A sacred journey of yoga, labyrinth, and revelation.
October 3-10, 2026
“Call to me and I will answer you, and I will show you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
— Jeremiah 33:3
Join Jessica and others on a sacred journey of yoga, labyrinth, and revelation. Towering over the medieval town of Chartes, France, this iconic, historic, and architectural marvel invites pilgrims from all over the world to explore the interior cathedral of one's own heart. This profound and thoughtfully curated experience will take you on a journey through Chartres, Paris, and into your own soul, seeking and finding the hidden treasures of purpose, inspiration, and divine connection.
Go to Pilgrimage DetailsYou are invited
to walk the sacred medieval Chartres labyrinth in its birthplace, the magnificent Chartres Cathedral in France.
Amid venerated relics, world-renowned stained-glass windows, and a mysterious crypt, you'll embark on a guided journey inward to find what's waiting to be discovered.
"Why does the labyrinth attract people? Because it is a tool to guide healing, deepen self knowledge, and empower creativity. Walking the labyrinth clears the mind and gives insight into the spiritual journey. It urges action. It calms people in the throws of life transitions. It helps them see their lives in the context of a path, a pilgrimage. They realize that they are not human beings on a spiritual path but spiritual beings on a human path..." ~ Lauren Artress, Walking a Sacred Path
I was first introduced to the labyrinth
in 2010 during an event in Austin, Texas. I was immediately captivated, watching people walk the winding path, moving toward and away from the center and from one another. I saw in it a powerful metaphor for life’s pilgrimage: each of us walking our own path, yet never truly alone.
In the years that followed, I walked many more labyrinths, each one revealing its own wisdom and heart-opening mystery. What began as curiosity grew into devotion. By 2021, labyrinth walking had become a regular spiritual practice for me. I go to seek clarity, mark anniversaries, and navigate transitions. I go to calm my mind and uplift my spirit. Sharing this practice with others and witnessing their discoveries brings me deep joy.
In October 2024, I made my first personal pilgrimage to the beloved Chartres Cathedral in France. I spent a year preparing through reading, journaling, and labyrinth walking, opening myself to the profound spiritual healing I experienced there.
I returned to Chartres in October 2025 for both personal renewal and to become a Veriditas-trained Labyrinth Facilitator. Standing once again within the great Cathedral, I felt a clear calling to bring others to this sacred place. The labyrinth continues to teach me about trust, surrender, and grace—and I look forward to guiding others on this journey of discovery and transformation.
The picturesque town of Chartres radiates its own beauty and mystery. Bridges, rivers, gardens, cobblestone streets, and charming façades ground you in timeless surroundings where spirit and matter meet, supporting the thousands of pilgrims who visit each year.
How to pronounce Chartres:
- Practice — Daily gentle, theme-based yoga and meditation practices with Jessica in the energy of Chartres.
- Stained Glass Inspiration — Guided exploration, reflection, journaling with Rev. Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion, world-renowned labyrinth blogger and author of 8 books about Chartres Cathedral and the sacred imagery.
- Private Tours — Sacred relics, around the grounds of Chartres Cathedral, within the walls of the treasury, and more...
- Private Labyrinth walk — After hours access to walk, pray, meditate, and reflect. (subject to change)
- Day Trip to Paris — Wednesday will be spent in the City of Light with Patricia Russo of Sacred Paris, discovering what joys and secrets are hidden in plain sight.
Some activities may be subject to change and evolution.
Accommodations are not included in the pilgrimage fee, but we’re happy to offer recommendations for your stay in Chartres.
Your journey is your own, so please choose the lodging that best supports your needs and intention. Here are some suggestions to make it easy.
- Le Parvis*: "Ideally located guesthouse at the foot of the famous Chartres Cathedral combines historic charm and modern comfort [with] breathtaking views of this architectural masterpiece." Very charming bed and breakfast located on the plaza with a view of the cathedral. * I have booked two rooms here. Contact Jessica for room with 5% off. WEBSITE
- Hotel Le Bœuf Couronné: "This century-old, three-star boutique hotel has one of the best locations in the city with a unique view of Chartres Cathedral." A bit more of a walk but still very close, lovely accommodations. WEBSITE
- AirBnB*: There are so many lovely AirBnBs in Chartres if you are looking for lodging with more space and a kitchen. You will find many within a short walk from the Cathedral (marked as Labyrinthe de Chartres on the AirBnB map). Prices start around $450 for the week. Many have two bedrooms. *I have booked two AirBnB's to choose from. If you're interested in these, contact Jessica. SEARCH AIRBnB
All yoga classes are held in Ste Thérèse room 2 at the Hôtellerie Saint-Yves, just steps away from the cathedral.
Jessica Goulding, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, Labyrinth Facilitator
Jessica Goulding is a seasoned yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist based in Austin, Texas. With more than 20 years of teaching experience, she specializes in alignment-based, contemplative, and therapeutic yoga that helps students cultivate balance, resilience, and self-awareness. She began her journey in 1995 while studying dance at the University of Texas at Austin and later became certified in the alignment-based Anusara™ method in New York City. In 2018, she earned her Yoga Therapist certification through the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), expanding her work in stress management and holistic healing.
As an experienced international retreat leader, she has guided meaningful experiences in Lake Atitlán, the Galápagos, Aruba, and beyond. She believes in the power of place to deepen practice and inspire transformation.
Most recently, Jessica became a Veriditas-trained Labyrinth Facilitator and is excited to integrate this sacred walking meditation into her retreats and events, including her upcoming pilgrimage to Chartres Cathedral in France.
The Rev. Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion, PhD, DD
is a world-renowned expert on labyrinths, labyrinth prayer, and the Chartres Cathedral. She has published seven books and numerous scholarly and popular articles on labyrinths. Her most recent work, Visions of Mary, Art, Devotion, and Beauty at Chartres Cathedral, combines stunning images and historical insights. As a professional photographer, Jill’s visual work points to the unique character and inspiration of labyrinth prayer, the Chartres Cathedral, and sacred sites around the world. In her global ministry on four continents, Jill installs large-scale, Chartres-style labyrinths, often working in places of violence and acute suffering. When serving as a guide, workshop leader, and retreat facilitator, she enjoys connecting the spiritual needs of others with God’s bountiful love. Jill’s writing, art, and leadership style are inspiring, encouraging, and experience-based.
Patricia Russo, Sacred Paris,
is a writer, guide, and pilgrimage curator dedicated to weaving the sacred into everyday life. With a background in event planning, writing, travel, yoga and spiritual studies, Patricia has cultivated a deep appreciation for the intersection of art, culture, and spirituality. Her journey led her to Paris, where she founded Sacred Paris to offer bespoke travel experiences, exclusive retreats, and meticulously planned events that blend experience with meaning.
Patricia’s work is inspired by a lifelong love of art, ritual, and the transformative power of place. Through Sacred Paris, she shares the city’s hidden layers with fellow seekers, creatives, and mystics, guiding them to discover the profound beauty and spirituality that Paris has to offer.
Hidden Things:
Pilgrimage to Chartres Cathedral
Dates: October 3-10, 2026*
Location: Chartres, France
Group Size: Limited to 12-15 participants
Cost: $2933
Deposit: $650 to reserve your space.
Monthly installments can be arranged, or you can pay in full.
All payments will be due by August 1, 2026.
If this trip calls to you but the cost is prohibitive, please reach out to Jessica. Sliding scale prices are available.
What IS included in cost of pilgrimage:
Zoom meetings and rituals to prepare
1:1 Spiritual Reflection Session with Jessica
Dinner the first and last nights
All yoga classes and private tours
Your Life as a Labyrinth workshop with Jessica
All guided activities
Wednesday travel to and from Paris, lunch in Paris
Expertise of three tremendous guides
Follow-up Zoom meeting to reflect on our experience together
What is NOT included in cost of pilgrimage:
Hotel accommodations
Flight and travel to Chartres
Other meals (Expect 12€ - 20€ for lunch, 20€ - 40€ for dinner each day. Breakfast usually included with accommodation.)
*Our week begins on Saturday. However, if you would like to walk the labyrinth before we begin, please also make arrangements for Friday, October 2. The Chartres labyrinth is only open to the public Fridays from 10:30-5:00.
Let my pilgrimage begin!Pilgrimage Overview
Saturday*: Arrivals, yoga practice, opening circle, dinner together
Sunday: Perimeter walk of Chartres Cathedral, Introduction to the stained glass with Jill Geoffrion, Yoga Nidra
Monday: Your Life as a Labyrinth workshop with Jessica, visit the crypt with the Black Madonna, Chartres en Lumieres
Tuesday: Sacred gardens practice with Jessica, Mary Magdalene Window with Jill Geoffrion, Private labyrinth walk (subject to change)
Wednesday: Day trip to Paris! Custom curated tour of sacred hidden places with Patricia Russo. Includes transportation and lunch.
Thursday: Yoga and Sound Bath, tour of the treasury in Chartres, hidden labyrinths discovery
Friday: Yoga and Breath Journey, open labyrinth walks with reflections, closing circle
Saturday: Departures
*Our week begins on Saturday. However, if you would like to walk the labyrinth before we begin, please also make arrangements for Friday, October 2. The Chartres labyrinth is only open to the public Fridays from 10:30-5:00.
It is important to incorporate rest and rejuvenation, and we will be mindful of our itinerary as the week progresses. Participants should always feel welcome to opt in or out, depending on individual needs and desires.
Sundays and evenings at the cathedral include mass and vespers. Those interested are welcome to attend. Find the full schedule HERE.
What hidden things are waiting to be revealed to you?
The path is waiting — ancient, timeless, and ready to receive your steps.
Come soak in the stories, the history, the mystery, and the love of the divine feminine at Chartres Cathedral. You might just discover a sacred mystery within you!
Take me to Chartres!
Stay tuned for FAQ's
Contact Jessica with inquiries HERE.
