France is known as a Hexagon being bordered by six countries: Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and the United Kingdom across the Channel. France is the common ground between many cultures with a fascinatingly rich history. This country could be considered the true melding pot incorporating the best of each past influence into the current 15 distinctive French regional personalities. One of the largest countries of Europe, France is about the size of the state of Texas, but from one region to the next, each area is differently distinctive in culture, food and style.

The French greet almost as many visitors in a year as the number of inhabitants! Annually, 56 million residents receive 44 million guests. Lourdes is the second most visited place in France, following their famous capital city, Paris.

France is home to many great saints and holy places of pilgrimage. Often referred to as the Eldest Daughter of the Church, she is vastly rich in Church history, culture and beautiful sites for pilgrimage and worship. Catholic France offers extraordinary places for exciting visits, spiritual retreats and quiet contemplation throughout the mountains, valleys and coastal expanses. To name just a few special places worthy of the time and travel in France: holy Ars, Nevers, Lisieux, Pontmain and the incredible fairy tale feast for the eyes of Mont Sainte Michel. Paris is home to famous Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle and Sacré Coeur Basilica and importantly offers the Miraculous Medal Chapel quietly tucked away on the little side street of rue du Bac, not to mention the famous Arc de Triomphe and Champs- Elysées.