RENNES LE CHATEAU’S TIES TO HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL AND THE DA VINCI CODE.
For the traveler who loves roaming the gorgeous French countryside (who wouldn’t) and it’s many medieval historic sites, it is definitely a plus to know that you can incorporate the “Indiana Jones” style of excitement and discovery to your holiday and/or vacation. Those mysteries you have read about in many a book, such as the 1982 and still kicking, prominently interesting and controversial Holy Blood, Holy Grail, (Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln – 1982) and/or the similarly controversial and just-can’t- put-down: (The DaVinci Code, Dan Brown – 2003) just to name a couple since there are so many older ones and newer spinoffs whose titles I am sorry I cannot list because they are so numerous.

All of them touch such lore either lightly or in great detail and whether they are novels, truths or not, (I will not debate anything, as this is not my purpose here), if you take notes about your main interests and have a game plan, said material can help turn an already glorious trip, into a marvelous, movie like adventure. I for one, would love to go back to France and do some research on these hypotheses while enjoying the sights, smells and taste of the South of France.

Some years ago, I visited a beautiful place in the French Riviera’s Cote D’Azur called Saintes Maries Sur la Mer (it reminded me somewhat of the setting for the movie “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” w/ Sir Michael Caine and Steve Martin) and I do remember hearing our very knowledgeable tour guide’s narrative of the legend of three women, a man and a girl arriving at that shore on a boat without oars. She told us about Saint Sarah, patron of the gypsies and how the local legends identify the arrivals as Mary Magdalene, Saint Sarah, two more Marys and Joseph of Arimathea.

To my regret and embarasement, I will admit to not paying much attention to this tale, I was very young and on my first trip to Europe and genuinely eager to visit all the castles and historical places I possibly could. I had researched my upcoming trip extensively and wanted to go to every site I had read about. I think back now and wish I had really listened to her, asked more questions and maybe done a little bit of investigating of my own.

One may think these legends exagerated or far fetched, but there is always some underlying truth behind them. The romantic in me wants to believe in this and I admit my imagination and sense of adventure were captured as I’m sure it will also happen for many people. Just think of how this will turn an already delightful and enjoyable trip into an adventure that will satisfy and indulge the archeaologist and historian within us.

LODGINGS – MARKET VILLAGE OF ESPERAZA, LANGUEDOC-ROUSILLON AREA, CARCASSONNE, ETC.

If you can stay in the Languedoc – Rousillon area, you will find it very convenient because you will be deep in Cathar country, at the foothills of the Pyrenees, an area where you will find many historic medieval castles and abbeys, thermal spas and grotoes. The market Village of Esperaza seems to be close to so many of these places. About 50 kms. or a short drive, will take you to the medieval walled City of Carcassonne, which was recently refurbished. Nearby you will find vineyards and it is very likely that if they are like other ones in France, you might have a chance to sample their wines. Hot springs abound in the area and did I say spas? – yes, you can treat yourself to some serious pampering after an active day.

RENNES LE CHATEAU, MAGDALA TOWER, VILLA BETHANIA.

Approximately a two hour walk (or a much shorter drive) takes you to the jewel of the area, the hilltop mystery Village of Rennes le Chateau, where father Berenger Sauniere is said to have found a treasure in the chapel, under a stone by the altar. What was that treasure and where is it now? Did it really have anything to do with the Merovingian Dynasty and its direct relation to Jesus’ blood line? Ingenious hoax or not, we will probably never now.

Once you are at Rennes Le Chateau, when you visit the chapel you will be greeted by the demonic face of Asmodeus, I understand you see it just as you come into the church. You can also visit the Magdala Tower which father Sauniere had built in honour of Mary Magdalene and enjoy the scenery from the crenels (gaps) and merlons (walls between crenels). Also, be sure to tour the Villa Bethania, a house he wanted to use as a place for retired priests and also where he lived and mysteriously died in. By the way, when he died, he was penniless, so where did all the money for so much building come from? You will be able to visit the cemetery where cure Sauniere is buried.

The Village of Esperaza has everything you will need: great restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local foods and wines, all kinds of stores, a post office, bakeries where you can get your baguettes and lovely, delicious French pastries, (mmh, I can almost taste them). The village even has a two museums: one for dinosaurs and one for hats. You can rent an affordable gite (cottage) by the week. If you have an automobile, you can venture even farther, you can go to Toulouse, Lourdes, Andorra, Puiver Castle, even Barcelona. Rent a bike and take a ride to the Aude river – so close – or walk to the surrounding countryside, beautiful anytime of the year. Don’t forget to bring a basket lunch and snacks and be sure to drink plenty of fluids, I think you will easily find Evian water there. Wish I could go back, soon. Bon voyage et bon appetit mes amies!!!
Check out this websites for more information:

www.renneslechateau.com
www.esperaza.info