Paris – Beyond the Facades
March 30 – April 7, 2027
"Paris – Beyond the Facades"
There is a Paris that most travelers never truly encounter — a Paris beyond the famous monuments and postcard views. Beyond the Facades invites you into the spiritual, artistic, and musical soul of the city through its great churches, hidden chapels, sacred spaces, and living traditions of worship and sacred music. Centered in the historic Latin Quarter, this immersive journey places you within walking distance of centuries of history, where narrow streets, café-lined boulevards, and the sound of church bells create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Throughout the tour, guests will experience some of Paris’s most breathtaking sacred landmarks, including the grandeur of Notre-Dame de Paris, the magnificent organ tradition of Saint-Sulpice, the artistic beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, and the historic churches that shaped generations of French sacred music. Opportunities for Gregorian chant, organ recitals, liturgies, and private musical encounters are woven together with time to simply enjoy Paris itself — strolling the Seine, exploring museums and gardens, dining in classic Parisian cafés, and discovering the timeless charm of neighborhoods like the Marais and Montmartre. First-time visitors will have opportunities to experience many of the city’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures, such as Louvre Museum, the majestic Eiffel Tower, and the elegant Champs-Élysées.
Unlike a rushed sightseeing trip, this experience is designed to let travelers slow down and encounter Paris more deeply. From candlelit churches and soaring Gothic architecture to quiet moments in the Latin Quarter, Beyond the Facades reveals the living heart of sacred Paris. Whether you are a church musician, clergy member, artist, historian, or simply someone drawn to beauty and faith, this journey offers an unforgettable blend of culture, spirituality, music, and authentic Parisian life. Whether it’s a first journey to Paris or a long-awaited return, the tour is designed to balance unforgettable sightseeing with deeper cultural and spiritual discovery.
Tour Overview
"Paris – Beyond the Facades"
March 30 – April 7, 2027 (8 Days)
Tour attendees must be at least 18 years of age.
$8,999 per person double occupancy*
Single Supplement: $1,199
Initial Deposit: $2,500 (Due at time of booking)
Second Deposit: $2,500 (Due November 1, 2026)
Final Payment: Balance (Due January 29, 2027)
*A $400 travel concierge fee applies to this tour for pre-tour planning sessions and consultations, including phone calls and Zoom sessions.
GROUP SIZE
The tour will operate with a small group for a more intimate travel experience.
Prelude to the Journey – Each international itinerary is paired with a custom-designed educational experience to prepare your heart, mind, and ears for what’s to come.
“French Sacred Music and Organ Tradition”
This course will offer a rich and engaging exploration of the development of French sacred music, organ literature, and liturgical tradition from the Gothic period through the modern era. Beginning with the soaring cathedrals and early polyphony of medieval France, students will trace how architecture, theology, chant, improvisation, and culture shaped the music of each successive age. The course examines the musical and artistic ideals of the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods, highlighting the great composers, organ builders, liturgical practices, and stylistic innovations that defined French sacred music. Special attention is given to the evolution of the French organ tradition, including registration practices, improvisation, the influence of court culture and opera, and the monumental contributions of figures such as Pérotin, Couperin, Franck, Widor, Vierne, Duruflé, Langlais, Dupré, and many others. Through historical discussion, musical examples, and liturgical context, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty, spirituality, and enduring influence of the French sacred musical heritage.
Locations on the tour
Schola Cantorum
Founded in 1894 by composer Vincent d'Indy, organist Alexandre Guilmant, and choral conductor Charles Bordes, the school's original mission was to act as a church-music center to counterbalance the secular focus of the Paris Conservatoire. Today, the Schola Cantorum de Paris operates as a comprehensive private conservatory. While it maintains deep respect for its historical roots, it offers courses in sacred music history and writing.
Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
This remarkable church near the Panthéon is known for its blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and for housing the shrine of Saint Geneviève, patron saint of Paris. It is also famous for its historic organ tradition and beautiful stone rood screen.
Église Saint-Séverin
One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Latin Quarter, Saint-Séverin is admired for its soaring columns, medieval atmosphere, and vibrant stained glass. Its intimate setting and rich acoustics make it a treasured sacred space in Paris.
Saint-Sulpice
The second-largest church in Paris, Saint-Sulpice, is renowned for its grand Baroque interior and one of the world’s most celebrated pipe organs. The church has been associated with legendary French organists, including Charles-Marie Widor and Marcel Dupré.
Basilique Sainte-Clotilde
With its dramatic twin spires and neo-Gothic beauty, Sainte-Clotilde is deeply connected to the French organ tradition through composers such as César Franck and Jean Langlais. It remains one of Paris’s great musical churches.
Saint-Eustache Church
Located near Les Halles, Saint-Eustache combines Gothic grandeur with Renaissance design and houses one of the largest pipe organs in France. The church has played an important role in Parisian musical and civic life for centuries.
Église Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais
Situated in the historic Marais district, Saint-Gervais is known for its beautiful liturgies, Gregorian chant, and centuries-long association with the Couperin family of organists. Today, it is home to the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem.
Basilique Cathédrale Saint-Denis
Often called the birthplace of Gothic architecture, Saint-Denis served as the burial church of the French kings and queens for centuries. Its stunning stained glass and royal tombs make it one of France’s most historically significant sacred sites.
Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix de Ménilmontant
One of the largest churches in Paris, this impressive 19th-century church rises above the vibrant Ménilmontant neighborhood. Its immense interior and dramatic architecture create a striking and often overlooked sacred landmark.
Église Saint-Antoine-des-Quinze-Vingts
Located in the 12th arrondissement, this historic parish church is known for its warm acoustics, active liturgical life, and connection to Parisian sacred music traditions. Its quieter neighborhood setting offers a more local side of Parisian church life.
Église de la Sainte-Trinité
Famous for its richly decorated interior and monumental organ, Sainte-Trinité is closely associated with composer Olivier Messiaen, who served as organist there for more than 60 years. The church remains a center of French sacred music heritage.
La Madeleine
Designed in the style of a Roman temple, La Madeleine stands as one of Paris’s most recognizable churches. Its grand columns, ornate interior, and historic musical tradition have made it an important venue for sacred music and major state ceremonies.
Église Saint-Joseph
Serving the English-speaking Catholic community of Paris, Saint-Joseph offers a welcoming international atmosphere in the heart of the city. The church provides a unique perspective on Catholic worship and sacred music within Paris’s diverse religious life.
your stay
One of the hallmarks of our “Freedom in Form” style of travel is the ability for each guest to select accommodations that best fit their comfort level and travel preferences. Rather than requiring the entire group to stay in a single hotel on this trip, participants may choose from a variety of carefully selected four-star hotels in the Latin Quarter of Paris. This approach allows travelers the flexibility to balance budget, amenities, and personal style while remaining conveniently located near the heart of the tour activities, sacred sites, dining, shopping, and the historic colonial campus.
Itinerary
The Itinerary
This itinerary remains subject to change as final arrangements, venue confirmations, and scheduling details are finalized. Specific days, event order, featured locations, performances, and activities may change.
DAY 1 | TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2027 | ARRIVAL IN PARIS
Arrive in the City of Light and settle into the historic Latin Quarter, one of Paris’s most charming and walkable neighborhoods. Guests will enjoy a private transfer to the hotel and have time to relax, explore nearby cafés, and soak in the atmosphere of Paris for the first time. The evening offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a leisurely dinner, stroll through the ancient streets of the Left Bank, and begin to experience the beauty and rhythm of Parisian life.
DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2027
Begin your sacred journey with visits to some of Paris’s most inspiring and historic churches in the Latin Quarter. Explore the rich musical and liturgical traditions connected to the Schola Cantorum and the remarkable churches of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont and Saint-Séverin. The day also includes time at the Panthéon and culminates with visits to the breathtaking Notre-Dame Cathedral and the radiant beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, home to some of the most extraordinary stained glass in the world.
DAY 3 | THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2027
Experience the grandeur of Paris’s legendary sacred music tradition through visits to churches associated with some of France’s greatest composers and organists. Highlights include the magnificent Saint-Sulpice, the historic Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the soaring neo-Gothic Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde. Guests will also enjoy time in the Luxembourg Gardens, one of the city’s most beloved green spaces, surrounded by the elegance and beauty of the Left Bank.
DAY 4 | FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2027
Discover the monumental beauty of Saint-Eustache and the deeply spiritual atmosphere of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais, known for its rich chant tradition and connection to sacred music in Paris. The evening offers optional opportunities to experience Paris from the Seine River, where illuminated bridges, cathedrals, and landmarks create one of the most unforgettable views in the world.
DAY 5 | SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2027
Travel beyond the center of Paris to the magnificent Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis, the burial place of French kings and queens, and one of the birthplaces of Gothic architecture. Later, journey to the artistic hilltop district of Montmartre and experience the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica overlooking the Paris skyline. The evening invites guests to wander the cobblestone streets, artist squares, and cafés that once inspired generations of painters, musicians, and writers.
DAY 6 | SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2027
Continue exploring the spiritual heart of Paris by experiencing worship and sacred music at Notre-Dame or Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais. The day balances moments of reflection with fellowship and authentic Parisian culture, including a delightful wine-and-cheese experience that celebrates the flavors and hospitality of France.
DAY 7 | MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2027
Discover some of Paris’s lesser-known but extraordinary sacred spaces, including the monumental Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix de Ménilmontant and the vibrant neighborhoods surrounding Père Lachaise Cemetery. The day concludes with a special culinary experience inspired by French culinary traditions, featuring demonstrations, exceptional dining, and thoughtfully paired wines in the spirit of Parisian hospitality.
DAY 8 | TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2027
Experience the musical and architectural splendor of Sainte-Trinité, La Madeleine, and Saint-Joseph while exploring some of the city’s most elegant districts. Guests will also enjoy time in the Opera and Champs-Élysées districts, surrounded by grand boulevards, historic cafés, luxury arcades, and the timeless sophistication that defines Paris.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2027 | GUESTS DEPART
The Itinerary
DAY 1 | THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2027
Arrival day, make your way to the Hotel and check in. Afternoon on your own to settle in or explore. Your home base for the next several days is right off Trafalgar Square. You are a short walk from the historical heart of London, with Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the West End Theatre District, and historic pubs.
DAY 2 | FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2027
Meet for breakfast for in-person introductions and orientation for the day. This day includes a tour of London, High Tea at the Corinthia Hotel, and a tour and evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
DAY 3 | SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2027 | LONDON
Sung Matins and Eucharist at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
There is also a Mass at Westminster Roman Catholic Cathedral, designed by John Francis Bentley. The interior is famous for its grand nave, domed vaulting, and extensive marble use. Construction began in 1895, and the building was completed in 1903, though interior decoration continued for many years.
Evensong and Organ Recital at Westminster Abbey. The Gothic Westminster Abbey, a functioning church, remains in use as a place of daily worship. It remains the Coronation church of the nation, and there are frequent services to mark significant national events, as well as royal weddings and funerals, and for great national services.
DAY 4 | MONDAY, MAY 24, 2027 | LONDON
Meet for breakfast for in-person introductions and orientation for the day.
Morning free to explore London. This is your last full day in London for the first leg of the tour.
In the afternoon, a guided tour and Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey. The Gothic Westminster Abbey, a functioning church, remains in use as a place of daily worship. It remains the coronation church of the nation, and there are frequent services to mark significant national events, as well as royal weddings and funerals, and for great national services.
DAY 5 | TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2027 | ST. ALBANS CATHEDRAL
LONDON – ST. ALBANS – CAMBRIDGE
Today, we travel from London to St. Albans. We will have a guided tour of the St. Albans Cathedral, attend a private organ demonstration with the Director of Music. We will then attend the choir rehearsal and Choral Evensong before departing for the hotel in Cambridge.
St. Albans Cathedral is a historic Anglican cathedral featuring Norman architecture, constructed with Roman bricks, and renowned for having the longest nave in England. It stands as a significant site of continuous Christian worship in Britain, built over the burial place of St. Alban, Britain's first Christian martyr. Originally an abbey, it became a cathedral in 1877 and continues to serve as both a pilgrimage site and a thriving parish church.
DAY 6 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2027 | CAMBRIDGE – KING'S COLLEGE CHAPEL
Morning on your own. Bus tour of Cambridge. Organ recital at Trinity College. Choral Evensong at King’s College Chapel.
King's College Chapel in Cambridge is a masterpiece of late English Gothic architecture, famed for its vast fan vaulting and large stained-glass windows, built over a long period from the 15th to the early 16th century by a succession of English kings. It is considered one of the finest examples of its style, featuring a world-renowned choir, the globally broadcast Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and a prominent rood screen, making it an iconic symbol of Cambridge and a major global landmark.
DAY 6 | THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2027 | CAMBRIDGE – TRINITY COLLEGE CHAPEL
Morning on your own. Private walking tour with an expert guide of Cambridge University and King’s College Chapel. Attend the choir rehearsal and Choral Evensong at Trinity College Chapel.
Trinity College Chapel in Cambridge was built between 1555 and 1567 in the Tudor Gothic style. Although the original walls and roof are from the 16th century, much of the interior, such as the wood paneling, organ screen, and stalls, dates to the early 18th century. The chapel features a mid-18th-century marble statue of Sir Isaac Newton, sculpted by Louis-François Roubiliac. The chapel serves as a place of worship, a memorial, and a performance venue for the college choir.
DAY 7 | FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2027 | NORWICH CATHEDRAL
Today we depart for Norwich, where we will have a private tour of the Cathedral with an organ demonstration by the Master of Music. We will then attend choir rehearsal and Choral Evensong.
Norwich Anglican Cathedral is an outstanding example of Norman architecture, started in 1096 by Bishop Herbert de Losinga. Recognized for its impressive Romanesque style, the cathedral boasts the second-tallest spire in England and the largest monastic cloisters. A notable feature is the collection of more than 1,000 medieval roof bosses, elaborately carved and painted with biblical and historical scenes. The cathedral and its 44-acre close have endured centuries of English history, including riots, fires, and the Civil War, making it an important historical and architectural landmark.
DAY 8 | SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2027 | CAMBRIDGE – JESUS COLLEGE CHAPEL
Morning on your own to explore Cambridge. Organ Recital by the Director of Music. Attend the choir rehearsal and Choral Evensong.
Jesus College Chapel is the oldest college chapel in Cambridge, originating as a 12th-century Benedictine nunnery church that predates the college itself by more than three centuries. When Bishop John Alcock founded Jesus College in 1496, the grand, Norman-style church was significantly reduced in size and reconfigured in the Gothic Perpendicular style to better suit the smaller community of scholars. The chapel's most striking features are a result of a major 19th-century Gothic Revival restoration, which included installing stained glass by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. from designs by artists like Edward Burne-Jones. Today, the peaceful chapel is a spiritual center for the college community and is known for its excellent acoustics during concerts and choral services.
Options for anticipated Roman Catholic Mass will be provided.
DAY 9 | SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2027 | LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
Today we travel to Lincoln. We will attend Sung Eucharist, and a Choir Rehearsal followed by Choral Evensong. There will be a tour and organ demonstration by the Director of Music of Lincoln Cathedral.
Lincoln Cathedral, a Gothic architectural marvel, sits prominently on a hill in Lincoln, England, and showcases the evolution of English Gothic architecture from the Romanesque period through the Decorated and Early English styles. Originally consecrated in 1092 and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1185, it was once the world's tallest building and features important structures like the St. Hugh's Choir and the Angel Choir, showcasing intricate decorative elements and innovative architectural features such as rib vaults and flying buttresses.
There is also a Mass at St. Hugh's Catholic Church in Lincoln. It is a Roman Catholic parish built in 1892 in the late Victorian Gothic style by architect Albert Vicars. It is known for its beautiful interior, featuring Stations of the Cross in Carrara marble, an elaborate high altar, and stained-glass windows.
DAY 10 | MONDAY, MAY 31, 2027 | ELY CATHEDRAL
Today we travel to Ely, where we will have a private Cathedral and Tower Tour. There will be an organ demonstration and talk by the Director of Music of the Ely Cathedral. We will attend a Choir Rehearsal followed by Choral Evensong.
Ely Cathedral, known as the "Ship of the Fens," is a historic cathedral in Ely, Cambridgeshire, with origins dating back to a 7th-century monastery founded by St. Etheldreda. Primarily built in Romanesque and Gothic styles, it displays diverse medieval architecture, including a 12th-century Romanesque nave and the 14th-century Octagon Tower, which features its distinctive lantern — a marvel of medieval engineering. Rising prominently above the flat fens, the cathedral has been a place of worship for over 900 years and remains a significant landmark in the English landscape.
DAY 11 | TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2027 | ST. EDMUNDSBURY CATHEDRAL
Today we travel to St. Edmunds. We will have a private tour of St. Edmundsbury Cathedral. Attend a Choir Rehearsal followed by Choral Evensong. We will have a private Organ recital following Evensong.
St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, is the home of the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and has served as a place of Christian worship for over a thousand years. Originally a parish church for a Benedictine monastery, it was elevated to cathedral status in 1914 and has seen significant modern additions, notably its iconic Millennium Tower, completed in 2005. Today, the cathedral combines ancient history with modern design, acting as a hub for faith, heritage, and community activities in the area.
DAY 12 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2027 | CAMBRIDGE – LONDON
After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel back to London. We will check into the hotel and attend a Choral Evensong at St. Martin’s in the Field.
St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a historic Church of England parish church located on the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square in London, known for its notable Georgian architecture designed by James Gibbs. As an active church, it also functions as a lively cultural center, offering regular classical and lunchtime concerts, hosting exhibitions, and providing cafes within its crypt.
DAY 13 | THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2027 | LONDON
Your morning is free to explore London on your last full day of the tour. In the afternoon, tour the Handel Hendrix House, and St. George’s Church. We will then have high tea at St. Ermin’s Tea Lounge and attend Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey.
Handel Hendrix House is a unique London museum located in two adjoining Mayfair townhouses that were once home to composer George Frideric Handel and rock legend Jimi Hendrix. The combined museum celebrates both musical giants with immersive exhibitions, live music, and talks, offering insight into their lives and enduring influence.
St. George's Church, Hanover Square is a historic Anglican church located in London's Mayfair district. It was designed by John James and completed in 1725 as part of the Queen Anne Churches project. The church's classical design, featuring a portico supported by six Corinthian columns, set a new trend in English church architecture.
DAY 14 | FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2027 | LONDON
Final breakfast at the hotel, and our tour will conclude.
Tour Specifics
INCLUSIONS
Cathedrals/Churches: Entrance, guided tours, private organ talks and demos. Schola Cantorum, Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, Église Saint-Séverin, Saint-Sulpice, Basilique Sainte-Clotilde, Sainte-Eustache Church, Église Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais, Basilique Cathédrale Saint-Denis, Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix de Ménilmontant, Église Saint-Antoine-des-Quinze-Vingts, Église de la Sainte-Trinité, La Madeleine, Église Saint-Joseph.
Tour Leader: Tour Leadership by Dr. Jason Keefer, accessible for information and insights throughout the tour.
Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager or Assistant to accompany the group throughout the tour.
Hotel: 8 nights' accommodation in a 4-star hotel, in the Latin Quarter area of Paris.
Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel and meals included in the itinerary.
Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides will be available at specific sites.
Tips: Local guides and meals that are included in your itinerary.
Information Pack: A comprehensive tour information packet. There is also an optional comprehensive pre-tour course, "French Sacred Music and Organ Tradition," available for audit.
EXCLUSIONS
International/Domestic Travel
Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of tours.
Special Taxes: Any special taxes and airport levies associated with your travel to and from the tour destination.
Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour.
Travel: Land travel in Paris. To offer maximum flexibility with our Freedom in Form travel, events in London will be accessible by public transportation.
Meals: Meals that are not included in your itinerary.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses at hotels, for example, laundry, phone calls, and minibar items.
Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.
Not listed in Inclusions: Any costs not included in the Inclusions section of this tour.
FITNESS LEVEL II REQUIRED
All members of the tour must have the ability to:
Undertake walking tours of two to hours hours’ duration, which may include the use of stairs and walking on uneven ground.
Stand for long periods in Cathedrals, museums, etc.
Embark/disembark coaches, trains, and other methods of transportation without assistance.
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.
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