The French Way
A Contemplative Journey on the Way of Saint James
June 10 - 20, 2025
$2900 per person
$2900 per person
Have you ever envisioned walking the transformative Camino de Santiago in France? Does the idea of a purposeful journey, one that enriches your soul and offers a pause from the busyness of life appeal to you?
If so, we invite you to join us in June for a 9-night retreat in southwestern France. This immersive experience encompasses a stay at the Abbey of Saint Benoit d'en Calcat amidst the serene French countryside, and will be dedicated to walking the ancient Way of Saint James. We will center our journey in the charming village of Dourgne.
This Travel on Purpose™ small group tour is for all women (25 and older) who want to experience a faith pilgrimage, connect with other women and enjoy the beauty of southwestern France.
If so, we invite you to join us in June for a 9-night retreat in southwestern France. This immersive experience encompasses a stay at the Abbey of Saint Benoit d'en Calcat amidst the serene French countryside, and will be dedicated to walking the ancient Way of Saint James. We will center our journey in the charming village of Dourgne.
This Travel on Purpose™ small group tour is for all women (25 and older) who want to experience a faith pilgrimage, connect with other women and enjoy the beauty of southwestern France.
What's included:
- Eight nights at the Saint Benoît d'En Calcat in Dourgne
- One night in Toulouse at a historic hotel
- Time on the Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle
- Typical French market day in Castres
- E-bike tour on the Canal du Midi
- A hike to the four Châteaux de Lastours
- A captivating walking tour of both Carcassonne and Toulouse to immerse you in the charm of medieval and modern France
- Time for art, journaling, and walking in the gardens of the Abbey
- Communal cooking at the Abbey
- All breakfasts, dinners and select lunches included
- Travel insurance
- Pre-trip materials designed to assist you in both physical and spiritual preparation for this unique journey
What's not
included:
included:
- International flights to and from Toulouse
- Some lunches
- Souvenir shopping
- Additional travel should you plan to arrive early or journey onward
Our journey will begin in Dourgne, a hidden gem in the French countryside in the area of Tarn. This region of France captivates visitors with its rich heritage, delectable cuisine, and Gaillac wine region, making it an irresistible destination for those seeking a blend of tradition and charm.
Meet Your
Tour Leaders
Tour Leaders
Jennifer Cattaneo
Jennifer Cattaneo will serve as intrepid leader, explorer, and spiritual formation pilgrim on this journey. With 24 years of experience teaching French in San Diego, California, Jennifer brings a rich academic background in French, Italian, world history, psychology, and philosophy. Her career has been dedicated to fostering critical thinking and building strong, reflective communities. Over the past two decades, she has led 27 student trips to France and Italy, where she has shared her love for culture, history, and language.
Beyond the classroom, Jennifer has a deep appreciation for contemplative practices like lectio divina, which she incorporates into her personal spiritual life. She finds joy in long walks along the beach, exploring ideas through books, and creating meaningful experiences through cooking and singing with her students. Whether in a classroom or a sacred space, Jennifer thrives on creating environments where thoughtful reflection and connection can flourish. Her passion for guiding others in both academic and spiritual growth will be central to her role on this adventure.
Megan Ziegler
Megan Ziegler will be wearing many hats on this adventure—serving as chef, chauffeur, and spiritual director. She has led numerous trips around the globe, including to Albania, France, Iceland, and India. Megan's passion for travel is rivaled only by her love for nature, where she feels most connected to God, marveling at His creation. During the school year, she is a full-time science teacher and department chair at a private school in San Diego, where she inspires her students to appreciate the world God has created and reflect on their purpose within it. In her free time, Megan enjoys experimenting with new recipes, relaxing at the beach, and spending quality time with her close-knit community.
The Abbaye d'en Calcat
Our home in the south of France
The Abbaye d'en Calcat is a Benedictine monastery in the south of France, renowned for its serene spiritual atmosphere, rich history, and contributions to religious art and music.
Founded in 1890, the Abbaye d'en Calcat was established by a group of monks from the Abbey of Pierre-Qui-Vire, and it played a significant role in the revival of monastic life in France after the turmoil of the French Revolution. Its history is marked by a commitment to prayer, community life, and artistic creation, including the production of sacred art and Gregorian chant.
Each guest will have the privacy of her own room, with accommodations that reflect the simplicity and pilgrim-like atmosphere of the abbey. Each room is furnished with a bed, desk, sink, and shower, while shared toilets are conveniently located in a central area.
Our group will stay in four private cottages on the abbey grounds, with a dedicated kitchen as the focal point of our evenings. Guests are welcome to join Megan in preparing the meal, and we'll have the pleasure of dining together in our own private dining room.
During our eight-night stay at the abbey, we will enjoy slow mornings, garden walks, moments of solitude, and guided spiritual practices. Guests are encouraged embrace quiet reflection, while also having ample opportunities to connect and share in the fellowship of fellow travelers.
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Itinerary Highlights
Reflection
Historically, this is a sacred journey, offering pilgrims a profound opportunity for quiet introspection, spiritual reflection, and a place to find solace to delve into their inner selves. Whether walking in solitude or sharing stories with each other, the Camino provides a unique environment for spiritual growth, opening a door to self-discovery and a deeper connection with God.
Community
While much of this experience is dedicated to spiritual renewal, rest, and reflection, the community among our group on the Chemin de Saint Jaques undoubtedly will stand out as a highlight as we navigate its ancient paths. Through shared meals and moments, many steps and communal rest, the Camino becomes an experience of community that resonates long after the journey's end.
Rest
The Camino de Santiago offers a sanctuary of rest amid its capitating trails. Through rhythmic steps and scenic vistas, a tranquil atmosphere is created, inviting your soul to take a pause. Away from the hustle of daily life, the pilgrimage becomes a meditative journey, allowing minds to unwind and find clarity.
“Most of us are more tired than we know at the soul level. We are teetering on the brink of dangerous exhaustion, and we cannot do anything else until we have gotten some rest...we can't really engage [any spiritual disciplines] until solitude becomes a place of rest for us rather than another place for human striving and hard work.”
― Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation
― Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation
Itinerary
June 10: Depart the US.
June 11: Arrive in Toulouse, France by late afternoon on Wednesday. Transfer to our Abbaye d’en Calcat in the town of Dourgne (a one-hour drive) and meet the group. We'll enjoy an early dinner and head to bed for a good night of rest.
June 12: Today we'll get a chance to catch our breath, slow our cadence, and settle into a contemplative lifestyle. Jenny and Megan will lead sessions to help us get ready for the journey ahead. We will start our day with a morning lectio divina before heading out on the Chemin de Saint Jacques for a two-hour hike to the village of Sorèze. We will have time to explore and enjoy lunch before heading back by bus. Late afternoon will include time at the abbey, as well as preparing for the evening meal for those who want to enjoy cooking with Megan!
June 13: We will begin our morning with a guided lectio divina, after which we will drive 20 minutes north to the charming town of Castres for a traditional French market day! We will have lunch at the market followed by an afternoon exploring the city. We will come back, relax, with a team of us cooking with Megan.
June 14: We will start with devotions and breakfast before our excursion to the Canal du Midi, centering our exploration on the scenic town of Castelnaudary. We will rent e-bikes to ride along the canal, enjoying the beauty of this area. After wandering through Castelnaudary, we will stop in the picturesque town of Revel for dinner on our way back to the abbey.
June 15: Our morning café and lectio divina begins the day before we hike one and a half hours to another lovely French town, Viviers-lès-Montagnes. We will linger over lunch in Viviers before the hike back along the Camino. The afternoon will include time for those who would like to cook together for our evening meal.
June 16: Devotions will begin our day before taking a countryside drive to the town of Saissac. We will hike around the area, enjoy a picnic lunch and wander through the town. Dinner will be at a local restaurant near Dourgne.
June 17: After our breakfast and lectio divina, we will drive to Latours, an area with four ancient châteaux. We will spend the day exploring the châteaux before returning to relax and cook at the abbey.
June 18: Our drive to Carcassonne after breakfast and devotions will be a lovely chance to see more French countryside. Carcassonne, a medieval walled city, is a spectacularly charming and historic site. We will offer an optional hike on the Chemin for those who would like to explore the countryside. Dinner will be close to the abbey, in the charming town of Soual.
June 19: Our last morning at the abbey will include devotions and time to pack our bags. After a one hour drive to Toulouse, we will spend the afternoon in the center of this charming town. Our final dinner will be a celebration of all that we have experienced together. The last night in France will be spent in a historic hotel in the center of Toulouse.
June 20: After breakfast, we'll check out and head to the airport. Plan for your international flight home in the afternoon or a journey onward.
June 11: Arrive in Toulouse, France by late afternoon on Wednesday. Transfer to our Abbaye d’en Calcat in the town of Dourgne (a one-hour drive) and meet the group. We'll enjoy an early dinner and head to bed for a good night of rest.
June 12: Today we'll get a chance to catch our breath, slow our cadence, and settle into a contemplative lifestyle. Jenny and Megan will lead sessions to help us get ready for the journey ahead. We will start our day with a morning lectio divina before heading out on the Chemin de Saint Jacques for a two-hour hike to the village of Sorèze. We will have time to explore and enjoy lunch before heading back by bus. Late afternoon will include time at the abbey, as well as preparing for the evening meal for those who want to enjoy cooking with Megan!
June 13: We will begin our morning with a guided lectio divina, after which we will drive 20 minutes north to the charming town of Castres for a traditional French market day! We will have lunch at the market followed by an afternoon exploring the city. We will come back, relax, with a team of us cooking with Megan.
June 14: We will start with devotions and breakfast before our excursion to the Canal du Midi, centering our exploration on the scenic town of Castelnaudary. We will rent e-bikes to ride along the canal, enjoying the beauty of this area. After wandering through Castelnaudary, we will stop in the picturesque town of Revel for dinner on our way back to the abbey.
June 15: Our morning café and lectio divina begins the day before we hike one and a half hours to another lovely French town, Viviers-lès-Montagnes. We will linger over lunch in Viviers before the hike back along the Camino. The afternoon will include time for those who would like to cook together for our evening meal.
June 16: Devotions will begin our day before taking a countryside drive to the town of Saissac. We will hike around the area, enjoy a picnic lunch and wander through the town. Dinner will be at a local restaurant near Dourgne.
June 17: After our breakfast and lectio divina, we will drive to Latours, an area with four ancient châteaux. We will spend the day exploring the châteaux before returning to relax and cook at the abbey.
June 18: Our drive to Carcassonne after breakfast and devotions will be a lovely chance to see more French countryside. Carcassonne, a medieval walled city, is a spectacularly charming and historic site. We will offer an optional hike on the Chemin for those who would like to explore the countryside. Dinner will be close to the abbey, in the charming town of Soual.
June 19: Our last morning at the abbey will include devotions and time to pack our bags. After a one hour drive to Toulouse, we will spend the afternoon in the center of this charming town. Our final dinner will be a celebration of all that we have experienced together. The last night in France will be spent in a historic hotel in the center of Toulouse.
June 20: After breakfast, we'll check out and head to the airport. Plan for your international flight home in the afternoon or a journey onward.
Itinerary is subject to change based on availability and weather. Details are not confirmed until paid in full.
Explore the
South of France
with us!
South of France
with us!
Each day of our journey offers something special, beginning with time spent on the historic Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle where we'll have the opportunity to walk several sections of its picturesque path. We’ll enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a typical French market day in Castres and embark on an exciting e-bike tour along the scenic Canal du Midi. An exhilirating hike to the four Châteaux de Lastours will immerse us in the region’s rich history, along with walking tours of both Carcassonne and Toulouse, blending the charm of medieval and modern France.
Travel to France for US citizens requires a valid passport for a minimum of three months beyond the length of your stay, and one blank page.
"We aren't rest-filled people who occasionally become restless;
we are restless people who sometimes find rest."
— Henri Nouwen
Payment Schedule & other details
Payment
Schedule
Schedule
- Total cost: $2900 per person
- $500 deposit due at time of booking
- $1200 payment due on January 10, 2025
- $1200 payment due on April 10, 2025
Terms
& Conditions
& Conditions
The itinerary is subject to change based on availability and weather, and the price is not confirmed until paid in full.
This trip has a minimum participation of 12. If the minimum is not met by February 1, 2025, you will receive a refund. Do not purchase a flight until the trip is confirmed. The maximum tour size is 16.
Travel
Insurance
Insurance
Travel insurance is included in your tour cost. All participants will receive a travel insurance policy. This does not include the cost of your flight or additional travel. When you book your flight, we recommend booking a fare that can be changed or refunded in case you need to cancel.
Cancellations
& Refunds
& Refunds
If you decide to cancel within the first 30 days of signing up, you will receive a 100% refund. Following the thirty days of signing up, there will be NO refunds for cancellations, including illness. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise and Travel on Purpose must cancel the trip, you will either be refunded for the entire amount you have paid for the tour or the tour will be rescheduled for a mutually agreed upon time in 2026. Additionally, there will be no refunds 90 days prior to the departure of the trip, if you sign up within that time frame.
Pilgrimage is a rare opportunity to engage your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this trip for?
A: This trip is designed for women seeking spiritual renewal and rest in a community setting. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to walk for several hours each day. Many of the sites we’ll visit, such as old cathedrals, castles, and cities, have stairs and uneven steps, so it's important to be comfortable navigating these conditions. Elevators are limited, and there are many beautiful, but hilly, stair-filled locations to explore!
Q: What is the cost?
A: $2900 per person (this does not include international airfare)
Q: What is the minimum age?
A: 25
Q: What is the rooming situation like?
A: Everyone will have their own room while at the abbey. For our last night in Toulouse, rooms will be shared by two people, each one having their own bed.
Q: How do I book my flight?
A: We will recommend a flight for you to book based on your departure city. Please wait to purchase your flight until the tour has been confirmed and a recommendation has been made. If you need assistance in booking your flight, we can help.
Q: How and when will I receive my travel insurance policy?
A: In January, after first payments are received, everyone registered for this tour will receive a travel insurance policy that includes travel and medical. We work with Allianz Travel Insurance.
Q: When should I arrive in Toulouse? When does the tour officially begin?
A: Everyone should arrive early afternoon on Wednesday, June 11. The tour will begin with a pick-up, transfer to the abbey and an early welcome dinner. Remember, please do not purchase your flight until the trip is confirmed and a recommendation has been made.
Q: When is the tour officially over? What is the earliest I can depart?
A: The tour is over on Friday, June 20. Travelers can head home anytime that day or onward for additional travel.
Q: Do I have to identify as a Christian to attend?
A: Everyone is welcome, but it's important to note that one of the key focuses of the trip is deepening our relationship with Jesus through intentional discussions and spiritual practices such as reading the Bible and prayer. If you are open to these experiences, even if God has felt distant in your life lately, you will find this to be a welcoming space and opportunity to encounter His presence.
Q: What will the meals be like? Can food sensitivities/allergies be accommodated?
A: One of the best parts of this trip is the community we build around the table. That being said, France is the land of cheese and bread. We are not able to accommodate true food allergies (celiac, nut allergy, egg, etc.). The abbey has a shared kitchen and cross-contamination is expected. For those who have a gluten or lactose intolerance, we can work together to figure out a solution, but it should be clear that we may not always be able to accommodate. France is also a country centered around wine. While we will by no means support overconsumption, someone who struggles with the presence of alcohol at meals may find that France is not for them. Wine will be offered with dinner each night.
Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel?
A: This trip is designed for women seeking spiritual renewal and rest in a community setting. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to walk for several hours each day. Many of the sites we’ll visit, such as old cathedrals, castles, and cities, have stairs and uneven steps, so it's important to be comfortable navigating these conditions. Elevators are limited, and there are many beautiful, but hilly, stair-filled locations to explore!
Q: What is the cost?
A: $2900 per person (this does not include international airfare)
Q: What is the minimum age?
A: 25
Q: What is the rooming situation like?
A: Everyone will have their own room while at the abbey. For our last night in Toulouse, rooms will be shared by two people, each one having their own bed.
Q: How do I book my flight?
A: We will recommend a flight for you to book based on your departure city. Please wait to purchase your flight until the tour has been confirmed and a recommendation has been made. If you need assistance in booking your flight, we can help.
Q: How and when will I receive my travel insurance policy?
A: In January, after first payments are received, everyone registered for this tour will receive a travel insurance policy that includes travel and medical. We work with Allianz Travel Insurance.
Q: When should I arrive in Toulouse? When does the tour officially begin?
A: Everyone should arrive early afternoon on Wednesday, June 11. The tour will begin with a pick-up, transfer to the abbey and an early welcome dinner. Remember, please do not purchase your flight until the trip is confirmed and a recommendation has been made.
Q: When is the tour officially over? What is the earliest I can depart?
A: The tour is over on Friday, June 20. Travelers can head home anytime that day or onward for additional travel.
Q: Do I have to identify as a Christian to attend?
A: Everyone is welcome, but it's important to note that one of the key focuses of the trip is deepening our relationship with Jesus through intentional discussions and spiritual practices such as reading the Bible and prayer. If you are open to these experiences, even if God has felt distant in your life lately, you will find this to be a welcoming space and opportunity to encounter His presence.
Q: What will the meals be like? Can food sensitivities/allergies be accommodated?
A: One of the best parts of this trip is the community we build around the table. That being said, France is the land of cheese and bread. We are not able to accommodate true food allergies (celiac, nut allergy, egg, etc.). The abbey has a shared kitchen and cross-contamination is expected. For those who have a gluten or lactose intolerance, we can work together to figure out a solution, but it should be clear that we may not always be able to accommodate. France is also a country centered around wine. While we will by no means support overconsumption, someone who struggles with the presence of alcohol at meals may find that France is not for them. Wine will be offered with dinner each night.
Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel?
A: If you decide to cancel within the first 30 days of signing up, you will receive a 100% refund. Following the thirty days of signing up, there will be NO refunds for cancellations, including illness. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise and Travel on Purpose must cancel the trip, you will either be refunded for the entire amount you have paid for the tour or the tour will be rescheduled for a mutually agreed upon time in 2026. Additionally, there will be no refunds 90 days prior to the departure of the trip, if you sign up within that time frame.
What our customers are saying...
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★★★★★
I never had to worry about travel plans, accommodations, or transportation—everything was handled so carefully. It was wonderful to have someone overseeing all the details, allowing me to simply enjoy my time.
Theresa, Guatemala
★★★★★
Traveling with such an incredible group of women was an unexpected and delightful addition to a journey I had been longing for. I feel truly blessed to have shared this adventure with them.
Allison, Camino de Santiago
★★★★★
Walking the Camino de Santiago with Travel On Purpose was an unforgettable experience, filled with meaningful connections and the forming of new friendships.
Lisa, Camino de Santiago
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still have questions?
Email dianne@travelonpurpose.com
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The Travel on Purpose™ commitment
Travel on Purpose™ is a full-service travel company ready to plan your vacation. We select the best boutique hotels that are locally owned and work with local tour operators to ensure that your vacation meets all your expectations and benefits the local economy. We identify the hidden gems and unique activities that allow you to immerse in the culture and spend time with changemakers. We organize a visit (that sometimes includes the opportunity to volunteer) with a well-vetted organization doing good work in the community. 100% of our profit is donated back to organizations doing good.
www.travelonpurpose.com