Mysteries of the Magdalene
and Secrets of the Cathars

Be a part of fulfilling the 700-year old
prophecy of love and peace!

Hosted by Kathleen McGowan & Isobel Denham

July 12 – 24, 2021

“ON REQUEST”

In 1321, the last Cathar leader to be executed at the stake, Guillaume Belibaste, declared that in 700 years, “The Laurel Would Turn Green Again.” This was a reference to the return of Cathar ideals, that their Way of Love would be restored and embraced by people seeking love, enlightenment, and community in the future.

The Way of Love as it was first instilled in France by Mary Magdalene.

2021 marks the 700th year since Belibaste proclaimed that the Time Would Return. We are seeing all around us that the world is changing, evolving, and many of us are seeking a world where these qualities prevail. Indeed, many of us are committed to co-creating such a world for ourselves and future generations.

Join us in France where the Way of Love was first anchored and evolved from the spiritual descendants of The Magdalene. We will walk in in her footsteps –from her landing on the shores of Provence, to her community teachings in the Languedoc. We will hear the stories kept in this land for 2000 years of the brave women and men who held the vision. We will stand on the shoulders of giants as we step through history and into the future.

Our journey follows the footsteps of The Magdalene, from her arrival on the shores of Provence, to her time as a refugee in sacred grottoes and her ministry in the Languedoc region. We then immerse ourselves in the culture of Cathar Country, where the descendants of the Magdalene have kept the Way of Love alive – and still do.

Your Hosts on the Journey

Kathleen McGowan – International bestselling author of The Magdalene Line series, including The Expected One and The Book of Love, both inspired by her own adventures and experiences in this region for almost twenty years. An expert on the early Christian traditions of Southwestern France and the legends of Mary Magdalene and her family, Kathleen will take you to many of the locations which have inspired her current and future books.

Isobel Denham – Activist and humanitarian, known throughout the region as “Isy,” she has been guiding pilgrims through Sacred France for many years and has lived in Cathar Country for two decades. She has a broad and inspiring understanding of the Cathar culture, Women’s mysteries and the history of the Black Madonna. Her knowledge, warmth and generosity of spirit was such an inspiration to Kathleen that Isobel became the model for one of the characters – also named Isobel – in the bestselling The Book of Love.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Monday, July 12: – Arrival in Marseilles, to St Maximin la Ste Baume  (D) Dinner only.
Our journey starts in Marseilles, and please bet at the Marseilles Airport by 12 noon for our pick up.  We then head to the delightful Provence village of St Maximin la Ste Baume. After checking into our hotel and lunch on our own, we will have an afternoon visit the impressive St. Maximin Basilica, which holds the sacred bones of Mary Magdalene in the crypt, as well as the stone coffin in which her body resided for many centuries. Her skull is enshrined and on display in the crypt in a golden reliquary, which is paraded through the town every year for her feast day, July 22nd. It has been authenticated as a skull from the first century of a petite woman who likely died in her early 60s. There are still strands of red-gold hair on the skull (although they are not visible through the reliquary). Viewing it can be a very emotional experience for Magdalene devotees. This church was one of the main pilgrimage destinations in medieval France and its size and glamour continue to testify to its glorious past. Exploring it in depth reveals some true jewels of medieval and Renaissance art pertaining to Our Lady – for those with eyes to see!   Return to our hotel for our Welcome dinner and overnight.

** Please note that some prefer, and it is highly recommended, to fly in a day early to ensure there are no issues with late flights. If you prefer to do this, we can help with a reservation at the reasonably priced Best Western Marseilles Aeroport directly across the street. Kathleen and Isobel will be available at the hotel to assist those who arrive early and get them to the airport the next day.

Day 2: Tuesday, July 13: In St Maximin la Ste Baume (B)

After breakfast, we drive up the mountains to Ste. Baume, the astonishing cavern cathedral carved into the top of a mountain. Enduring local legends indicate that Mary Magdalene lived here after she came to France. In medieval times, royals and nobles came here to visit this remote cliff sanctuary and make the pilgrimage up the hill. So popular was this act of devotion to Mary Magdalene that a “Royal Road” was created to make the ascent easier. The walk is slightly challenging, but if you take your time it is also beautiful and well worth it. For those of you who have climbed Montsegur, this is not as difficult and the path is in better condition. It takes about 45 minutes to make the ascent. Kathleen’s research for her new book, The Boleyn Heresy, indicates that a teenaged Anne Boleyn came here as a pilgrim and made the climb with the Queen of France and the Queen Mother – she will discuss this and other research from Ste. Baume along the way.  After our descent, we visit the small church and convent at the foot of the cliff face, which has some beautiful displays as well as the breathtaking Magdalene murals painted here in the early 1900s. This was the main site welcoming pilgrims – it still is! If you are hungry, there is a snack bar for a quick bite and drinks, as well as a gift shop where lovely and inexpensive Magdalene medals can be purchased to commemorate your climb. Return to our hotel and a free evening with dinner on our own. 

Day 3: Wednesday, July 14: To Saintes Maries de la Mer (B/D)
After breakfast, we depart for the legendary village of Saintes Maries de la Mer, the place on the Mediterranean Sea where Mary Magdalene came ashore, together with some other members of the holy family and friends. We drive through and into the marshlands known as “The Camargue” where wild white horses and black bulls roam, and pink flamingoes migrate from Africa – it is a truly mythical landscape. The town is named after “the Marys” who accompanied Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome – relatives of the Mother of Jesus. The maritime village is charming and known for its connections to gypsy culture. Although we will not be there during the chaos of the festivals (this is a good thing) there is still a flavor of the “gitane” here, where the traditions feel both Spanish and French. This is a village of Flamenco and Paella. Afternoon free to relax on the beach before an afternoon walk through the heart of the village. Dinner with wine this evening is at our hotel.

Day 4: Thursday, July 15: In Saintes Maries de la Mer (B)
Morning walk to the landing beach and then on to the extraordinary Church of the Sainte Marys of the Sea. The crypt is where the bones of Sainte Sarah and the two “other” Marys were discovered by Good King Rene d’Anjou during his excavations in the 15th century, and there is a first century stone altar on display which may be the first Christian altar in the world – used entirely by female disciples. The church is indescribable as a treasure trove of history – and perhaps heresy, as the crypt also contains one of the most spectacular black Madonna statues in the world – the nearly life sized image of Sainte Sarah. Balance of the day is free to choose how best to enjoy this special village. Time to enjoy the Mediterranean, where you may choose a boat excursion along the Petite Rhone River and along the shoreline to experience the feeling of arriving on the beaches here (not included, but inexpensive and easily arranged). There is very tempting shopping here (Kathleen’s favorite shopping town in France – she knows all the good places and will show you) for traditional gifts from Provence. Optional excursions can be arranged for riding the white horses (let us know in advance if this is something you want to do). Relax, enjoy the plentiful gypsy music and a pitcher of Sangria! Dinner is also our own tonight as there are so many inexpensive, high quality restaurants here. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 5: Friday, July 16: To Alet-les-Bains (B/L/D)
We depart Provence and head west, stopping at Tarascon to visit the church where the bones of Martha lay entombed in the crypt. The Church is built on the spot of the house where she used to live. The crypt area contains the relics and the tomb of St. Martha. We often hear of Martha, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany and their close relationship with Jesus According to tradition, about 14 years after the Resurrection, Martha, Mary and Lazarus were set adrift in a boat, with no oars or sails, to die. They survived, however and first arrived in Avignon around 48 A.D. Martha then later went on to Tarascon and as the story goes that when she arrived, an amphibious beast was preying upon the local population. She proceeded to tame the beast, only for it to then be butchered by the townspeople. Located just a few miles from the center of town, we visit the Abbey of St Michael de Frigolet run by the Order of the Canons Regular of Prémontré and follow the Rule of Life of St. Augustine of Hippo. For centuries the Abbey has been a place of prayer and refuge. Part of the Abbey is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, a destination for thousands of pilgrims who for the last 850 years. Here we will have an optional climb up the Montagnette to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We continue to have a quick lunch at a typical restaurant in Tarascon befoe we continue our long journey to the magical medieval village of Alet-les-Bains, known to the ancients as “The Chosen Place” by late afternoon. Our hotel is in a spectacular ancient location, set amid ruins from the 9th century. The hotel is composed of buildings from the 12th to the 19th centuries and is perched on the edge of the fabled Aude river. Tonight, we will hear the legend of how sparkling wine was invented just down the road – and how the recipe was stolen by a crafty monk from Champagne – with a pre dinner tasting, of course! Afterwards we meet for dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 6: Saturday, July 17: In Alet-les-Bains to Carcassonne (B/D)
After breakfast, we depart for the stunning walled city of Carcassonne where we will learn about the formidable Dame Carcas for whom the town is named and view the alchemist window and some special Madonnas in the Cathedral of St. Nazaire. Free time to roam, have lunch on your own, explore the ramparts, do some fabulous medieval souvenir shopping or enjoy lunch on our own at one of the many atmospheric restaurants. We then return to our hotel our dinner and our overnight.

Day 7: Sunday, July 18: In Alet-les-Bains to Minerve and the Minervois (B/L/D)
Today we make our way to the Cathar’s sacred city of Minerve, the place Kathleen refers to as the Cathar Camelot. Minerve is a spectacular, fortified medieval town which is one of the landmarks of The Way of Love. On July 22, 1210, almost 200 Cathar leaders were burned alive here by the corrupt, misogynist and materialistic Catholic Church, which lusted for wealth and power for their “heretical” beliefs Minerva stands as a monument to the Way and how these extraordinary people lived. It holds a special atmosphere which some have found to be life-changing. Lunch at a village restaurant followed by a visit the rural site of Notre Dame du Cros, in an outlying gorge and river basin of the medieval town of Caunes Minervois. This ancient sacred valley encloses a medieval chapel, beneath which is found a cave containing a dolmen/Druidic stone. A ‘Black Madonna’ resides within. This sanctuary, with a healing, sacred spring, offers a sunlit/light filled, natural, green oasis of freshness and delight. Said to be linked with the 19th century mystery of Rennes le Chateau and Notre Dame de Marceille, Kathleen will also tell a story of its possible connections with The Book of Love. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Monday, July 19: In Alet-les-Bains to Mas Cabardes, Lastours (B/L/D)
We head into the Montaigne Noir, the Black Mountains, which were a haven for the Cathars to hide during the crusades. We arrive at the stunning Cathar site of Lastours, a place of four castles dating to the 13th century. Isobel and Kathleen will tell stories of what transpired here – of the troubadours and a femme fatale called the She Wolf – from the viewing platform before we drive to the foot of the mountain for our hike to the chateaux. This is a moderate plus hike and requires sturdy shoes. After lunch in an unspoiled nearby medieval village, we view the Weaver’s Cross in the Cathar “bandit town” of Mas Cabardes (a place where Cathars were hidden from persecution) and visit the very special church which sits over a vortex. Dinner at our hotel this evening. 

Day 9: Tuesday, July 20: In Alet-les-Bains to Rennes-le-Château (B/L/D)
Our focus today is the mystery of Rennes-le-Château. This small village, the domain of the mysterious priest of Rennes le Chateau, Berenger Sauniere and his beloved partner, Marie Denarnaud, is at the origin of so many mysteries and has been the inspiration for so many books, including The Expected One, that it takes a full day to digest it all! Our day begins in the Wisigoth chamber, beneath ‘Le Chateau’, with a private Mary Magdalene meditation piano concert with David Bailey. We then explore the tiny village to understand the perspective of the treasure hunters. What were they looking for? What is the configuration of the underground tunnels and crypts? We will visit the famously encoded church dedicated to Mary Magdalene and the Villa Bethania Museum. But that is just one aspect of this multi-faceted place. After our included lunch, we see the village in a different perspective: this was a “doorway to heaven,” a magical place, a portal to a new world – and to personal and universal transformation. As a special treat, our friend Tobi Dobler* will present his observations as a regional leader of the European Knights Templar, someone who has lived in the village for many years and is intimately acquainted with the mysteries. TV viewers of “The Curse of Oak Island” may have seen Tobi on the show with Kathleen. Free time to explore the village before having dinner at our hotel.
*Note: Tobi’s meeting is subject to his availability.

Day 10: Wednesday, July 21: In Alet-les-Bains. To Montségur, (B/L/D)
Today we are officially Pilgrims as we travel to the holy mountain of Montségur, the eternal symbol of Catharism. Though Montségur’s ascent might seem difficult, it is a hike worth attempting for those who are physically able. Anyone with physical disabilities can stay in the lovely village if they choose not to make the climb. It will be a crowning achievement for an unforgettable adventure in France. After time on the Holy Mountain, we will descend to the village of Montsegur for lunch provided by a popular, local female chef, followed briefly (if permission is granted) by a visit the two Black Madonnas that reside in the very special village church. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 11: Thursday, July 22: In Alet-les-Bain. (B/D)
What an exciting day as we celebrate the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene in France with an intimate circle of pilgrims for a unique experience. We will begin with a walking tour of our village of Alet-les-Bains, which means “The Chosen Place” and visit the encoded church with its mysterious Black Madonna – what is she holding in her hand? – and its gorgeous “Book of Love” windows. On the edge of the town square we will visit the exterior of the house where it is believed that Nostradamus visited as a child – legend says it was owned by his grandparents and was once a “safe house” for the wisdom keepers, perhaps even a mystery school. Lunch and celebration at Les Marguerites, a family run Inn where we will toast to the release of Kathleen’s new book, The Magdalene Way! Balance of the day is free to swim in the river, rest, or write. After dinner at the hotel, we will have a celebration with music in honor of Mary Magdalene!  The last time we had a Feast Day Party, it was everybody’s favorite day!

Day 12: Friday, July 23: In Alet-les-Bains. To Galamus and Arques (B/L/D)
This morning we will visit the Gorge of Galamus, a moderate hike through a stunning canyon to a cavern where it is believed locally that Mary Magdalene once taught and preached. It was converted to a chapel in ancient times and has connections to the Knights Templar. A hermitage was built around it in 1395, and ancient legend says there were once blue mammoths which lived under the ground here! PICNIC lunch before heading to the 13th century Chateau d’Arques, where Kathleen received much of her inspiration for The Expected One. Permission pending from the village, we will visit the village church of Arques, where there is a stunning mural of Jesus – painted by Jewish residents who were hidden in the basement during Nazi occupation as a show of gratitude to the village that saved them. Back to the hotel with time to rest before we meet for Meet our farewell dinner party!

Day 13: Saturday, July 24: Tour Ends (B)
EARLY morning departure. A coach will transport us to arrive at Toulouse airport by 10 am. Please try to schedule your return flight in the afternoon so as to allow time to make your departing flight. For those who may need to stay in Toulouse this evening to make a flight the next day, we will provide information for reservations at an airport hotel.

Your Homes for the Journey (or similar)

We have chosen very special locations as our bases for this journey, so you will be immersed in the flavor of the region from the moment you arrive.

Hotel de France – St Maximin la Ste Baume (2 nights)
Ideally located in the heart of the village of Saint Maximin La Sainte Baume, the Hotel de France is a stone’s throw from the Sainte Marie-Madeleine basilica, overlooked by the Sainte Victoire. The Hotel de France has been completely renovated to welcome you in a setting reflecting the spirit of Provence. The Hotel de France has 20 rooms with an intimate and warm atmosphere.

Hotel Thala Cap – Saintes Maries de la Mer (2 nights)
On the shores of the Mediterranean in the vibrant village of Saintes Maries de la Mer is the charming Hotel Thala Cap facing “the landing beach” where Mary Magdalene and her entourage arrived in France 2,000 years ago. It is a fresh and comfortable ocean front hotel in a natural and authentic setting. Its Camargue architecture offers comfort with a view of the sea or gardens.

Hotel L’Eveche (8 nights)
Sitting atop thousands of years of ancient ruins and layers of spiritual history, the Hotel L’Eveche was built to house the bishop of Alet les Bains in the Middle Ages. Your accommodations are in a renovated medieval structure, and our meeting space was once a secret meeting hall for the Knights Templar in the region. Rooms in the hotel are simple in a somewhat monastic style, in keeping with their origins. But it was our sense that staying in an unparalleled historical location was instrumental to the experience and more important than staying in a more modern location (i.e. there are no televisions in the rooms, although there is free wifi in the hotel). The hotel is in a stunning location, surrounded by trees and perched on the banks of the sacred River Aude. The ancient abbey ruins beside it glow in the moonlight and invoke the spirit of the women who once worshiped in this space. Long before it was claimed by the church, Alet les Bains was a place of active goddess worship, as is evidenced by the statue of the goddess in the town square. Ancient Celtic (pre-Christian) stonework can be seen in the churchyard. Alet means “The Chosen Place” and you will understand why after enjoying an extended stay here in these extraordinary energies.

Tour Includes:

• Hotel accommodations as per itinerary
• Daily buffet breakfasts
• Additional lunches and dinners as indicated
• Wine at many meals
• Group transportation within France by coach
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• All activities described in the itinerary
• PLUS Group ceremonies and workshops

Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program.

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. These discounted prices are noted in red.

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PRICING

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES FOR 14 DAYS (LAND ONLY)

Price Per Person      

Per Person Double Occupancy: $4,499 by check or money order, $4,739 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy:  $4,997 by check or money order, $5,159 by credit card

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

ALUMNI SPECIAL DISCOUNT (For Previous Passengers on Kathleen’s International Tours)
Per Person Double Occupancy: $4,229 by check or money order, $4,449 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy:  $4,729 by check or money order, $4,979 by credit card

COUPLES SPECIAL DISCOUNT Price Per Couple – Please note that this refers to two people sharing ONE bed.
Per Couple Double Occupancy: $8,398 by check or money order, $8,839 by credit card

SPECIAL FAMILY DISCOUNT Price Per Family of Two – Note that this refers to a parent and child in twin beds
Per Family Double Occupancy: $8,398 by check or money order, $8,839 by credit card

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

FIRST NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT (Due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour)
Per Person: $1,500 by check or money order, $1,579 by credit card

2ND PAYMENT (Due on or before February 1, 2020)
Per Person: $1,500 by check or money order, $1,579 by credit card

FINAL PAYMENT
BALANCES for payments (other than Early Bird reservation, in which the total balance is due in full by December 1, 2020) are due on or before April 1, 2020 as per your invoice

There are a limited number of rooms and configurations available. If you are willing to share a room, please let us know and we will do our best to match you up with a roommate with advanced introductions. We will create a private Facebook group for retreat attendees where we can all begin to get acquainted in advance and remain in contact afterward!

TOUR IS NOW “ON REQUEST”
Very Limited Accommodations
You may register to go on wait list, but please do not pay deposit without confirmation of space

After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit or debit card.
If you have already registered and would like access to the Payment Page, please CLICK HERE.

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Air Reservations

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Jen can be reached at 800-545-1300 or travelbyjeannifer@gmail.com.
Jen will be happy to answer your questions and assist you in making your airline reservations to join your BMSJ spiritual journey.

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Photo credits:
Teschio ritenuto di S.Maria Maddalena in basilica by Itto Ogami / CC BYFortress of Montségur by Belgian man / CC BY-SA
Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume portail by Phil25 / Public domain
Sanctuaire de la Sainte-Baume by Remi Jouan / CC BY
Sainte Baume by No machine-readable author provided. Disdero assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Sarah by M.S. / Public domain
Stes Maries de la Mer plage by ClemRutter / CC BY-SA
Collégiale Ste Marthe by Véronique PAGNIER / CC BY-SA 
Saint Nazaire Basilica of Carcassonne by Krzysztof Golik / CC BY-SA
Minerve by Siren-Com / CC BY-SA
Châteaux de Lastours by Zewan / CC BY-SA 
Rennes-le-Château by No machine-readable author provided. Zewan assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA
Le Diable – Asmodee – Rennes-Le-Chateau by Erwan Corre / CC BY-SA