Travel & Experiences

Photos: Mission San Luis Rey de Francía

Distant snow-covered peaks rise behind San Luis Rey mission east of Oceanside, Calif. The mission is named for Louis IX, the only canonized king of France

Distant snow-covered peaks rise behind San Luis Rey mission east of Oceanside, Calif. The mission is named for Louis IX, the only canonized king of France   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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One of California’s first pepper trees, apparently planted in the 1830s, is still growing in the mission quadrangle. Besides the history, you might glimpse some of the Catholic Church’s future; the Franciscans moved their School of Theology (seminary) here in September 2013.

San Luis Rey de Francía, 18th mission, 1798

The beautiful buildings are a stunning reminder of California’s mission past.   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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