Cathar Country Tour
The Cathars, the Knights Templar, Rennes-le-Chatêau, The Saunière Mystery,
The Da Vinci Code, The Magdalene & Mysteries of the Cathar Country
On this epic adventure we will be visiting the Cathar Country; lands steeped in mystery and legend stretching back beyond Old Testament times. The Cathar Country is in the Languedoc, nestling in the foothills of the Pyrénées in the South of France. It boasts a rich, diverse and fascinating history all set within some of the most beautiful and spectacular countryside anywhere. These lands known now as the Cathar Country were the home to the mighty Visigoths, the mysterious Merovingian kings, the Knights Templar and the mystical Cathars themselves who suffered most cruelly and bravely for their beliefs. More recently they were the home of François Bérenger Saunière, the priest of the tiny hilltop hamlet of Rennes-le-Chatêau, who’s intriguing story inspired a BBC documentary series, the world best seller ‘Holy Blood, Holy Grail’ and the international block-buster novel and Hollywood movie, ‘The Da Vinci Code’. This tiny hill top hamlet of Rennes-le-Chatêau has truly become World famous.
We will head for the Languedoc and Aude Valley and back to the time of the Knights Templar and the Cathars. In the lands of the Cathar ‘Heretics’ we will explore a variety of aspects of some of Europe’s most intriguing history. We will visit Cathar and Knights Templar castles perched high upon mountain peaks, including the amazing Chatêau Montségur, the site of the final tragic massacre where the Cathars marched singing into the flames of their enemies. For the second half of your time in the Cathar Country you will be immersed in the fascinating story of the priest Bérenger Saunière and the Rennes-le-Chatêau mystery.
Proposed Itinerary For the Cathar Country Tour
Day 1. Meet in Carcassonne
On your arrival in the Cathar Country Neil will meet you at Carcassonne airport or Rail Station and take you to the Hostellerie de l’Evêché, The Old Bishops Palace hotel and our home for the next 8 days. The hotel is located in the peaceful and serene medieval spa town of Alet-les-Bains, famous for its mineral waters, thermal springs and as an historic religious centre of pilgrimage. Legend has it that alchemists and cabbalists of medieval Europe once lived in Alet-les-Bains and the house of Nostradamus is to be found in the main square. Our stay will be on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis, which means we will be taking advantage of the gourmet cuisine of Christian Limouzy, owner and chef, who graduated from the École Hotellière des Pyrénées in Toulouse and who promotes the regional cuisine as well as family recipes. The wine served free with dinner is also sourced from the Cathar Country.
Day 2. Crusade against the Cathars, Le Cité Carcassonne
Today we will begin our exploration into the story of the Cathars with a visit to the spectacular walled city of Carcassonne. Le Cité is everyone’s childhood dream of a medieval citadel. You will have free time to delve into the Cathar and Templar history, as did Hitler’s army who are said to have searched down the town well for occult secrets.
In the afternoon will visit the impressive and spiritual Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Marceille, sitting on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.
Day 3. Château de Puilaurens & the Gorge De Galamus
The spectacular Gorge De Galamus is a natural cut straight through the mountains, with a river at its base. This provides a breathtakingly drive along the road that appears to hang from the cliff face. Half way through the George is the hidden, rock-cut, hermitage of St Anthony.
In the afternoon we will visit the picturesque mountain top Château de Puilaurens. A once stronghold of the Cathars.
DAY 4. MONTSEGUR THE LAST STAND OF THE CATHARS
The spectacular Castle of Montségur sitting high up on a mountain peak was the place where the Cathars faced their infamous last stand. We will have the opportunity to climb up to the castle, take in the awe-inspiring atmosphere and visit the ‘Cathar memorial’ to this tragic day.
In the afternoon we will call off at Château de Puivert, a Cathar Castle that was known for its visiting troubadours and party atmosphere.
DAY 5. THE MEDIEVAL CATHAR TOWN OF MIREPOIX AND THE VALS ROCK CUT CHURCH.
IN THE AFTERNOON WE WILL HAVE FREE TIME TO TAKE IN ALET-LES-BAINS.
We will pay a visit to the picturesque Medieval Cathar towns of Mirepoix with its unique painted buildings, a place you won’t forget. The facinating and spectacular Rock cut church in Vals takes you right back to the times of the Cathars.
A well earned rest and an opportunity to explore the town of Alet-les-Bains, including the ancient Abbey remains, the Nostradamus House with wonderful esoteric carvings, the medieval streets and buildings and of course the swimming pool and healing springs.
DAY 6. FATHER SAUNIÈRE, RENNES LE CHATÊAU AND THE STORY OF THE THREE PRIESTS
Today we will look at the amazing mystery that surrounds the now infamous Berenger Saunière as we head for the hilltop hamlet of Rennes le Chatêau, the centre of the Da Vinci Code story; the Holy Bloodline, the Magdalene and some intriguing sacred geometry. We will begin with a discussion of the background of the Saunière mystery, in the out-door cafe overlooking the Rennes le Chatêau church and then have plenty of time to look around this church dedicated to Mary Magdalene and the ‘Saunière Domain Museum’. On the way we will have a drive up to Montazels, to see Saunière’s birthplace.
DAY 7. WE WILL CONTINUE OUR LOOK INTO THE SAUNIERE MYSTERY WITH A VISIT TO RENNES-LES-BAINS.
Today we will visit the town of Rennes-les-Bains, where the churchyard holds a couple of interesting secrets. Nearby are a few interesting and related places such as the ‘Devil’s Armchair’, possibly associated with Rennes le Chatêau and the so called ‘Camp Grand Capitelles’, mysterious ‘Beehive’ type structures covering whole hillsides, there are many theories about this unusual place but none which fully explain it, or are there?. We will also climb up to the small town of Coustaussa where Father Gélis, a close friend of Saunière’s, met a terrible and tragic eccedent.
Day 8. Return to Carcassonne
To bring your exploration to a close Neil will transfer you to Carcassonne airport/station for your journey home. If your flight is not until the following day ask Neil about booking a further day in the hotel and have another day in the wonderful Cathar Country.
All this and some of the most beautiful, spectacular & breathtaking landscapes in the world and many more gems of the Cathar Country.
Cathar Tour Payment
8 Day Tour Price £1800
Single Supplement £100
Deposit £400
Includes – All transport and site visits from pick-up at Carcassonne airport/rail station, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast & many site entrance fees
Does not include – air fares and insurance (please make arrangement for private travel insurance cover).
Please note, all deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled by Neil.