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| Sacred Sites of France with Finbarr Ross Sept 11 - 23, 2012 Return to Home Page |
| Explore the beauty, magic and mystery of France! Journey to mysterious France to experience a land rich in tradition with Finbarr Ross who is a facilitator on Mary Magdalene and the Grail legends. A spiritual adventure where we experience Mary Magdalene, the legends of the Holy Family, the Black Madonna, The Holy Grail, Cathars, Knights Templar and Troubadours! You will experience many wonderful power sites held sacred by those who have sought the Holy Grail and the presence of Mary Magdalene including: Rennes-le Chateau, Grotte de Baume, Maries de La Mer, Arles, Avignon, Carcassonne, Montségur, Albi, the mystical Languedoc, the stunningly beautiful Chartres Cathedral, and Paris. Itinerary Sacred Sites of France Sept 11th - Sept 23rd 2012 |
- September 11th - Tuesday - Day 1
We begin this sacred journey as we depart Nice 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 12th - 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. We will 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.
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. We will 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 13th - 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 14th - 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.
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 14th - 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 15th - 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 16th- Sunday - Day 6:
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
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 16th- Sunday - Day 6:
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 17th - Monday - Day 7:
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 18th - 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 19th - 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.
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 18th - 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 19th - 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 20th - 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 21st - 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.
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 21st - 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 22nd - 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 23rd - Sunday - Day 13:
Today you either stay on in Paris or depart for your next destination grateful for all you
experienced.
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 23rd - Sunday - Day 13:
Today you either stay on in Paris or depart for your next destination grateful for all you
experienced.
The Louvre Commons
| Tour cost Per Person: $3870 paid by check or cash Single supplement rate additional US $675 $500 deposit required to reserve your space Tour Includes: All entrance fees to sites All hotel accommodations double occupancy All ground transportation Full breakfast and dinner each day Tips to drivers, guides, hotel and restaurant staff. * $120.00/person included in tour price for tips Tour Does Not Include International flight to Paris, France Meals not mentioned above Extras at hotels - Mineral water, tea, coffee, after meal beverages, personal expenses (i.e laundry, valet service, telephone calls, postage, etc.) To Reserve Your Space for this trip Contact: Gayle Lawrence Journeys of Discovery Travel 727-785-5563 Email Gayle: Return to Home Page: |