Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

Rennes-le-Château

Probably dating from the 11th century and recorded in the inventories of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem as early as 1185, this church began as the private chapel of the counts of Razès, before becoming world-famous for the eccentric renovations carried out by its priest, Father Bérenger Saunière, from 1886 onward — a checkerboard floor, statues of the demon Asmodeus, a reversed Way of the Cross. Saunière is said to have discovered strange parchments and a hidden treasure there, the origin of a legend spread from the 1960s onward (Rosicrucians, Templars, a 'royal bloodline') that turned the village into a major destination of esoteric tourism worldwide.

Getting there : Free entry

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound