Hello Travelers,

For those arriving in Paris this coming week-end (Sept 12-13) a certain added buzz might be noticed along with a few more logistical challenges because Pope Benedict XVI will be in town before going to Lourdes for the 150 year anniversary of the visions of the Virgin Mary.  Furthermore, it will be impossible to miss the more than 9,000 police and other security officers that the Interior Ministry announced will be on duty for the Pontiff’s visit.  For those arriving in Rome this weekend this means that there will not be a Papal Blessing in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday September 14, 2008.

According to the official agenda published by the Vatican Press office there will be a few opportunities to see the Pope in person during his Parisian visit.  Click through for the details on how catch the Pope and for critical logistical information that you should if you are visiting Paris on 12, 13 September 2008.

1. The Pope will be arriving at Notre Dame de Paris at around 7:15 pm after making a visit to Collège des Bernardins also in the Latin Quarter; he will be in the neighborhood from around 5:00pm  At 8:30 His Holiness is scheduled to greet the crowd outside Notre Dame for a brief address in Italian and French.  This audience will be limited to those already invited which is why Paris will set up 15 large screens along the Left Bank Quais.
2. The Pope will preside over a High Mass at the Esplande des Invalides which is about a ten to fifteen minute walk from the Eiffel Tower on a regular day.

Important logistical things to know and prepare for:

September 12, 2008:  Notre Dame / Left Bank Visit-

• Between approximately 6:45 and 7:00 pm the Pope will be traveling in the Popemobile to Notre Dame de Paris. 
• The following Metro Stops will be closed from 2:00 pm (14:00):  Cité, Saint-Michel, Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame et Cluny - La Sorbonne.
• Use these stops instead:  Odéon, Maubert-Mutualité, Jussieu, Pont-Marie, Châtelet.
• At Midnight there will be a “Procession of Light” at midnight from Notre-Dame cathedral to the Invalides.  The procession can be joined at any time.
• If you are planning on visiting Notre Dame on Friday 12 then make it your early stop as access will be limited after 2:00 pm.
• As mentioned there will be no access into Notre Dame Square but to the left is a map of where the 15 large screen monitors will be set up.  The green also approximates the rout the Pope will be following in his Popemobile.

September 13, 2008:  High Mass with the Pope on the Esplanade of Invalides-

• Between 150,000 and 200,000 people are expected so be prepared for a crowd
• The High Mass is at 10:00 am
• No ticket or inscription is necessary.  The Mass is free admission.
• Arrive before 8:30 am, I recommend shooting for about 8:00 am.
• The metro and RER will be working as usual but the “Invalides”, “Pont de l’Alma”, “Varenne”, and “La Tour-Maubourg” stops will be closed.  Instead use the closes stops.
• For security reasons luggage and large bags, knives, glass bottles, gas containers, large flags, banners, signs or notices and animals will not be allowed on the Esplanade.  Remember to leave that Swiss Army knife at the hotel.

Check www.papeaparis.org for further information at to check if the schedule has changed.

Happy Travels,

Chris

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