Joyeuse
Day10: 22 October, 2025
After our morning free and after lunch we will travel to Rennes le Chateau. Since prehistoric times the ancient village was sought-after because of its location. Celts, Visigoths, and Franks are known to have made it their home. Perhaps Rennes Le Chateau is most famous for its church, with its sign over the front door warning, ‘This place is terrible’ and the horrifying devil who greets visitors on its threshold. Once inside the garish colors, the black and white painted floor and the array of strange decorations win attention. Masonic symbols, alchemical designs, numerology, and the many representations of Mary Magdalene cannot help but stir the imagination. This was her church, dedicated as early as the eighth century and she presides over the mysteries here.
From the view at the end of the village can be seen Bugarach mountain. This is believed to have been the site of an Essene community where Mary Magdalene stayed during her time in the area.
Afterwards we will visit the Throne of Isis in a enchanted forest. This ancient site is believed to be the initiatory seat of power for the Mystery School of Isis, a place where spiritual wisdom and mystical practices were once imparted. The serene, otherworldly atmosphere makes it a deeply moving experience.
Dinner at the Chateau
Château Des Ducs De Joyeuse
Day 11: October 23, 2025
We will check out of our hotel and travel to Carcassonne, for a guided tour with Olivia then have the rest of the day to explore before continuing to Toulouse. Carcassonne, ‘La Cité’ is a fascinating fortified city in the Occitanie region of France that has been around since the Neolithic Period. Carcassonne was of great strategic importance due to its location between trade routes connecting the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. It is huge, encompassing no less than 53 towers, strung together by two enormous concentric walls, surrounded by a moat, and punctuated here and there by heavy barbicans, portcullis, and draw-bridges.
We love the walk around the inner walls of the city and visiting the fortress inside the Cite. You’ll find shopping and restaurants inside the the walled fortress. In the afternoon we will depart for Toulouse for our last night in France for our farewell dinner.
Farewell dinner time TBD.
Grand Hotel l’Opera
Day 12: 24 October, 2025
This morning we will check out for our return flight to Paris or the USA on our own.
Pricing
October 13th to 24th october 2025 $4989*
Includes
• 12 days and 11 Nights Hotel with daily breakfast, seven dinners and two lunches
• Tours and transportation included in the Itinerary
• Guide Services by Oliva Gotti and Spiritual Leadership by Reverend Liesa Garcia
• Travel Arrangements made Tour & Escorted by Jim and Dot Cramer
Not Included
• Airfare to France
• Any visa cost
• Meals and transport not mentioned in the tour itinerary
• Travel Insurance
