2024 Core Leader Pilgrimage to France
Frequently Asked Questions
PILGRIMAGE MENU
Where and when should I submit a visa application?
This is not needed for 2024.
How will our group communicate updates?
Please download WhatsApp on your cell phone, prior to your departure. We will start a community chat once we arrive in Lourdes.
Does Providence provide travel assistance, and does it cover my guest?
Providence provides travel assist services for employees and their spouse, domestic partner and/or dependent children through Zurich. You can view the summary of coverage here. We recommend that you also download the app here. Click on Travel Risk & Security, at the top. The registration code is GTU4474603. If you have questions about coverage, please reach out to Tamara Dreher.
What emergency contact information can I give my family back home?
Please enter these numbers into your phone and provide them to your family in the case of an emergency: Crystal Hasan 503-720-2383 and Leilani Leathers 714-906-5102
What is the average weather for this area in the spring?
40-58 degrees F with a chance of snow, rain and sun. Please come prepared for all types of weather.
What is the dress code?
For most of the pilgrimage, casual attire is common. Please wear comfortable clothing. For holy sites, please wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. Some pilgrims have worn semi-formal attire to the closing dinner.
What type of shoes should I bring?
Please bring comfortable walking shoes that are worn in. We suggest two pairs.
How many miles will we walk each day?
While we will be traveling by coach for most of the pilgrimage, there will be periods of walking every day. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy this pilgrimage. We will be walking on cobblestone streets and uneven pavement, up/down stairs and hills and you may be on your feet more than usual. We suggest that you commit to a walking regiment of 8,000-12,000 steps every day between now and the pilgrimage.
Will I be able to do laundry at any point?
Full-service laundry will be available days 4-6 in Le Puy, near the hotel.
What types of credit cards are most accepted?
Visa and Mastercard. Please notify your bank card issuer of your travel.
How much cash (Euros) should I bring?
Enough for meals on your own, tips and purchases. All tipping is cash only (including restaurants).
How much should I tip?
Taxis/Ubers = 10% of total bill + 1 Euro per suitcase/bag. Restaurant staff = 10% of total bill.
What cell phone etiquette should I be aware of?
In France, mealtime is considered a sacred encounter. It is a focused time to be present with one another and engaged in conversation. It is considered disrespectful to have your cell phone at the table.
Will our hotel rooms have a private bathroom?
Yes.
What is included in our rooms?
All rooms come with a hair dryer. Some include limited toiletries and coffee/tea.
How many bags can I bring?
Each guest can bring one suitcase (max 50 lbs.) and one backpack. Please note, you will be required to transport your own luggage to and from the coach.
Are masks required?
We encourage you to wear a mask at the airport and during your flight, when possible.
What should I pack?
- In your carry on: one change of clothes and your medications
- Adapter
- Watch/camera/phone/earbuds and chargers
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- COVID immunization card
- Water bottle
- Euros
- Walking shoes
- Rain jacket and/or warm jacket
- Plan to dress in layers, with 4-5 changes of clothing (laundry services available)
- Extra copies of important documents, phone numbers, etc.
- Please do not bring: curling irons or flat irons. They will melt, even with adapters.