Mysteries of the Magdalene
and Secrets of the Cathars
Hosted by Kathleen McGowan
June 15-25, 2024
Author Kathleen McGowan is again leading an intensive into the Cathar Way of Love as it was taught to her through her guides and teachers in France. We will visit the most sacred places of the Cathars, interspersed with instruction and experiential spiritual sessions.
Our stunning home base for this immersive experience is the medieval village of Alet les Bains. Known to the ancients (and the Cathars) as “The Chosen Place.” It is also Kathleen’s home in France. Here you will be treated like family, and embraced in the warmth of community, while being nourished by extraordinary food (and of course wine, for those who imbibe!) A sparkling pool as well as beautiful gardens are at your disposal throughout your stay.
We will have daily work in the Way of the Six Petal Rose as taught in Kathleen’s important book The Source of Miracles, as this was the primary daily practice of the Cathars. For readers of Kathleen’s new novel, The Boleyn Heresy, we will also explore the way the Queens of France held these traditions in secret.
It promises to be a gorgeous, soul-satisfying, heart-opening and life enhancing experience.
Note: Due to the Limited accommodation availability, Reservations are on “First Come/First Served basis.
Your Host 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.
ITINERARY
Day 1- Saturday, June 15: Arrival in Toulouse. Continue Alet-les-Bains (D)
Please be at the Toulouse Airport Arrivals Area by 1 pm** for our pick up and board our coach for our journey to the magical medieval village of Alet-les-Bains, known to the ancients as “The Chosen Place.” Afternoon to settle in to your beautiful homes for the next week, the grand and gracious “sister” houses known as Les Marguerites and the riverside Villa du Parc. Perhaps go for a relaxing swim in the pool, which is filled with the healing waters for which Alet les Bains has been known for centuries, or dip your toes in the magical, story-filled River Aude? Meet at 6 pm for “aperos” – appetizers and drinks – where Kathleen will give an introduction talk about the forthcoming week. This will be followed by a welcome dinner with wine. Please note that you will be assigned your rooms on arrival based on the two stunning properties we are using (which are directly across from each other). However all lunches, dinners and talks will be at the Les Marguerites.
** 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 the pick-up time at 1 pm is missed due to a late flight, the cost of a private transfer to our region is approximately $300. If you prefer to arrive a day early, you will book your own accommodations for that night. We recommend the Toulouse Airport Radisson Blu or the NH Hotel in the airport terminal.
Day 2- Sunday, June 16: In Alet les Bains. Excursion to Saint Salvarye (B/L/D)
After breakfast we gather for a special opening ceremony followed by a walking tour of Alet les Bains, home of ancient ruins and many legends – and discover why its name means “the Chosen Place.” Nazi officers believed the Ark of the Covenant was buried in these hills, one of the reasons they occupied this area, and part of the inspiration for the original Indiana Jones movie. The overcoming of darkness by the light is a theme in this landscape which we will explore. After a light lunch we will visit the ancient chapel of St Salvayre, an ancient holy place which was once a temple to Mithras in ancient times, for prayer and meditation. The layers of legend in this area are thousands of years deep and those ancient spiritual strata are part of our discussion this evening before we dine together at Les Marguerites. Meet for dinner.
Day 3-Monday, June 17: In Alet les Bains Excursion to Minerve (B/L/D)
Today we make our way to the Cathar’s sacred city of Minerve, the place Kathleen refers to as the Catha Camelot. Minerve is a spectacular, fortified medieval town which is one of the landmarks of The Way of Love and was once the site of the most extensive teachings in Cathar Country. On July 22, 1210, almost 200 Cathar leaders were burned alive here for their “heretical” beliefs – in love, community, faith and gender equality! Minerve 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. After lunch in the Cathar “snail village” – it is built in a spiral- we will visit 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 where 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 legendary connections with Mary Magdalene and The Book of Love. Dinner at Les Marguerites.
Day 4-Tuesday, June 18: In Alet les Bains (B/L/D)
A unique day as we start with a discussion on the spirituality of Catharism with Kathleen and an introduction to the magical Temple of the Six Petal Rose at Les Marguerites! Lunch in Limoux plus a visit to the gorgeous, encoded stained glass windows in the Church of St Martin. Balance of the day is at leisure in Alet for swimming, journaling or relaxing. Dinner this evening at Les Marguerites, with a magical Cacao ceremony afterwards!
Day 5-Wednesday, June 19:Excursion to 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. Kathleen will tell stories of what transpired here – of the troubadours and a femme fatale called the She Wolf– from the viewing platform, one of the most spectacular views in France. We overlook the castle of Cabaret, where the movement was at its peak during the Cathar period. After lunch in Lastours, we visit the magnificent “crystal cavern” and underground river known as Cabrespine, the cavern is as deep as the Eiffel Tower is high. Return to Alet for a little rest before dinner.
Day 6-Thursday, June 20: : Excursion to Rennes le Chateau – Summer Solstice (B/L/D)
After breakfast we depart for the “Village of Mystery” – Rennes le Chateau, dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Although the full time population of this village averages about 20 people, hundreds of thousands of words have been written about it. Kathleen considers this her second home in France and she’ll introduce you to some of its mysteries, with the help of her local friends. Lunch in the beautiful Garden of Marie restaurant, followed by music and a private solstice celebration in a privileged location. Return to Alet for a solstice barbecue at Villa du Parc by the riverside.
Day 7-Friday, June 21: In Alet les Bains– Summer Solstice (B/L/D)
Leisurely breakfast and some free time this morning. After a local lunch in the region, we visit a private enclave of a community who live in the way of the Cathars. Our solstice celebration continues with a private concert with magical pianist Devayani, whose music will transport you. Dinner at Les Marguerites, with a “sound bath” Solstice meditation afterwards in the temple.
Day 8-Saturday, June 22: Excursion to Montsegur (B/L/D)
Today we are officially pilgrims as we travel to the holy mountain of Montségur, the eternal symbol of Catharism. We begin at the foot of the mountain with a ceremony of appreciation for those “who came before us and paid the price.” 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. (Due to a foot injury, Kathleen may not be climbing this time but there will be a guide to take the hikers up if she cannot). After time on the Holy Mountain, we will descend to the village of Montsegur for a legendary duck lunch provided by a popular, local female chef, followed (pending special permission) by a visit the two Black Madonnas that reside in the very special village church. Dinner at Les Marguerities.
Day 9- Sunday, June 23: In Alet les Bains (B/D)
After breakfast, we visit the colorful, charming local market in Esperaza, always a favorite with our visitors. Lunch is on our own to sample the amazing offerings there. We will join together to buy local organic ingredients for tonight’s dinner, and those who are inclined can join us in the kitchen to prepare a community style feast! Others can relax for the rest of the day. Dinner at Les Marguerites.
Day 10-Monday, June 24: In Alet (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we visit the historic walled medieval city and UNESCO site of Carcassonne, the largest and best preserved medieval city in the world. Kathleen will tell the story of Dame Carcas, the 9th century warrior queen of the Saracens for whom the city is named. Free time to explore and shop after lunch of the local specialty, Cassoulet, in the oldest restaurant in the region (operating since the 1400s). Farewell Dinner at Les Marguerites.
Day 11-Tuesday, June 25: Tour Ends (B)
Our tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to Toulouse Airport or continuing onto Kathleen’s Sacred Mary Magdalene Tour. For those flying home from Toulouse, be sure to book your flight AFTER 1 pm.
Your Homes for the Journey in Alet les Bains
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. Additionally, with the new arrangements for Alet les Bains there will be a variety of accommodation options allocated on a “first-come/first served” basis as reservations are received.
Les Marguerites
Les Marguerites is a truly elegant villa on the sunny side of the wide avenue of Nicolas Pavillon, just outside the old city walls of the medieval village of Alet les Bains, and has had the honour of welcoming guests for over 100 years. The property is devotedly restored and tastefully decorated with care and attention that gives you the feeling of both ease and grace, the interiors are bright and crisp, with warm wooden floors and pastel colored walls.
Both properties offer Wi-Fi throughout.
Villa Du Parc
Located directly opposite Les Marguerites you will find Villa Du Parc. She is the sister house of Les Marguerites. Both houses were built by the same architect and share the same magical energy. The house and gardens sit right on the banks of the river Aude. Its rooms offer you every possible comfort and each is equipped with a private bathroom, original features and well-appointed bathrooms. You can also enjoy their hot tub filled with the source waters of Alet les Bains, the perfect place to rest and relax after the days adventures.
NOTE: Above based on twin-bedded or single rooms with private bath or shower or shared en-suite as indicated. You are assigned accommodations as the guest of the facility selected. The tour operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar category.
As there is limited room availability for en-suite bathrooms, accommodations will be allotted on a “First Reservation/First Confirmed” basis.
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.
*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
Body Mind Spirit Journeys now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)
PRICING
Per Person Double Occupancy with En-Suite bathroom: $5,499 by check, $5,789 credit card
Per Person Double Occupancy with shared bathroom $5,100 by check, $5,469 credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy with En-Suite bathroom $6,498 by check, $6,839 credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy with shared bathroom $5,898 by check, $6,199 credit card
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
COUPLES & FAMILY SPECIAL DISCOUNT
Price Per Couple – Please note that this refers to two people sharing ONE bed in en-suite accommodations
Per Couple or FAMILY Double Occupancy: $10,684 by check, $11,246 by credit card
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
FINAL PAYMENT Due on or before April 15, 2024
There is 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.
After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit or debit card.
SOLD OUT
You may register to be added to our wait list, but please do not make a deposit payment until advised a space is available.
We still have limited space open in our May Magdalene France tour
If you have already registered and would like access to the Payment Page, please CLICK HERE.
Travel Insurance
As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.
We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.
You should protect your trip investment and yourself in regards to health, property and trip payments. That is why we provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.
BMSJ will be sending you additional details and a brochure with your confirmation on trip cancellation/interruption travel insurance.
Photo credits:
Notre Dame du Cros: Michèle François, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mary Magdalene with jar: Andrea Solari, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Châteaux de Lastours: Lesueur André, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
