rennes le chateau

645davyw

Quite a few years prior to the Da Vinci code I played a trilogy of PC games about a character called Gabriel Knight. The first set in New Orleans, second in Munich and third in Rennes Le Chateau. Ever since I have wanted to visit and in September did a south of France road trip to Andorra, Carcassone, Cathar castles, etc.. and Rennes le Chateau. The village itself is lovely and the museum and grounds are very good and reading the history of the village from a non fictional point of view is very interesting. Overall well worth the trip even if the road up when driving a left hand drive car can be a bit hairy.

Eleonora_PH

If you are in the area you should visit Rennes le Chateau. The drive up the the village is beautiful. The church itself is nothing special but the location and the village are nice. If you are in the area it is certainly worth a visit.

odetter875

For all followers of Davinci code etc this is a must. We went on a sunny and warm October Monday, and managed to park right next to the church. However from about 3 kms in there are signs for parking, so would not want to go in peak season as it is a climb. The story and everything about the place is really spooky. Nice village as well with great views

sangrereal

On a seriously hot day in June, my wife and I parked our car in Couiza and walked all the way up the mountain to the village of Rennes-le-chateau. I had been wanting to do this ever since I had read about the 'mystery' in the late 70s and early 80s. It was worth the trek. Regardless of the mystery of Rennes-le-chateau (you can read about it yourselves), the village is wonderful and the views are breathtaking. Visit the church. It's so very odd. And the priest's house and museum are a must. Most people will simply drive the few Kms up to the village, but if you walk, the experience will be even more unforgettable. Just remember to take plenty of water with you before you set out. :)

FleshCouture

Quiet, peaceful, a couple of bars and restaurants to choose from. I would have no qualms with living here permanently. The locals are very friendly and the little book shops are magnificent if that's your sort of thing. If you're into the story of the Davinci code or anything like that then the church itself is definitely worth a look!

Shonagh10

We were advised to visit this historic village and tour around it. We were delighted that we had packed a picnic lunch to eat outside with the most glorious panoramic views (there are 2 or 3 restaurants there as well). Well worth a half day outing.

SanandaDirk

Maybe it is a good idea to be informed a bit in advance about the history of this place otherwise there are possibilities to do so during your visit. What to believe about the stories is a matter of individual preferences but at least this small village on top of the hill offers nice panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The church and museum are also worth a visit and in case one gets interested in the historic background, there is plenty of information available in various ways. The village offers some nice shops and places to eat/drink. Please consider though that the place is quite touristic and the village is small and easily overcrowded.

kirstine2013

My 3rd visit and still enjoy the mystery. I love going into the church which is steeped in symbolism much of it placed there by Sauniere. I'm not convinced that the secret is whether Mary Magdalene was married to Jesus or that they had a child, but who was Mary Magdalene. She was definitely more than just a wife; she was a teacher and mystic in her own right. The area is so rich in minerals, gold and silver, it was no wonder it was visited by so many over the centuries. Word of warning if you're coming by coach, you will have to walk up the hill to the village.

bobt449

Like all the reviews say, the reason to visit here is to see for yourself the whole mystery of supposed ancient parchments found in the church by Berenger Sauniere in the 1890s, and the controversial impact it would have on the very foundation of Christian doctrine. It's all shrouded in mystery, but nonetheless the church and village are quite a interesting to see. The "museum" and little tour you can take is a bit on the "low-budget" side, however.In the same day you can also visit some other nearby sites that are incredible... Chateau Queribus, for example. The whole area has charming little villages in the valley, and a bunch of 1000 year old Castle ruins perched atop steep mountains. And its all steeped in history, much of it related to the Rennes-le-Chateau mystery. Read Holy Blood, Holy Grail for a primer.

MikeStrong

This is a great site and we have now visited 3 times over a 20 year period.It is now a little more touristy but the site itself has improved and is well worth a visit

alisonh785

Nice place to visit, especially if you have read the Da Vinci Code.Even if you have not still worth a visit, you do come away wondering. Well worth the drive along a 4.5 km uphill, winding country road

kmdl

This little chateau has a very interesting story behind it and is featured in the book Holy Blood, Holy Grail and Dan Brown's Davinci Code.It's high up on a mountain top and has a chapel to Mary Magdalene on the grounds. The chapel is facinating and has some very unusual statues. The views are amazing.

S5210NVmarkl

There is a mystery to solve and gold to find.Views over the Pyrenees are stunning too. A long hike up there but well worth it.

SPINDOCDENVER

This is worth the drive up up up up the mountain, but I went in the early morning (9 am) before anything was open. The little village is quaint and the church looks like it might be interesting, and I noticed a nice-looking restaurant as well -- but the views are spectacular.

Stephen51

A super location with a mysterious past.The views from the museum are stunning and the contents of the museum and the church a must see. Even if you haven't read 'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail' or the 'Da Vinci Code' you should go and see it-you will be mesmerised and caugth up in the story.There are a couple of lovely little cafes for lunch or a small snack and a couple of shops including an old book shop.Well worth a visit!