What to bring

Paris to Chartres Pilgrimage Walk

Walking Shoes:  As this is a walking pilgrimage good quality footwear is essential. Walking boots, walking shoes, runners, walking sandals are all worn by pilgrims, and the choice of footwear depends on personal taste. However, it is essential that footwear is tested and broken-in prior to the pilgrimage.

Socks:  Walking/hiking socks are a must (especially if you are wearing hiking boots). There is a wide variety available at various sports shops, and there are even anti-blister socks available (however, these are not as reliable as their name suggests). Some pilgrims wear two pair of socks, a thin pair inside a thicker pair, this is suppose to help prevent blisters. You will need socks for three days of walking.

Another pair of Shoes:  It is advisable to bring a second pair of shoes, to change into at the camp. A light pair of shoes, or sandals will do. 

Clothing:  You will need clothes for three days of walking plus clothes for staying in Chartres after the pilgrimage. The weather during the pilgrimage varies so it is best to check the weather forecast closer to the time of the pilgrimage.  

You should bring clothes suitable for walking in (light material, not tight fitted), you will need shorts/trousers/skirt, shirt, vest, underclothes for three days. 

You will also need a warm jumper, it will be cold in the camp at night and early in the morning is also generally cold.

You will need rain gear i.e a poncho or light rain jacket that can fit in your bag. It is also a good idea to water-proof your shoes.

You will need clothes for sleeping in, bear in mind the camp can be quite cold. It is a good idea to bring a woolly hat for night time.

Camping equipment: ND de Chrétíenté (the pilgrimage organizers) supply a large group tent for the Irish Chapter, with separate accommodation for men and women. There is also an area where individuals who have brought their own tent can camp. 

You will need to bring a ground sheet, warm sleeping bag, torch, cup (soup is available at camp but you will need something to put it in - cup)

* non essential: sleeping mat, survival bag, own tent

Toiletries: There are basic wash facilities at the camp (trough with supply of fresh, but cold, water) and toilet facilities (porter-potty) are available at the camp and at rest stops. You will need to bring personal toiletries such as soap, wash cloth, toothpaste, toothbrush, 

* non essential: tissues, toilet paper, clippers, nail brush, hand wipes

Sun Care: Sun screen is a must! When it is hot it can be very hot, you will also need to bring a hat with a peak or rim that will protect you from the sun.

Foot Care: apart from shoes and socks you will also need to bring plasters with you for any blisters that might form. It is also a good idea to purchase blister plasters. The Order of Malta will have a tent at camp and will be present at rest stops, unfortunately they do not treat pilgrims for blisters so you will need to be ready to do this yourself.

Food: You will need to pack a cold picnic for the three days. At each stop you will be offered water, and at the lunch stop you will be given water and bread rolls. For the lunch stop you should bring some food to sustain you. Pilgrims usually bring: crisps, meat (salami, chorizo, hard cheese won't spoil outdoors like other meat products), nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, sweets. It is important to eat salty foods (nuts, crisps) as we will be loosing salt through sweat.

In the camp  there will be soup in the evening and tea/coffee/hot chocolate in the morning but you should have your own cup with you.

Luggage:  Your heavy luggage (including camping gear) will be transported by truck to the camp each morning. You will need to bring a small backpack with you for each day of walking.

In your back pack you will carry:

• Sunscreen
• Rain gear
• Food for the day
• Plasters
• Sun hat
• Rosaries
• Prayer book (this will be supplied on the first day)
• Anything else you need - but remember your bag will be with you for the whole day so don't overload it!

Money: You will need money for transport from the airport to Paris and from Chartres back to the airport, Other expenses include lunch in Chartres on the Tuesday following the pilgrimage (not covered in pilgrimage cost). You will also need money for donations on the pilgrimage.

Documents: You will need your passport, E111 card (European Health Insurance Card)