The mysteries and history of Rennes-le-Château are showcased in various locations of the small village. Before his death, Father Sauniere built a mighty estate which also holds some of the interesting places tourists should visit when in the village. Father Suaniere’s Domain highlights virtually most of the interesting spots in Rennes-le-Château.
For first-time travelers, some locations are a must visit when in the village. As you tour the community for the first time, discover the following locations:
The Berenger Sauniere’s Museum (The Presbytery)
By the church in Rennes-le-Château is also the presbytery, what is also known as Berenger Suaniere’s Museum today. You can start your discovering the area from here. Learn everything you need to know about Father Sauniere and the claimed mysterious discoveries in the village. More about other developments after his deaths are also on record in the museum to help people understand more about him. As you look around, you’ll find archival materials, scale models, furnishings, and video projections that are provided to enhance visitors learning about the small village and the priest.
The Museum Shop
The museum shop summarizes a visitor’s journey to the small village of Rennes-le-Château. There is a collection of items in there you’ll want to take along with you when you leave Rennes-le-Château. You’ll find the official guide of Father Sauniere’s Domain in the English version. Books on Rennes-le-Château and postcards are also available including souvenir items. You can take some moments to relax at the courtyard in the museum shop with cold or hot drinks you can access from the vending machine in the vicinity.
The Garden
The garden in Rennes-le-Château radiates the beauty of the small hilltop village. The narrow walk paths with surrounding flowers by the sides are very attractive ones you can find taking a selfie a cool one for your visit. As you move along, take a look on the beautiful orange trees forming a cover for people underneath. When the weather is favorable, such as during the summer, the roses on the sides of footpath are quite visible and make the garden more beautiful and attractive. This may be a good time of the season you’ll want to spend some time to relax and appreciate the fine weather. If you look to find Sauniere’s relaxation spot and collection of flower’s you can’t but make The Garden one of your first point of call when next you come around.
Magdala Tower
During Father Sauniere’s reconstruction work, the Tour Magdala was one of his new constructions. It is now renamed Mary Magdalene Tower in her honor. This tower is where Father Suaniere’s library is located.
When Father Sauniere wants it quiet and exclusive you’ll most probably find him at the library going through the church’s doctrines or taking some time out for spiritual dedication. The Magdala Tower doubles as father Suaniere’s office and library. As you climb up to the top of the tower, the spiral staircase will remind you of the gothic revival designs of the time.
The Carolingian Knight’s Stone
A strong part of the history of Rennes-le-Château is about the knights. The Carolina Knights’ Stone was discovered by Father Sauniere in 1887. It is believed that underneath it, Father Sauniere discovered a skull pierced with a hole and a pot containing gold coins. This is one of the spots suspected to be the source of Father Sauniere’s sudden fortunes.
The Original Carolingian Altar Pillar
Secret documents and messages are also a part of the mysteries surrounding the small village of Rennes-le-Château. The conspiracy theories also include genealogies and parchments holding vital dates and secrets. The original Carolingian Altar Pillar is believed to hold some of these mysterious documents. Take a view of the pillar and excite your curiosity a bit more about the mysteries of Rennes-le-Château and Sauniere.
The Villa Bethany
The Village Bethany is a smart residence in Rennes-le-Château where father Suaniere also attached a glassy private chapel. This is one of the best places for first-time travelers to visit though it really didn’t hold much activity after construction but has a strong attachment to the priest. The picturesque atmosphere around the Village Bethany can just be a good place for some pictures because the environment is described by people as very photogenic. The Villa Bethany was built by Father Sauniere and reserved for retired priests.
Are you scheduling a trip to Rennes-le-Château very soon, you won’t miss any bit of the adventure when you begin with some of the lovely places of interests around. Don’t forget that besides tourism, Rennes-le-Château also has a great attraction for treasure hunters who won’t give up on discovering the mysteries surrounding the hidden gold coins in the hilltop village.