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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.