Planning and Practicalities

(i) Travel

There are several options of how we get to Lourdes, and each member of the CA stage groups are responsible for getting him/herself there and back. Members can either travel independently (several make a holiday of their journey) by plane or train, or if travelling on stage in August can join the dozen or so people who travel with the group. Either way, the transport to and from Lourdes for stage is no more expensive than for the pilgrimage week. So, in transport terms, doing the stage and CA weeks is no more expensive than just the CA (indeed, stagiaires travelling in a group with Tangney Tours get a discounted plane fare). Insurance is optional, and available through Tangneys if you wish. For travel options speak to Simon Gallop.

The only thing that costs more is that you'll be in Lourdes twice the time, so more pocket money might be needed. Spending money might have to double, but as I've said, Hospitalité Foyer prices are a quarter of that in the rest of the town, and you can use it both weeks.

(ii) Accommodation

We advise you to make accommodation arrangements as soon as possible, since it's always easier to cancel a place than try to get a room at the last minute.

When it comes to paying for the rooms, this is normally done in cash when you arrive, and gents are asked to leave a small deposit for their room keys. Please note; all Stagiaires need to bring their own towels, though bed linen is provided.

(iii) Meals

Meals on stage are cheap, normally quite tasty and practical. All stagiaires, of all sections, can eat together if they like (and we generally try to arrange it so that we do). The food is provided by the Hospitalité, at two central dining halls (the Abri St Michel, and the Ave Maria). Meals (which are generous and not too much like school dinners) are paid for by tickets. In other words, you get a three-course meal in Lourdes for not very much! Breakfast tickets cost very little too (though in Saint-Frai breakfast is provided on-site). The 'Homes' for the women who work in the Piscines have kitchens, so people usually make their own breakfasts and self-cater for some other meals if they wish, joining the rest of the group in the Abri or Ave Maria at other times. The price to pay - a walk to the supermarket!

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