Domaine de l'abbé Saunière

"The Domaine de l'abbé Saunière is very much worth the visit if you find yourself touring the Aude départment in southern France and are near Rennes-le-Chateau. As displays and placards in the small museum tell you, there are many legends associated with this area, including a story that the body of Christ was brought to the Corbières mountains and that Mary Magdalene came there and spent her final years in the Corbières. These legends have been further elaborated because this part of France is where the Cathars flourished, and stories about the Cathars have gotten interwoven with ones about the Templars. You'll find lots of information about these various legends or myths or stories a this small museum, and will also find a nice little souvenir and book shop with a wide array of books that tell more about these stories."

"“Partially accessible” according to the guide on wheelchair accessibility from the Tourist Office. It is partially accessible by a side entrance only. Claiming that being alone she could not leave her desk to open the door of the side entrance for us, the lady at the desk did not offer any solution to visit at least the accessible part. So the place is NOT wheelchair accessible at all. NOT wheelchair accessible not because of actual physical barriers, but because the lady at the front desk refused to find a solution to open a door."

"À must when visiting Rennes le Château. The museum and gardens are a delight and the Tour Magdala is very special. Panoramic views, the fabulous Jardin de Marie restaurant with its beautiful fountain, excellent artisanal stores, a great way to spend a, day."

"A fascinating story surrounds this place. The gardens are very pretty and some lovely buildings. Also fabulous views and a selection of places to eat and drink. When we visited it was not too busy and there is a good atmosphere. The cost of parking is reasonable and although you can wander around the village free of charge, it is worth paying for the museum which also gives access to the tower a other buildings. Well worth the drive up the winding road to get there."

"Beautiful estate and church. Well worth the visit, especially if you do research on the place first."