France: Indulgence Field Guide
Five active shrines. Lourdes has the most robust indulgence structure; others carry grants tied to their basilica status — confirm conditions locally before traveling.
To gain a plenary indulgence: sacramental confession (within approximately 20 days), holy communion (same day), prayer for the Pope's intentions, and complete detachment from sin.
Lourdes
Lourdes, Pyrenees. Site of 18 approved Marian apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous (1858). Bernadette died 1879 as a Sister of Notre Dame de Nevers (Sisters of Charity and Christian Instruction of Nevers); her incorrupt body is at the Convent of Saint-Gildard in Nevers — a separate pilgrimage worth making.
Plenary indulgence granted to pilgrims who devoutly visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and pray there. Special jubilee indulgences with additional conditions are published by the Apostolic Penitentiary for major anniversaries — check current publications before traveling. The hospitaliers at the information office can confirm current grant conditions.
- Pray at the Massabielle Grotto where the Virgin appeared
- Take the baths fed by the miraculous spring (queue at the bath facilities near the Grotto)
- Attend the daily Blessed Sacrament procession (5:00 PM in season; 4:30 PM off-season)
- Walk the outdoor Stations of the Cross on the hillside above the shrine
Chartres
Chartres, Île-de-France. Cathedral housing the Sancta Camisia, said to be the Virgin's veil at the Annunciation.
The cathedral holds basilica status; associated indulgence grants apply. Verify specific prescribed conditions with the Diocese of Chartres before traveling.
- Venerate the Sancta Camisia in the treasury
- Walk the medieval labyrinth set into the nave floor (typically accessible Friday mornings when chairs are cleared)
- The annual Pentecost walking pilgrimage from Paris (~70 miles, 3 days) is a major penitential act; register in advance through the organizing association
Lisieux
Normandy. Carmelite convent where St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus lived and died (d. 1897). Doctor of the Church.
Plenary indulgence granted to pilgrims who devoutly visit the Basilica of St. Thérèse and pray the prescribed prayers. Verify current prescribed prayers and conditions with the shrine before traveling.
- Venerate the relics of St. Thérèse in the basilica
- Visit the public chapel of the Carmel; view the reliquary chapel, cell, and infirmary where she died
Paray-le-Monial
Burgundy. Site of the Sacred Heart apparitions to Sr. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1673–1675). Visitation convent and Cluniac basilica.
Pontifical basilica status; associated indulgence grants apply. Verify current specific conditions with the shrine before traveling.
- Attend Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
- Pray in the Chapel of the Apparitions within the Visitation convent
- Make the First Friday devotion if your timing permits
- Pray the Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart
Rue du Bac
Paris. Chapel in the Daughters of Charity motherhouse where the Blessed Virgin appeared to Sr. Catherine Labouré (1830) and requested the Miraculous Medal.
Pontifical chapel; associated indulgence grants apply. Verify current conditions with the Daughters of Charity before traveling.
- Attend daily Mass in the chapel
- Venerate the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Labouré (displayed in a side chapel)
- Obtain a Miraculous Medal and have it blessed here