Mary Magdalene – Sacred Pilgrimage

Who is Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene is a complex and historically significant figure.  A devoted follower of Jesus, he healed her of illness or trauma, not moral failing.  The early Church fathers called her the “Apostle to the Apostles”.

Today, she inspires interest in mysticism and ancient wisdom traditions, bridging Christianity with metaphysics and Eastern spirituality. She represents the Divine Feminine, inner wisdom, spiritual resurrection, sacred sexuality, and feminine Christ Consciousness.

Mary Magdalene’s story matters to us in modern spiritual movements because she sits at the intersection of suppressed history, spiritual authority and the reclamation of the Sacred Feminine. She embodies wisdom, intuition and compassion as sacred paths. Mary Magdalene is equated with goddess spirituality, and is an archetype for balancing masculine and feminine energies. Knowledge of Mary Magdalene’s path supports spiritual independence and encourages seekers to trust lived spiritual experience. This helps to heal wounds caused by religious conditioning and resonates strongly with those reclaiming self-worth.  In fact, Mary Magdalene validates everyone at a time when people from all faiths are turning towards all-inclusive spirituality.

Our Sacred Journey

Join us on this spiritual, inspirational and transformational journey of a lifetime to the sacred mystical sites of France. It is a land steeped in the mysticism, lore and tradition of Mary Magdalene, her places of initiation and healing.

We will explore the astounding legends of the Holy Family, the Black Madonna, the Holy Grail, Knights Templars, the Cathars, Saint Sarah, and the Divine Mother.

Imagine exploring the healing waters of Lourdes, and visiting historically significant and magnificent towns in the south of France including Carcassonne, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and Rennes-le-Chateau.  Then, we travel north to discover the incredible Chartres Cathedral with its famous labyrinth, plus the impressive Saint Sulpice and lovely Church of Mary Magdalene in Paris.

On this journey, we will take part in sacred ceremonies, rituals, initiations, sound healing, discussions and meditations, which will serve to deepen our connection to the Divine Feminine and Unity Consciousness.

We will receive the timeless wonder of being a pilgrim—more unique than the ordinary traveler—because this is a pilgrimage of reclamation, a journey of inner healing and remembrance. It is a more than a sightseeing tour, it is a spiritual immersion.  We will walk in Mary Magdalene’s footsteps not as tourists, but as seekers of sacred wisdom. If you appreciate profound spiritual experiences, the community of like-minded people, and enjoy beautiful hotels + delicious French cuisine, please join us. 

Sunday, Sept 13

Depart from your home airport and fly to Nice on the French Riviera. If you are flying from the East coast, there are non-stop flights from Newark to Nice.  Susan will let you know what flights she will be on.

Monday, Sept 14 (D)
Nice

Arrive in Nice.  Take a 7 minute taxi ride to our beautiful hotel in the center of Nice, complete with ocean view, a rooftop terrace, and outdoor pool.  At 4pm, we will gather for a group Orientation meeting and the opportunity to get to know our fellow travelers. At 6pm, we depart the hotel to have dinner at a local restaurant. 

AC Hotel by Marriott Nice, 59 Promenade des Anglais, Nice.

Tuesday, Sept 15 (BLD)
Nice / St Baume

Today we begin our sacred journey, departing our hotel at 10am. We travel to St. Baume stopping on the way for lunch. In St. Baume, we will experience the wonderful Chapel of Mary Magdalene – feel its essence and its frescoes as we connect with Mary Magdalene.

Later we travel to the Basilica of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, where the skull of Mary Magdalene is displayed in the crypt.

Overnight near Sainte Baume: Mercure Aix-en-Provence Sainte Victoire or similar.

Wed, Sept 16 (BLD)
St Baume / Arles

This morning, we depart the hotel at 9am to experience the Grotte de la St Baume. Be prepared for a 40 minute hike to ascend to this mystical cave with all its transformational energy and sacred water, where the Magdalene did her water initiations. It is said that she spent several years here writing her memoirs.

Here you feel the mystery of this special mountain, sacred to Isis, which has been considered holy ground for thousands of years. The natural water that accumulates here is believed to have miraculous healing powers. Here we will participate in a Magdalene water initiation. In the afternoon after lunch, we will depart St. Baume for Arles.

Overnight at our hotel in Arles: Hotel and Spa Jules Cesar or similar.

Thurs, Sept 17 (BLD)
Arles / Saintes-Maries-de-de-la-Mer

This morning at 9.30am we will visit the 12th century St. Trophimus Church built upon the site of a former 5th century church. with all its mystery connecting us to the Grail legend and the Knights Templar’s. According to legend, St Throphimus was the first bishop of Arles. 

Later in the morning, we will depart for Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to visit the basilica associated with the mystery of the arrival of the Grail Family from Palestine with its holy well and to meet the most beautiful and powerful ‘Black Madonna’, revered by the Gypsies of Europe as St. Sarah and much, much more. In the Basilica there is a sweet water well along with the relics of Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome along with some energy vortexes.

In this magical village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, set in the dramatic Camargue amidst herds of wild horses, black bulls, and flocks of flamingos. We will spend some time on the beach, paddling or swimming in the Mediterranean. Experience a talk and ceremony on the beach. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to our hotel in Arles where we stay overnight. Group dinner in Saintes Maries de la Mer.

Overnight at our hotel in Arles: Hotel and Spa Jules Cesar or similar.

Friday, Sept 18 (BD)
Arles / Carcassonne

9am departure for Carcassonne arriving for lunch. Explore the Old City of Carcassonne, a unique example of a fortified medieval city, known for it’s Cathar beliefs and history. In ancient times, Carcassonne was a major commercial and ceremonial center for the Druids and the Phoenicians. 

We will visit the Basilica of Saint Nazaire with it’s vibrational energy and connection to Mary Magdalene, Mother Mary, and Master Jesus. We will see Saint Rock, a beautiful energetic sculpture of Mary and Anna + another sculpture showing the filtering of the energy streams of consciousness.

Overnight in Carcassonne: Hotel du Roi and Spa or similar.

Saturday, Sept 19 (BLD)
Carcassonne / Montsegur / Carcassonne

8.30am departure for Montségur, a Cathar seminary and citadel of their last resistance. In May 1243, in order to appease the pope, the King of France instigated a 10 month blockade of Montségur. A 15 day truce was negotiated in March 1244, at the end of which the Cathars had to choose to either renounce their faith or perish in the fire. 220 Cathars chose death on the pyre. Montségur is a sacred mountain, a place of inspiration, wisdom, learning, balance and unity consciousness for the Cathars. Dinner at a local restaurant in the Old City. 

Overnight in Carcassonne: Hotel du Roi and Spa or similar.

Sunday, Sept 20 (BLD)
Carcassone / Arques / Carcassonne

Today we depart our hotel at 9am, visit Arques and experience a sacred ceremony taking us on a journey of ascension consciousness. Lunch at Chateau-des-Ducs followed by a sharing session and Q & A. At 4pm we depart for Mount Bugarach, where we experience a meditation, which takes us deep within ourselves.  Lunch and dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Carcassonne: Hotel du Roi and Spa or similar.

Monday, Sept 21  (BLD)
Carcassone / Limoux / Rennes-le-Chateau / Carcassonne

We journey to see a very beautiful Black Madonna and a sacred Healing Well in Limoux, where we experience ancient wisdom in all its beauty as we enter a world of mysticism. Next to the “Mystery Village” Rennes-le-Chateau, dedicated to Mary Magdalene. This town is the former Visigoth capital of the region, where we will visit the famous church of initiation of Abbe Sauniere’s Villa Bethania. We will explore the church, museum, gardens and the environs of Magdala, and absorb the atmosphere of this ancient mystical place with its sculptures and hidden mystery depicted in symbolism. Dinner at hotel. 

Overnight in Carcassonne: Hotel du Roi and Spa or similar.

Tuesday, Sept 22 (BD)
Carcassonne / Lourdes

9am departure for Lourdes, arriving for lunch. We immerse ourselves in Lourdes, with it’s miraculous healing waters, where the Blessed Mother Mary appeared eighteen times to 14 year old Berndette, starting in 1858. We will experience the waters and allow ourselves to be held in the arms of the Divine Mother. Afterwards, we will explore the Cathedral and all its symbology. In the evening, we will have a mystical and transformational group visit to the Grotto and its sacred healing water.  Group dinner at a local restaurant.

We overnight in Lourdes: Panorama Hotel or similar.

Weds, Sept 23 (BD)
Lourdes / Home
OR Lourdes /Paris/ Vezelay

7am departure from Lourdes by bus to Toulouse. Fly home to the USA from Toulouse Airport.  There is a flight on TAP Air Portugal that connects in Lisbon to Newark. 

For those doing the Paris extension, we will fly from Toulouse to Paris CDG.  Bus transfer to Vezelay.  Group dinner.

Overnight in Vezelay: Hotel du Lion d’Or or similar. 

Thurs, Sept 24 (BD)
Vezelay / Chartres

Today we experience the magical Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene with its amazing crypt, which was built to house the relics of Mary Magdalene. The basilica is also associated with John the Baptist feast day which reveals that at midday the light comes through the southern windows and lights up a spot in the midst of the nave. 2:30pm depart Vezelay for Chartres. Group dinner in Chartres.

Overnight in Chartres: Mercure or similar.

Friday, Sept 25  (BD)
Chartres / Paris

We depart our hotel at 9.30am to fully experience the extraordinary Chartres Cathedral. Its history dates back to the 4th century and was erected during a time of religious peace brought about by the Emperor Constantine. Chartres is rich with mysterious sacred imagery and sacred geometry. It is said to be encoded with the “secrets of the universe”. It was established on a hilltop, where a sacred forest once stood. A well beneath the cathedral was holy to the Druids and is said to be a miraculous source of healing water. It is also said to house the tunic of the Blessed Mother, the Sancta Camisia, since 876 when it was given by Charlemagne after he received it as a gift from Jerusalem.

The Cathedral is one of mystery and majesty. It is a holy place of rare architectural beauty, with 160 stained glass windows, labyrinth, and unique silhouette above the landscape. The standout feature at Chartres is the labyrinth, installed into the Cathedral floor in the year 1200. Discover the history of the labyrinth and address the Path of Enlightenment that is opened to us via the 11-circuit Chartres labyrinth. Personal time to explore and ponder. Lunch on your own. 3pm depart for Paris hotel. Dinner at a restaurant in Paris. 

Overnight in Paris: Westminster Hotel or similar.

Sat, Sept 26 (BD)
Paris

At 9.30am we travel to the Left Bank to visit Church of San Sulpice in search of The Magdalene Line, the Rose Line and much more, including Mary Magdalene’s four children and many hidden mysteries.  At 12pm we depart San Sulpice to visit the Church of Mary Magdalene and explore it’s hidden mysteries. Free afternoon to visit the Louvre, the Church of the Miraculous Medal or the many other sites and museums in this city of love and light. This evening the tour ends with a Farewell Dinner in celebration for all we experienced on this sacred journey. 

Overnight in Paris: Westminster Hotel or similar.

Sunday, Sept 27 (B)
Fly Home

Today we depart for our home city by taxi or metro to CDG. You may also stay a few more days and continue to explore Paris, if you would like. You may stay at the Westminster or we can recommend a more affordable hotel in the quartier.

REGISTRATION FOR PROVENCE + LOURDES

$5277 per person in a double room, if booked before May 1. After $5627.
$1300 single supplement

$1000 non-refundable deposit.
$2500 2^nd payment due March 20
$1177 balance due June 15

INCLUDED

• 9 nights accommodation in beautiful 4 + 5 star hotels
• 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 really good dinners
• Tips for guides, drivers, hotel + restaurant staff
• Entrance fees to sites
• Ground bus transportation in deluxe motorcoach

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights to/from France
• Alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, mineral water
• Travel insurance. Check out Faye, Allianz, Travel Guard, InsureMyTrip

REGISTRATION WITH PARIS EXTENSION

$7027 per person in a double room, if booked before May 1. After $7375.
$1998 single supplement.

$1000 non-refundable deposit.
$2500 2^nd payment due March 20
$3527 balance due June 15

INCLUDED

• 13 nights accommodation in beautiful 4 + 5 star hotels
• 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 13 really good dinners
• Tips for 2 guides, drivers, hotel + restaurant staff
• Flight from Toulouse to Paris
• Entrance fees to sites
• Ground bus transportation in deluxe motorcoach

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights to/from France
• Alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, mineral water
• Travel insurance. Check out Faye, Allianz, Travel Guard, InsureMyTrip

OUR GUIDE

Finbarr Ross was born in Ireland and has led Sacred Journeys worldwide in collaboration with Gregg Braden,  Bruce Lipton and Dr. Sue Morten. He is the author Sacred Mystical Journey – A Life Journey from Tragedy to Triumph.  He is a modern-day spiritual alchemist, mystic, spiritual guide and facilitator of self-realization through awakened consciousness.

Finbarr’s teachings encompass the Ascension process, the Divine Feminine, Unified Consciousness, Mary Magdalene, Celtic spirituality, and the Grail legends—as well as self-realization, emotional healing, empowerment, forgiveness and meditation with the 3 Fold Golden Flame. His wisdom, love, courage and spiritual insights have helped change lives and awakened the truth that– no matter where you are in life, you can triumph. His life mission attests to this truth and his passion is to help others rise up and become victorious in their own sacred journey.