The Paris Chartres Pilgrimage is a three-day walk from Notre-Dame de Paris to Notre-Dame de Chartres, approximately 60 miles.
Pilgrims are organized into groups of 20-60 people, that are referred to as “chapters”. The “walk” is through the streets of Paris, and then into the countryside. It can be muddy, rocky, and demanding, but the rewards of such a penitential exercise are eternal. Good sturdy shoes are a must. Each chapter is accompanied by at least one chaplain, who hears confession and gives spiritual direction to each pilgrim who avails himself of the priest’s presence. This pilgrimage originated in the 12th century, with interruptions for the various wars our European brethren seem to find themselves in from time to time.
Pilgrims will meet in front of the Saint Sulpice church (until Notre-Dame de Paris is rebuilt) at 6 a.m. on June 4th, 2022, and the journey of faith and foot begins.
The pilgrims walk the full distance between the two cathedrals, approximately 60 miles, in three days. This involves considerable effort, long hours of walking and early mornings; very good physical fitness is therefore an advantage!
Permanent medical assistance is available from the doctors and hospitallers of the Order of Malta, who have an outdoor hospital at each campsite.
Throughout the walk, shuttle buses provide transport for pilgrims who can no longer walk or, in case of emergency, to take them to hospital.
Notre-Dame de Chrétienté supplies a campsite (‘bivouac’) equipped with wash-basins (cold running water only), toilets, electricity supply, and some collective tents. The tents are single sex and pilgrims are kindly asked to respect this.
On arrival at the campsite, pilgrims retrieve their large bags, and make their way to the “ETRANGERS” (Foreigners) area where the collective tents will be waiting and where there is space to set up their personal tents.
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