Institute pilgrimages

Is it time?

Do you desire reflective time to consider your life purpose and direction, want to walk in beautiful places and have deeper connections with others? For centuries, people all over the world have chosen to walk as a way to see the world and themselves with new eyes.

Our specially designed 9-day pilgrimages in Europe immerse you in two journeys which happen on the same path.

We hope you’ll give yourself the gift of being on a stunning walk with plenty of reflective time, and the opportunity to meet a small band of like-minded souls who know that getting away from it all is a powerful way to gain perspective and make decisions about the next period of your life.

"All nature is doing her best to make us well.

Do not resist her."    Thoreau

Announcing TWO 2025 pilgrimages to the coast of France!

We have all the preparation done for our 2025 Pilgrimages on the GR34 (Sentier de grande randonée 34) on the coast of France. We walked a section of this route last year and it was so spectacular we are going back to walk another section in the same region. This year we are doing two walks, both on the same route.

Also called the Customs Path, it was used by Customs Officers after the French Revolution. They were charged with reducing smuggling, rescuing stranded shipwreck victims, and defending the coast. Originally, there were small huts built along the path for places to stop and overnight. The path stretches more than 2,000 KM in the Brittany region from Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire. We will be on the stretch from Brest to Lannilis, which falls in the middle of the coastal path. This section has miles of open ocean beaches, serene inlets, farmland, and is dotted with small coastal fishing and vacationing villages. There are no large cities.

Our daily walking will include many moments of “I can’t believe I’m walking in the midst of all this beauty.”  But it's not just the geography. It's also about the beauty in the shared stories, noticing the ever-deepening and slowing of your breath as you slip into pilgrimage time, and the realization that to walk these paths is to be connected to the divine. On pilgrimage, gratitude is a way of being.

Our route follows the established GR34 path. Each day, we'll be walking on sandy beaches at low tide, gravel paths along the beaches, earthen paths on bluffs at the edge of the sea, and sometimes narrow lanes that weave through villages. Each day, we will get to the end of our walk for that day, but we will not be in a hurry. 

Pilgrimage guide

Bruce Anderson

Dates

Pilgrimage #1:

Depart US/Canada September 18

Return US/Canada September 27

Pilgrimage #2

Depart US/Canada September 27

Return US Canada October 6

Note: Both Pilgrimages begin and end in Brest, France. Both Pilgrimages follow the exact same route. You can easily get to Brest by train(four hours) or air(one hour) from Paris. We will provide more travel info after you register, or you can email info@coregift.org

“The combination of elements on this journey, both along the trail and internally, hit on something really big. I get what I’m here to do at a whole other level. Something profound happened by walking every day with a small group of fellow curious folks that I couldn’t anticipate. The time to reflect on what matters most, while surrounded by nature, made me feel more alive and clear than I have in years.”

Danae Johnson, executive coach, British Columbia

Our Itinerary (Same for both Pilgrimages)

Day One

Depart USA/Canada (People from all countries are welcome!)

It’s time to start! You’ll depart your home in US/Canada or other locations and arrive in Paris in time to connect with a flight or train to Brest. Don’t forget, many of us will gain a day crossing the ocean because of time changes! (Note: your lodging is covered beginning on your arrival in Brest on Day One.  Please plan your departure from Paris to Brest so you can gather with our group by 5pm and share our first meal together. More details to follow. There is often a lost or forgotten item, or a delayed flight, or some other glitch in a group of this size. Don't worry!  We've done thirty Pilgrimages since 2013 and we've got you covered. We'll relax into whatever we encounter and get us all happily on our way.

Day Two

We'll wake up in Brest and gather with our Pilgrim group for a slow breakfast followed by an orientation to the Pilgrimage, a check of equipment, last-minute questions, and a time to sit in circle and get to know each other a bit. Our bags will be picked up at 8am by the excellent La Malle Postale baggage service and taken to the lobby of our next inn for the night. In all these years, we've never had them lose a bag, not show up, or be anything other than at our service. Mid-morning we'll be off in arranged transportation to take us to the ocean bluffs on the edge of town to begin our walk. The first day walking is a day to get used to walking. We'll walk a few less miles today than usual as we warm up to longer walks. We're following the bluffs and beaches past Portez, around the bay to Plougonvelin and then to our inn at Pointe Saint-Mathieu. We heard about a wonderful Bistro next to the inn and we've already got reservations for 7pm!

Day Three

We're in the ritual now, bags downstairs by 8, done with breakfast and ready to walk about 9am. Today, we're headed up the coast. We'll stop in Le Conquet at the bakery and market to get whatever each of us wants for our lunch. It's always a problem getting everybody to finish their shopping since there are so many interesting food items to look at! This area of the coastline doesn't have a lot of lodging, so we're going to shuttle up the coast a few miles before we start walking. Otherwise, it would be more than twenty-five miles walking to our destination! We'll start walking at Plage de Corsen and work our way up the coast, passing small villages, beaches, and offshore islets. Up towards Plage du Guerou, we'll turn away from the ocean and walk up the south side of Ildut inlet as it narrows and leads to Breles. We'll stop there in a traditional walker's inn for the evening. The inn is providing a simple catered traditional walker's meal.

Day Four

You know the routine! Bags in the lobby, breakfast together and out the door about 9am. We'll walk west on the northern shore of Iildut inlet, to Lanidult where we hear there is a great local market to get traditional French lunch ingredients. We'll be out to the coast soon, walking north along beaches and lanes. We'll pass Melon, Mazou and Porsponder on our way to Argenton where we'll stop for the night. The innkeeper has told us about several wonderful restaurants within a ten-minute walk, so we'll check that out and pick one when we arrive. 

Day Five

YES, we’re going to stay a second night in this Inn. No rushing, no packing up suitcases, just a leisurely breakfast and then adventuring. This is midway, and we've found that some Pilgrims like a day to relax, journal, and sit on the beach or a coffeeshop. And other Pilgrims like to head off on a walk and explore. We chose this location for our day-off since there are many interesting bays, beaches, peninsulas and things to explore that we won't be able to get to on our daily route. And also, great spots to hang out and relax. So, you'll get to choose what you'd like to do and we'll support you in making that happen.

Day Six

We're all rested up, relaxed and ready for another full day of walking. We'll head north, up the coast, passing by Penfour, past the rock formations of Le dragon de Landunves and the ancient Chapelle de Saint-Samson. We'll bend around the point at Trémazan and head into the bay at Kersaint. From there, we'll turn inland and walk to Ploudalmezeau where we'll stay for the night.

Day Seven

From the inland town of Ploudalmezeau, we'll walk back out to the coast through farmland and the village of Lampaul-Ploudalmezeau and arriving at the beautiful sand beaches of Les Dunes.  From there, the path hugs the beach around the point and presents another deep and wide beach of Plage Corn ar Gazel which is at the edge of the town of Saint-Pabu on the inlet of Benoit. The inlet narrows as we pilgrim farther up until a 16th century manor appears in front of us as we approach Tréglonou. This will be our home for tonight. We have arranged for transportation to the close-by village of Lannilis for dinner.

Day Eight

Our last day of walking!  We'll do a circular route today, returning to the Manor for the night. We'll journey to the end of the inlet from the Manor, cross a bridge and walk the other side of the inlet until we turn a mile inland to the village of Lannilis where we'll stop for lunch. It'll be a shorter walking day, since we want to return with plenty of time for our closing conversation and our traditional "All Boots In" closing ritual and a relaxing evening in the pub.

Day Nine

We awake with one foot out the door thinking about the return home and one foot that doesn't quite yet want to leave. It is a time of great joy, feelings of accomplishment and a recognition of the depth of meaning held by our group and our walking together. There will be time for a quick breakfast and then we'll see a van pull up outside the Manor to deliver us to Brest. We've arranged an 8am pickup, which is plenty of time to connect with the mid-morning plane and train to Paris so you can get a connecting flight home the same day. Or stay a few days more!! 

Please note: This is our planned and reserved itinerary. Circumstances beyond our control may force slight changes along our route. Pilgrims are flexible!

Cost:

$2,600 USD

$500 deposit at time of Registration, refundable till July 1, 2023

Two payment options for balance of $2,100.00:

Option One: Pay full balance by August 1, 2025.

Option Two: We offer a payment plan of $300 per month for seven months with zero percent interest beginning July 1, 2025.

Both payment options for the balance of $2,100 will be available in the shopping cart on July 1, 2025. 

Includes:

• Double-occupancy lodging
• Baggage daily transportation between lodging
• All breakfasts and some planned lunches
• All entry fees to planned visitor events along the route
• All transportation along the route
• Facilitation of evening dialogues
• All materials and Pilgrim's Journal
• Daily variety of reflective activities
• Blend of silent and discussion-based walking
• Guides along our route

Does not include:

Transportation to and from Brest.

Dinners and some lunches.

Illness and Covid Note:

There is currently no Covid testing requirement for travel between Europe and Canada/U.S. If that changes:

1. Participants are responsible for securing proof of negative-Covid test for arrival in Brest if it is required at time of departure. We will inform you if required.

2. We will set up Covid testing at the conclusion of our pilgrimage if it is required for re-entry into your country of origin.

3. If you become ill for any reason during the Pilgrimage, you will be responsible for any lodging which is not part of our reserved itinerary.

4. We do not provide medical insurance during the Pilgrimage. You will be responsible for any medical services provided to you. Please check with your insurance provider to be sure you have coverage for this trip.

Brittany Coast and GR34 Information:

Browse these links to get more information about where we are going!

GR34 Information:

https://www.gr-infos.com/en/gr34.htm

I Love Walking In France (Brittany Guide):

https://ilovewalkinginfrance.com/coast-of-brittany/

Brittany Tourism Information:

https://www.brittanytourism.com/matching-what-i-want/hikes-in-brittany/gr-34-the-customs-officers-path/

Frequently asked questions

What will the weather be like?

We recommend Googling "Brest, France" and add “average temperature.” A monthly average temperature chart will come up, and you can gauge the weather we’ll have based on that. 

Will I need to get a lot of special gear?

No. You’ll need some layered clothing, lite rain-gear, some sturdy walking shoes or trail-runners, and a few other things. Once registered, we’ll send you a very detailed packing list we have refined over the last decade of pilgrimages.

What language is used?

Of course, French is primary and many locals speak some English. We've found locals to be very helpful and welcoming and have had no trouble figuring out travel, restaurant menus, signage or any other common things you we encounter when traveling. 

Will I be carrying a heavy pack?

No. Your luggage will be transported each day by courier to our destination for that night. You will be bringing a small daypack to carry your snacks, rain-gear, and whatever else you might need for the day’s walk.

What is the age range?

Adults over 30 are welcome to apply.

Is this going to be physically demanding?

This is a walk, not an endurance test. We have a saying, "The faster you walk, the less you see." Participants are generally tired at the end of the day, but not exhausted. We want you to still have energy at the end of the day so we can meet for our evening sessions without you falling asleep!

How many miles do we walk each day?

The daily mileage varies from 7-11 miles. We generally are walking between 9:00am-4pm, take frequent breaks, so we can cover the miles without feeling like we are rushed. Past experience says we generally walk about 2 mph during the trek. This is the average speed of somebody walking down the street in your town.

I need to make my travel plans. When do I need to be there?

Please pay close attention to the detailed arrival and departure times for our Pilgrimage so you can arrange your travel. Please DO NOT purchase air or train tickets until you have a written confirmation from us that you are a registered participant.

When you say average fitness, what do you mean?

The primary determiner for you should be whether or not you experience physical symptoms that would make daily walking uncomfortable or unsafe. Certainly, if you have current heart, joint, other serious medical conditions or your weight makes it very difficult for you to walk most of a day, you should not apply. If you are not a regular exercise walker, we recommend you download a walking app and take walks of different lengths to gauge your fitness level. We have never had a participant who was unable to complete the journey due to physical demands.

How large is our group?

We limit the group size to 8 participants and 1-2 guides depending on the location of the Pilgrimage. We’ve found this is the perfect size group for great conversation, not being too cumbersome to move on the paths, and perfect for filling up a B&B!

What happens during the evening sessions?

We will meet most evenings for 1 - 1.5 hours, either right before or right after dinner. The sessions are designed to help you reflect on who you are, your hopes for the next period of your life, and commitments you want to make involving activities, careers, relationships, and personal development. They are designed with a variety of short activities including telling stories, writing short reflections, silence, and sharing ideas. This is not therapy! This is not forced sharing of stories you are not comfortable telling the world! We want you to look forward to gathering with other participants and getting and giving inspiration.

What other costs might I have beyond the registration fee?

We cover accommodations, in-country travel which is part of our itinerary, admissions to special events, breakfasts, guides, and evening facilitation. The registration fee does not include your travel to and from Brest, the start of our Pilgrimage. We provide breakfast each day, but you will be responsible for some lunches and all of your dinners. Walkers often bring a little extra money to purchase souvenirs along the way.

What is the "route transportation" you refer to?

Our route involves us taking several short van rides. Previous participants have told us they enjoy these rides as another way to see the countryside and rest your legs for a short while!

Is it possible for us to get lost?

We are not in remote wilderness. We are walking between towns on established trails, country lanes, or beaches.

Will my health insurance cover me overseas?

Many health plans cover travelers going outside the US, but you should check with your specific provider for coverages and what to do in case of illness or accident in order for your insurance to cover the costs. The organizers of this trek do not provide health or personal effects insurance of any type for participants. 

What are the accommodations?

We are staying in a variety of different hotels and inns, all of them good to excellent quality. This is not a luxury tour! The registration fee is based on double-occupancy. We try to switch roommates, when it’s agreeable to participants, so each night so you have the opportunity to get to know each other.

What about getting money when I am walking?

ATM's are available in most towns and villages. We encourage Pilgrims to visit an ATM upon arrival and get a small amount of Euro currency for incidentals, and to keep getting small amounts as needed. Our groups often pool our money for dinners as a courtesy so the restaurant staff don't have to issue 8 different checks, so having a small amounts of cash is helpful! We will discuss this more our first day. You may also use Venmo to pay the leader for meals, who will then pay the restaurant.There is easy access to ATM machines and credit or debit cards are widely used. Don’t forget to notify your bank prior to departure.

What about bringing electronic gadgets?

There is no right answer to this. Most walkers come on trips specifically to get away from the demands of staying connected all the time, and believe bringing a cell phone offers the basic contact, email, and emergency connecting they need. Other walkers can’t imagine leaving home without their laptop or iPad. Be aware that you will have very limited time to be connected, usually only early morning and after the evening sessions are completed. We discourage cell use during the day, except in emergency, since we are in the midst of nature and it’s hard to focus when bells and whistles are going off around you!

What about getting work done while I am on this trip?

We strongly recommend you NOT plan on getting significant work done while on this trip. You will not have the available time, and experience tells us it usually interrupts a participant’s ability to really be present with others and the magnificent beauty we will be surrounded by. Many participants do some brief checking in with home or work in the evening to catch up with important details.

If I choose not to bring electronics, what about emergencies?

The guides have cell phones with international calling plans and emergency numbers that you can use if you need to.

Do you have recommendations for setting up my cell phone calling plan for this trip?

Most all of the places we will stay at have internet access, although it is often slower than the speeds we are used to. Some, but not all, have cell phone signal. Many participants download WhatsApp so they can use wi-fi for their phone calls. Many walkers add unlimited international texting to their phone plan, since the cost is low to do that. Most cell providers now have a $10 per day unlimited phone and text option you can sign up for prior to leaving for the trip. 

“Walking with the Core Gift Institute gave me a whole new confidence in myself and my abilities to succeed physically, socially, and mentally.”

Juanita, pilgrimage participant