Itinerary Sacred Sites of France Sept 14th - Sept 26th 2010 (13 Days)

September 14th - Tuesday - Day 1:

We begin this sacred journey as we depart Neice Airport at 9 AM. First we journey to the hills to experience the Grotte de la St Baume. Be prepared for a thirty minute gentle ascent to approach the cave where the Magdalene is said to have passed the last years of her life and written her memoirs. This mountain was sacred to Isis and has been considered holy ground for thousands of years. The natural water that accumulates here is believed to have curative powers.

Next we visit St. Maximin Basilica to view the crypt and relics of Mary Magdalene.
On to our hotel in Arles for dinner and overnight.

September 15th - Wednesday - Day 2:

Experience a walk around Arles, which contains wonderful monuments and remains of the highly developed Roman Empire. These were contemporaneous with the Grail family's arrival in this region, approximately 2004 years ago. You visit St. Trophimus church, starting point of the journey to St. James in Compostela. There was also a major Templar stronghold here.

Noon departure for Saintes Maries de La Mer to visit the church associated with the arrival of the Grail Family from Palestine and to meet the most beautiful and powerful 'Black Madonna', revered by the Gypsies of Europe as St. Sarah.
Visit the magical village of Saintes Maries de la Mer, set in the dramatic Camargue amidst herds of wild horses, black bulls, and flocks of flamingos. Picnic lunch and paddling in the Mediterranean.

Return to our hotel in Arles.

September 16th - Thursday - Day 3:

Today you experience Avignon, 'ancient city of Cathars and Popes, watched over by a Black Virgin' includes the 12th century Cathedral of Notre Dame de Doms, 14th century Papal palace and city ramparts. The Celts association with Avignon go back to Neolithic times. Their sacred ceremonial site was where the Rhone and Durance rivers merge.

Drive on to our hotel in Carcassonne.

September 17th - Friday - Day 4:

Today we drive to the small, unchanged town of Minerve, place of Cathar burning where 150 'Parfaits' were burned as heretics on the feast day of Mary Magdelaine in 1210. We experience the Dove of Minerve and the beautiful art colony at Aigne which also houses a beautiful Black Madonna.

Return to our hotel in Carcassonne.

September 18th - Saturday - Day 5:

We will spend a full day exploring in the Old City of Carcassonne, a unique example of a fortified medieval city, known for it's Cathar beliefs and history. In ancient times, 600 BC, Carcassonne was a major commercial and ceremonial center for the Celts/Druids and the Phoenicians.

In the late afternoon we depart Carcassonne and travel to our hotel near Rennes le Chateau.

September 19th- Sunday - Day 6:

Today we have an early start for our day stopping on the way in Mirepoix then on to Montségur, Cathar seminary and citadel of their last resistance. In May 1243, in order to appease the pope, the King of France instigated a ten-month blockade of Montségur. A fifteen-day truce was negotiated in March 1244, at the end of which the Cathars had to choose to either, renounce their faith, or perish at the stake - 220 Cathars chose death on the pyre.

In the afternoon we visit the Angel Art Sanctuary in Alet-les-Bain. Return to our hotel near Rennes le Chateau.

September 20th - Monday - Day 7:

It is a short journey to Rennes le Chateau, former Visigoth capital of the region, to visit the Abbe Sauniere's Villa Bethania, We will tour the church and the environs of Magdala, the church and environ and absorb the atmosphere of this ancient historical place. In the afternoon we visit Arques and time permitting Mount Bugarach, site of an ancient Essene community.

Return to our hotel near Rennes le Chateau.

September 21st - Tuesday - Day 8:

This morning we experience a very beautiful Black Madonna and healing well in Limoux then we journey through the Black Mountains to Lastours - a steep climb to Cabaret, Surdespine and Quertinheux. In the first decade of the 12th century, Cabaret had become Languedoc’s foremost shrine in the pilgrimage of courtly love. We will share a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon we travel to Albi stopping on the way to view some hidden treasures.

Tonight we stay in Albi.

September 22nd - Wednesday - Day 9:

Today we experience Albi, whose cathedral was built to symbolize the Roman Church's power and victory over the 'Albigensian Heresy'. We visit the beautiful church of Saint Salvi, then journey to experience two Black Madonnas and a Roman well at Notre Dame La Dreche.

We then journey on to Lourdes, arriving there in the afternoon. We explore Lourdes and during the evening hours we may participate in ceremonies, including the vigil and procession.

Tonight we say in Lourdes.

September 23rd - Thursday - Day 10:

This morning we continue to experience Lourdes, and then at noon we depart for Paris by express train. We arrive in Chartres by early evening, and will spend two nights in this unique town.

September 24th - Friday - Day 11:

We depart our hotel early to fully experience Chartres Cathedral, with a history dating back to the 4th century. It was erected during a time of religious peace brought about by the Emperor Constantine. Chartres is rich with mysterious sacred imagery and sacred geometry and is said to be encoded with the secrets of the universe. It was established on a hilltop, where a sacred forest once stood. A well beneath the cathedral was sacred to the Druids and is said to be a miraculous source of healing water.

The Cathedral today is one of mystery and majesty. It is a holy place of rare architectural beauty, with its stained glass windows, crypt, labyrinth, and unique silhouette above the landscape. The standout feature at Chartres is the labyrinth, installed into the Cathedral floor in the year 1200. Finbarr will explain the history of the labyrinth and address the path of enlightenment that is opened to us via the 11-circuit Chartres labyrinth.

Return to our hotel in Chartres.

September 25th - Saturday - Day 12:

An early departure to Paris where our hotel is splendidly located close to both the Louvre and the lovely River Seine. Optional walking through the picturesque Left Bank to the historic Church of San Sulpice in search of "The Magdalene Line" and much more.

Visit the Louvre to view the paintings associated with Mary Magdalene and the Grail legends. Free time to explore this world famous museum on your own and/or shop its gallery stores or the adjacent 'Carousel du Louvre' mall. This evening the tour ends with a farewell dinner in celebration for all we experienced on this sacred journey.

September 26th - Sunday - Day 13:

Today you either stay on in Paris or depart for your next destination grateful for all you experienced.

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Purchase: 13 Day Tour Sept 14th - Sept 26th 2010 (13 Days)

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