Annual Chartres Pilgrimage
The Chartres pilgrimage is a huge pilgrimage of Tradition in which thousands take part to walk the 110km from Chartres to Paris over the Pentecost weekend.
About
It a pilgrimage to the Sacred Heart through Our Lady - Chartres cathedral being where Our Lady's veil is venerated. The pilgrimage destination was traditionally the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre.
This year the pilgrimage will begin 27th May with Mass at 07.45 in the gardens of the Cathedral of Chartres and ends with Mass at 16.00 on 29th May at the Place Vauban in Paris. Pilgrims have the option of visiting Paris and booking their own accommodation in Paris on 26th May and travelling to Chartres on 27th May morning or booking their own accommodation in Chartres on 26th May.
Theme
2023 – The Beatitudes – Courage of Sanctity / Audacity of Christianity
Registration
To register for the pilgrimage click here.
It is your responsibility to book flights to Paris. However, should you need assistance or wish to travel with someone, please get in touch.
To avail of the support vehicle which will carry you bigger luggage / tent etc. to France by ferry, please email [email protected] to book.
Once you've registered please let us know by emailing [email protected]
Itinerary
Friday 26th May
Fly to Paris
Option to spend time visiting Paris (bags can be left at the concierge in Montparnasse train station for a small price)
Choice of booking own accommodation in Paris and taking the train to Chartres Saturday 4th morning
OR taking train from Montparnasse to Chartres Friday 3rd evening and booking own accommodation in Chartres
Saturday 27th May
Pilgrimage begins with 7.45am Mass in gardens of Chartres cathedral
Sunday 28th May - Pentecost
Pilgrimage continues, the day ends with pontifical Mass at campsite
Monday 29th May
Pilgrimage finishes with 4pm Mass at the Place Vauban in Paris
Fly to Dublin
Chartres Kit List
1) Big rucksack for most of luggage - goes on the back of a lorry during the day and needs labelled with a white ribbon (take note of the code displayed at the time you drop your bag at the lorry in order to find your bag in the evening):
- sleeping bag
- ground mat
- blister patches/sterilised safety pins for popping blisters/plasters
- socks (a thin pair (like thousand-mile socks) under a thick pair)
- clothes: wear material that dries easily (sports t-shirts, jersey material etc.... – denim is not advised) -towel (if you have the energy to make it to the wash tents...where there are troughs with trickles of water)
- flip flops (campsite)
- plastic bags (for rubbish)
- tissues/toiletries/gel handwash/rosary beads/mobile/wallet/passport/boarding passes/alarm clock/after sun cream/wipes
- cup or bowl for your hot drinks/soup, plastic cutlery
- a suspension lantern (tent)
- well broken in walking shoes or runners (NOT a pair that you buy a month before). You need to have walked at least 50 miles in a new pair of walking shoes (less if you wear trainers). Get plenty of walking done in the 2 months run up to the pilgrimage if you can(three or four 5 mile walks per week ) - the pilgrimage is very tough (110km/3 days) and can lead to chronic injuries if not adequately prepared for.
2) Small rucksack for carrying your necessities during the day:
- light rain coat and waterproof covering for rucksack or poncho
- fleece/bandana
- food for lunch and snacks
- bottle of water (big bottles are given out during the day to top up)
- sun hat (to be worn at all times even in cloud cover to prevent sun stroke)
- sun cream
- wipes
3) Food: baguettes and hot drinks are provided in the morning; baguettes at lunch; sugar lumps along the way; soup and baguettes in the evening (sausages and chips can be had at an extra charge).
Some ideas for snacks and lunch:
- Snacks: chocolate, salted nuts (to replace the bodily salts you will be losing), raisins, sweets, fruit compotes.
- Lunch: tinned fish/German sausages/beans/fruit. Baguettes are provided at the lunch stop.
4) Tents: There are communal tents but bringing your own is recommended. It can be transported in the lorry during the day.