France: Food, Romance, History and Faith

by Wendy Fracchia

France—the country of food, romance, and history. It’s easy to understand why the world is captivated by its cities and countrysides that offer all three. Even mentioning Les Misérables brings its cobblestone streets, soaring ideals, and the heartbeat of Paris alive.

But there is a fourth dimension we’re celebrating this year: faith. Across France, faith shows up in quiet corners, historic heights, and sacred moments that touch travelers of every belief.

Here are three ways faith deepens the France experience—and three meaningful ways you can explore France with us in 2026.

1. The Paris Temple: A Sanctuary in the City of Light

In the peaceful suburb of Le Chesnay stands the Paris France Temple, a serene refuge for Latter-day Saint travelers seeking connection during their journey. The temple’s calm, precise beauty feels like a gift in the midst of one of the world’s liveliest cities.

Temple Highlights:

Easy access from Paris and Versailles
Reverent grounds perfect for reflection and contrast to the bustling city of Paris
Opportunities for sessions and ordinance work (Offered on specific tours only)
For many, visiting an iconic temples around the world such as this becomes the spiritual centerpiece of their time in France.

2. Normandy’s Landing Beaches: Sacred Ground of Courage

Normandy is a place where history becomes emotion. Standing on Omaha or Utah Beach, the wind carries more than sea air—it carries the stories of bravery, sacrifice, and the triumph of light over darkness. These shores are hallowed in their own right. Visitors often describe the feeling as reverent, solemn, and deeply moving—no matter their background or faith.

Key Experiences:

American Cemetery & Reflection Pool
Pointe du Hoc & Ranger Monument
Sainte-Mère-Église
D-Day museums and personal stories that linger long after you leave
Many travelers tell us Normandy feels like stepping onto consecrated ground.

3. The Reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Symbol of Faith for All

After years of restoration following the devastating 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral has reopened, and the world is celebrating. Notre-Dame has always been more than a building, it’s a spiritual landmark that transcends denomination, belief, and nationality. Why do people of any faith feel something sacred here?

Because Notre-Dame represents:

Endurance — centuries of storms, wars, revolutions, and renewal
Devotion — generations who built, carved, painted, sang, and prayed within its walls
Hope — the global unity felt during its loss and the shared joy of its rebirth
Beauty — stained glass, organs, soaring arches, and art that lifts the soul
Walking inside feels like entering a living testimony of human faith and resilience.

Final Thoughts

France stirs the senses, inspires the imagination, and touches the soul.

In 2026 and beyond, whether you join us on a land tour or glide quietly along the Seine, you’ll experience a France where beauty and faith live side by side.

About Wendy Fracchia

Wendy has loved travel from a very early age. She recalls as young as 8 asking for travel opportunities "to go somewhere new" and that love continued straight into travel school from high school graduation. In her 30+ years in the business, she’s had the opportunity to work and travel in many aspects of this industry. She's worked in hotel operations, as a traditional travel agent, a corporate agent, travel course teacher, technology support, and while she's loved them all feels like she's found her passion and niche in groups and escorted tours where she has spent the last 15 years.