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Rennes-le-Château’s Mysterious Hidden Treasures of the Occult

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Immerse yourself in the story of Rennes-le-Château filled with legends about Merovingian Bloodlines, hidden treasures from the Knight Templars and why this mysterious commune in France keeps attracting occultists and other treasure hunters.

Hidden amongst the picturesque rolling hills of the Languedoc region in France lies the mysterious commune of Rennes-le-Château where in 2018 there lived 91 people. Shrouded in mystery and intrigue for decades, this enigmatic hilltop village has captivated the imaginations of many for centuries with its array of puzzling relics, symbols and legends. 

As the stories of Rennes-le-Château have continued to develop, so too has the connections to corrupt influences from beyond. Various occultist figures have been linked with the tales of the hidden riches at Rennes-le-Château. Rumors about former members of secret societies who may have found some special knowledge of the holy grail.

History of Rennes-le-Château

The small village of Rennes-le-Château has a complex and fascinating history. It is believed to have been founded by the Visigoths during the 5th century, although there is evidence that it may have been inhabited since pre- Roman times due to its strategic positioning.

During the Middle Ages, it was part of the Cathar movement and was subject to much conflict between Catholics and Cathars until it eventually came under French rule in 1659. The castle was built around 1002.

The Mystery Surrounding the Commune

Today it is a well known place, but it wasn’t always so. Tucked away in rural France, no one payed much attention to the place until the legendary rumors started circulating. And it is much more recent than we like to think. 

Rennes-le-Château and its mysteries have captivated the minds of historians, conspiracy theorists, and curious adventurers alike. Legends such as the Priory of Sion, hidden treasure located beneath Notre Dame de Marceille church, ancestral connections to Jesus Christ, and even theories related to extraterrestrial life have all been linked to the commune. 

Although some have been debunked as myths over time, it still leaves a lingering sense of mystery that draws people from all around the world seeking answers.

Bérenger Saunière and The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail

One of the most mysterious characters associated with Rennes-le-Château is surely Bérenger Saunière, the former priest in charge of the local parish that is said to start the hunt for the hidden secrets in the place. He started to renovate the castle in the 19th century and it sparked conversation of where he got the money for that, and what he found when he renovated the old church.

Bérenger Saunière was in the midst of several controversies, about his wealth, beliefs and the spending of the church’s money. He was a peculiar priest and was even tried for trafficking masses of which he was found guilty of later. Still, people couldn’t make the math match of how much he spent and how much he made.  

He is most known for being at the center of several conspiracy theories about the place that eventually led to inspiring books like Holy Blood, Holy Grail and The Da Vinci Code among other tales about The Holy Grail, Knights Templars and the continuation of Jesus’s blood lineage. 

The Treasure of Blanche Castile

One theory was that he had found documents connected to the treasure of Blanche of Castile while he was renovating and it led him to a treasure of pure gold. 

She was a regent twice in her life as Queen of France during her son, Louis IX reign in the 1200s. She supposedly stacked a treasure in Rennes-le-Château that is said to still be there, at least parts of it. It was supposed to be a ransom to pay for Saint Louis, her son as he was a prisoner of the Saracens. 

Legends of Buried Treasures

But where did these rumors first start? We can mostly trace many of them back to the 50s and 60s from a local restaurant owner in Rennes-le-Château called Noël Corbu. A local newspaper printed a series of interviews of him where he claimed that the priest had discovered part of the treasure of Blanche of Castile. 

He had told the story so many times to his guests at the restaurant after failing himself to find the treasure that he allegedly heard about from the priest’s housekeeper, Marie Denarnaud.

Why he did this is difficult to say as he died in a car collision in 1968, but it brought big business to the area however and to this day the small place receives more tourists than locals each year. Over the years he did change his story more than one time over the years. 

The Mystical Place in France

Mystical Ley Lines, Occult treasures from the Visigoths or the Knights Templars, and sacred geometry as well as a classical UFO story, this place is like the French version of Roswell, Atlantis and the Bermuda Triangle, all in one. 

People found their metal detectors, mediums tried to sense their way and hypnotists found their pendulums to search the rest of the treasure. Even archeologists found their spades to excavate just in case. However to this day, not a gold piece has been found, let alone the Holy Grail.

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Bérenger Saunière – Wikipedia

Noël Corbu – Wikipedia 

Blanche of Castile – Wikipedia

Rennes-le-Château – Wikipedia

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The Headless Hauntings of Parc Montsouris

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Explore the mysterious history of Parc Montsouris. This beautiful park looks nice during the day, but at night it is said the park is haunted by a headless ghost. 

Take a stroll through the lush greenery in Parc Montsouris, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris and follow the Meridian line of Paris that is passing through the park. Rumor has it that strange events and hauntings seemed to bring life to this place, and explore the stories and legends behind some of its most bizarre occurrences.

Parc Montsouris is located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris and has a rich history spanning centuries. It is one of the four large urban public parks in Paris and has wide sloping lawns, a lake and even a meteorology station. When they started building the park, they had to remove over 800 from the tunnels as the area was a part of the catacombs of Paris. 

Legends and Hauntings

Parc Montsouris is an eerily beautiful park that boasts a variety of interesting legends, tales, and spooky stories. People claim to have heard strange sounds and seen unusual shadows, while other visitors may have even seen the ghosts of long-deceased inhabitants in their midst among the trees. Furthermore, it is said that the occasional apparition can be seen lurking in the shadows of nearby buildings or at night near the lake. Whatever you believe, one thing is undeniable: Parc Montsouris is certainly a park with a mysterious history worth uncovering.

One legend that is told about the place was that on the official opening day, there was one working there who messed up and accidentally drained the artificial lake in a single day. The park engineer was so distraught that he committed suicide. 

Althogh we have written proof that the lake indeed was drained one day in 1878, there is not really a record of a suicide. 

The History of the Guillotine

Perhaps the most notorious piece of Parc Montsouris’ history is the guillotine, which was most known to be the preferred way to execute criminals during the French Revolution. According to a legend, this was the place that they first started testing the murder weapon and supposedly the victims of the guillotine are said to return to this place.   

It is said that some visitors have heard eerie echoes that bring to mind the sound of a blade slicing through air – a reminder of what happened here over two centuries ago. 

Some paranormal enthusiasts even claim that one can still feel the presence of lingering spirits in certain areas throughout the park, either due to residual haunting or because those powerful executions are remembered and honored by their ghostly forms.

The Murder of Isaure de Montsouris

The victims of the guillotine are not the only headless ghosts said to walk the park at night. One of the most infamous stories connected to the park revolves around a certain Isaure de Montsouris that conveniently shares the name with the park. Which is odd as the park is named after moquesouris, mouse mocker as the area was overrun by mice because of a mill that used to stand there. 

In any case, named or not, this man was, according to legend, attacked and murdered in the park by a group of bandits close to where the Bardo Palace was going to be built and burned down in the 90s. Apparently they decapitated him for good measure as well and it is said the body was ambling around before dying. 

Another version of the story was that he was a brigand living in the 9th century and was the one terrorizing travelers. In the end he was beheaded by William of Aquitaine

However, he kept close to the park in the afterlife as well, and is said to haunt the grounds to this day. 

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Lac de Paladru and the Ancient City of Ars

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Discover one of France’s most beautiful natural wonders, Lac de Paladru or the Blue Lake. A place of wonder as it is said that it was once a place of the Ancient City of Ars that suddenly disappeared after it was cursed.

The beautiful Lac de Paladru is one of Southeastern France’s most stunning natural wonders. From its lush forests around to its many attractions and its abundance of fish, this lake has something for everyone, including some paranormal rumors about how an ancient city that once stood where the lake is, suddenly disappeared.

The Blue Lake

Lac de Paladru is a picturesque lake located in the Isère region of France that is nicknamed the Blue Lake because of its bright color. The 36 meters deep lake was formed by two rivers, the Paladru and the Séranne, which irrigated this area for centuries before. 

Lac de Paladru: The beautiful blue lake in France may hold entire settlements within its depth.//Source: wikimedia

The lake itself dates back to the 10th century and has since become renowned for its beauty, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you want to explore its history or practice some fishing, Lac de Paladru offers something for everyone, even a local legend or two.

Legends of a Sunken Village

Many of the legends coming from the lake, comes from the myths of the Ancient city of Ars that once stood where the lake is now. It is said that it was a great city with riches and existed under the Holy Roman Empire. 

We do know that there were settlements to places that now are covered by the blue lake, but how big they were, and for what reasons the settlements disappeared is still up to debate.

The written accounts and locals called the city for Ars that means burned in French and the popular opinion was that it disappeared after a volcanic eruption and turned to ash. But even before the city supposedly disappeared there were written accounts of it by that name. Whether the name gave rise to legend or its faith were simply written under the stars is hard to tell. 

But did this city really exist? There are those saying it really did, although perhaps more of a village and interestingly enough, there is archaeological excavation that shows that there are abandoned settlements after a flooding of the lake around 1040. 

The Peasant Knights of Lake Paladru

What we do know is that at the beginning of the 11th  century, the Lac de Paladru had a lower level than today. Around the year one thousand, probably in 1008, about sixty settlers built a fortified wooden habitat on a chalk beach.

It was settled by farmers and craftsmen that had a second mission. They were also chosen to defend the territory as knights, and are remembered in songs and legends today. As the water rose gradually, the peasant knights eventually left the settlement around 1040. 

Is this the settlement that gave rise to the legend of the City of Ars, or was it something completely separate?

The Ancient City of Ars

The settlement of the peasant knights around Lac de Paladru are well documented in writing and archeological findings, but we can also find stories and remarks about this City of Ars as well throughout the times. 

But what really happened to it? Did there really exist a place like it? There are plenty of legends tied to the mythical city, and some of them were written down by Louise Drevet who published it in her book Les Légendes de Paladru from 1896. 

The Legend of the Pilgrim’s Curse

One of the legends tells that the Ancient City of Ars was a proud, rich and greedy city by Lac de Paladru that didn’t care for other outsiders. And in an almost biblical manner, it also led to its destruction. 

Once a pilgrim wandered to the Ancient City of Ars near the lake and was only met with cold inhospitality even though he was starving and exhausted. Except for two women, a mother and her daughter who gave him food and shelter. 

This angered the pilgrim so much that he put a curse on the village that was first heard by the ringing of the golden church bell, opening a chasm that swallowed the hostile village and sent it to the bottom of the lake. 

Only the two hospital women are spared from his curse and it is said you can still hear the sound of the bell from the bottom of the lake. 

The Legend of the White Lady

There is no complete legend in France without the appearance of the Dame Blanches, or the Lady in White. 

The beautiful Countess of Ars accompanied by her young lover will plead the cause of her village with the Emperor Frederic Barbarossa of the Holy Roman Empire. He ruled the Empire from 1155 until his death in 1190. 

The Ancient City of Ars wanted to be free from the emperor and the Countess of the city was chosen to go to the Emperor Frederic Barbarossa in today’s Germany to ask him in person.

Emperor Frederic Barbarossa agrees to spare the village on condition that the countess of Ars marries his nephew. The Countess accepts, although it’s not what her heart wants, and returns to her village. 

Here there are more than one version of what happens. In one version of the legend, she returns to her village but sees that it’s completely destroyed by an earthquake and a volcanic eruption, and her sacrifice was all in vain. 

The White Woman of the City of Ars: According to the legend, there was no city when the countess of Ars returned and she was never seen again. jsamwrites/wikimedia

Both her and her lover take a boat to try to return to it, but there is nothing to return to. Some versions say they just kept the boat floating, reaching new shores and disappearing together. Some say that the boat never returned from the lake, and they both perished in the blue lake. 

The Legend of the Chevalier d’Ars

Another legend that tries to explain the city engulfed by the Lac de Paladru is that of the Chevalier d’Ars from the village. He was chosen by the beautiful Béatrice de la Buisse as her man and it sent another man into a fit of rage and jealousy. 

The lord of Maurienne had wanted that position for himself and decided to take extreme measures for his revenge. He sold his soul to the Devil himself and in return, the village of Ars were cursed and engulfed.

Still Water with Deep Secrets

Locals still tell tales about old fishnets, pottery and other things that don’t belong to them at all. And under the still waters of the blue waters of Lac de Paladru, the legends of the mythical City of Ars continue to ring the ghostly bells for anyone to hear.

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References

Legendes | Lac de Paladru | France

La légende de la Dame Blanche | Villes et Pays d’art et d’histoire en Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

La légende d’Ars, ville engloutie | Dossier

Habitat fortifié de Colletière — Wikipédia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Barbarossa

Lac de Paladru – Wikipedia 

Lac de Paladru — Wikipédia 

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The Secrets of The Ancient Carnac Stones

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Often called France’s Stonehenge, The Carnac Stones in Brittany have puzzled people for millennials as to why they were built. Some ancient burial rites? Perhaps it’s like the legends say and are soldiers turned into stone? 

The Carnac Stones, or Steudadoù Karnag as they are called in Breton, are mysterious and imposing structures located in the small town of Carnac, Brittany in France that no one really knows the purpose of for certain. 

These stone structures that are often referred to as France’s Stonehenge have stood for centuries, forming an impressive landscape that has piqued the interest of many throughout history. What were they built for? Some form of pagan worship? Astronomical device? Perhaps even an enormous earthquake detector?

Perhaps it is like in the legends, and they really were created by Merlin as he turned an entire legion of Romans into these perfectly lined stones?

The Carnac Stones – a Forest of Stones

The Carnac Stones are believed to have been created approximately 7000 years ago with the local stones from the region. These stones were erected by the pre-celtic people living in Brittany in the Neolithic period, centuries before the Romans arrived, the celts lived and before France became France. 

The Carnac Stones are made up of over 3,000 prehistoric megaliths that cover an area of over 4 km in the village of Carnac. The single standing stones are called menhirs, meaning long stones in Breton language.

It is believed that these monuments were erected sometime between 4500 BC and 2000 BC, making them some of the oldest structures still standing in Europe and therefore an important historical place. Many theories have been raised as to their purpose and origin, but no one knows for sure how they came to be or why they were created.

The Mystery of the Stones

Although the exact purpose and meaning of the Carnac Stones is still a mystery today, historians have theorized that they were built for some type of spiritual or religious worship. Maybe even burial rituals as there are several dolmen which are burial chambers close to the lined up standing rocks. 

Burial Chambers: Among the free standing stones known as menhirs, there are also larger cluster of stones known as dolmens. Often referred to as burial chambers and has influenced how we look at the collection of standing stones.

Until not very long ago, there was a Breton tradition to visit one of the menhir called La Vaisseau in Carnac. Young married couple met up at midnight with their parents watching as they ran naked around the stone as a fertility ritual. 

However, since much of our understanding about this period remains unclear, their true role is likely to remain an enigma. Over time, various myths and legends have developed around these megaliths that add to their mystery and allure.

Legends of the Carnac Stones

Legends of the Carnac Stones span centuries, stretching all the way back to when they were originally constructed. In the middle ages they looked at the stones as the work of demons as well as sorcerers or giants that walked the earth before the flood. 

They tell of goblin-like creatures called Korrigans that are said to haunt the megaliths and living in the hollow rocks and dolmens, or stone soldiers that are often said to be protecting some sort of hidden treasure or guarding a great secret.

Another modern myth is that the stones were created when pagan soldiers came after Pope Cornelius in the 200s and he turned them into stone. Some even say that the stones are that of a Roman legion marching on the grounds that were turned to stone by Merlin from the Arthurian legends. 

Despite their mysterious origins, these ancient megaliths continue to fascinate millions of visitors each year.

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Carnac stones – Wikipedia

Carnac Stones: 3,000 Mysterious Pillars of France 

The Mysterious Stones of Carnac

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The Mysterious Gouffre de Padirac Caves

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Step into the unknown and explore the mysterious Gouffre de Padirac Cave in France. From stunning rock formations to underground rivers there are many dark stories that have been told about this place.

Prepare to be amazed as you explore the mysterious Padirac Chasm in France, or as it is called in France, Gouffre de Padirac. It is an enormous cave in Lot in the Occitanie Region in Southern France.

With its stunning rock formations and underground rivers, this natural wonder is sure to leave an impression. Along with the sights, the cave also comes with some eerie tales of ghosts that have been told over its many years in existence.

The History of Gouffre de Padirac

The Gouffre de Padirac was discovered, or at least throughout explored in 1889 by Frenchman, Edouard-Alfred Martel, who explored its almost 100m deep abyss. 

The chasm itself was made in an unknown point in time however when the roof of the cave collapsed and opened the abyss. We do know though that the cavern existed all the way back in the 3rd century. In the 1400s and 1500s it was even inhabited. 

The Chasm to Hell: The big hole going down, supposedly all the way down to hell has been speculated about among the locals for centuries. //Source/ wikimedia/Sail over

During the Hundred Years War and the Wars of Religion, the locals used the intricate cave system of Gouffre de Padirac as a shelter from the raging battles. 

Today over 400 000 tourists come to explore the caves, and as you explore the place, you can imagine the intrigue that greeted this fascinating discovery. Along with its stalagmites, underground rivers and rock formations, Padirac Cave will take your breath away.

The Features of Gouffre de Padirac

As you descend the 33m wide, 10m high entrance of Padirac Cave, you will be immediately amazed at the incredible rock formations that line the walls of limestone. Some are painted in colors like red and yellow while others look like shimmering ice-sculpted mounds. 

A Boat Ride Underground: Another legend told about this underground tunnells full of secrets is that there is a hidden treasure protected by fire. //Source/wikimedia/Tim Tim (VD fr)

An underground river flows through the depths of the cave and can be seen and heard snaking through as you approach its 77m deep abyss. The galleries were hollowed out around one or two million years ago. The river also creates a mesmerizing misty spray which adds a mystical atmosphere to your tour.

Chasms Made by Lucifer Himself

It’s no wonder that Gouffre de Padirac is believed by many to be the work of Lucifer himself. The long winding paths, deep crevices and dark abyss have become home to many legends and mysteries

It is said that Saint Martin, a man traveling to spread the word of God to the locals, was passing by and suddenly Lucifer stood before him with a number of souls of peasants condemned to hell he was leading them into. Lucifer made the Gouffre with a swipe of a talon and challenged Saint Martin. 

He had to cross the Gouffre de Padirac, the entire abyss, the very way to hell to save the souls condemned for hell. To win this challenge, Saint Martin jumped with his mule over it all. The mule left the imprint of his hoof when he landed, and it is said you can still see it to this day.  

Hidden Treasures Protected by Fire

One of the more persistent legends about this abyss and a hole in the earth is that there is a hidden treasure hidden in the depths of Gouffre de Padirac.

There are still tales about flames coming from the caves. Popular belief is that it is to protect a treasure that the English hid away during the Hundred Years War when the end was near and they knew they had lost. 

Mysterious and Magical Cave

Since the late 1600s, countless visitors have reported a range of mysterious phenomena that appear to make this French cave amazing. From spooky glow-in-the-dark creatures dotted throughout the walls and ceilings to haunting whispers late at night when all other sounds go silent, there is certainly no lack of wonder or enchantment that can be found here. 

Stories of lost adventurers never escaped their explorations and tales of long forgotten relics awaken ancient legends amongst curious visitors.

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Padirac Cave – Gouffre de Padirac – Quercy

The geological history | Gouffre de Padirac

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Nazi Soldiers Haunting Château Lagorce in France

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Travel back in time and explore the history of Château Lagorce, a beautiful castle located in France. Learn about its fascinating past and uncover the secrets behind its walls!  

Nestled among the rolling French countryside lies Château Lagorce, a magnificent castle with centuries of history of wine-filled Bordeaux. 

But even though the wine party never ends in the beautiful French countryside, there are also those that claim that the place is a haunted one. And this particular Château is said to be haunted by the Nazi soldier that took camp in the Château during World War II. So sip the fresh wine and let’s have a look at this haunted castle.

The History of Château Lagorce

The story of the former castle turned Château is riddled with wars and blood and the history remembers. During the 14th, 15th as well as the 16th century it was embroiled in feudal wars of who the castle belonged to and it traded families and names constantly. 

The building used to be more prepared for war with tall and thick towers and a protective moat surrounding it. 

The structure of Château Lagorce has changed many times as it was destroyed many times before being rebuilt. After the French Revolution the property was in a very bad shape and sold to a wine producer and produced red wine and Sauvignon Blanc. 

In 2003 a thorough restoration of the castle began by the Holmes family to get back to its once great glory. They now run it as a hotel.

Sauvignon Blanc Wine Country

Château Lagorce is located in the historic wine making region of Sauvignon Blanc, renowned for its production of the world’s finest white wines. As far back as the 15th century, this magnificent location has been celebrated for producing high quality wines. 

Records show that the sauvignon blanc vineyards surrounding Château Lagorce have produced exceptional vintages every year since 1409 and this is the reason why people now seek out this place. But during World War II however, the Germans occupied the castle and it is said that their ghosts are still haunting the castle.

Ghosts of Soldiers from World War II

One of the most haunting stories related to Château Lagorce is the legend of the spirits of soldiers from World War II who perished in battle nearby. During World War II the Germans occupied the building and made it into a Nazi post where they housed mostly prominent generals.

People claim to have heard voices screaming “Fight!” and locals say that these ghostly figures haunt the chateau’s winding paths, appearing at dusk and disappearing as quickly as they appeared. 

When ghost hunters visited the place they experienced a lot of disturbances with their gear and one of the investigators even experienced the feeling of being pinned down to her bed, something that more than one guest has claimed. 

Also words like “This is mine”, “Get out” and the name “Pierre” have been called out in the dark belonging to no one. 

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Château Lagorce – Wikipedia

Haunted Chateaux – bordeaux-undiscovered.co.uk

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Scary Tales of The Catacombs of Paris

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Explore one of Paris’ most haunted destinations with this tour featuring stories and legends about the Catacombs’ chilling past. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight!

Take your flashlight and follow along with a knowledgeable tour guide on an eerie journey through the catacombs of Paris, one of the city’s most haunting and mysterious places. Hear tales of chilling ghostly encounters and uncanny moments throughout history as you venture deeper into these damp, dark corridors.

Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort

This is the sign that greets you when you are entering the catacombs. It means: Stop! This is the empire of Death. And it certainly is. 

The Catacombs of Paris, or l’Ossuaire Municipal, are an ancient network of tunnels located beneath the streets of Paris that date back to the Roman period. It used to be an underground quarry to get stone to build the city on top of it. 

Over time, the city began to outgrow its ancient cemeteries, and in the late 1780s officials began a project to move millions upon millions of bones and remains into the quarries deep beneath the streets. These bones comprise much of what is now known as “the Catacombs” in reference to the underground necropolis in Rome and represent centuries worth of Parisian history and houses now the graves of 6 million people.

Tales of Terror from Paris’s Underworld

People have been telling tales of terror from the Catacombs of Paris for centuries. From ghostly figures spotted in the shadows to strange noises and apparitions, these chilling stories of paranormal activity are sure to leave you shuddering. There’s also said to be a secret chamber deep within the catacombs that hints at an even more ominous past — although no one knows what lies beyond its entrance.

Philibert Aspairt Ghost

One of the scariest tales associated with the Catacombs is that of Philibert Aspairt, a 62 year old hospital worker at Val-de-Grâce hospital who disappeared in November of 1793 during the French Revolution. He entered the catacombs via a staircase in the hospital courtyard, but his motive for going in is unclear. 

Many say that he was going to fetch a particular liquor, was drunk himself and ended up getting lost in the maze of corridors. When his light went out it was impossible to find out from the catacombs. 

Rumor has it that his body was discovered in the Catacombs in 1804, nearly 11 years later in one of the quarry galleries where he was identified by the key ring belonging to the hospital, but the cause of death was never determined. 

The tragedy doesn’t end there as according to legend, Aspairt’s ghost continues to haunt the underground labyrinth to this day.

Legends of the Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris are not just filled with bones, but also stories and legends that have been passed down for centuries. From tales of mysterious creatures lurking in the tunnels to sightings of the ghost of a monk and others, those brave enough to explore the Catacombs may never know what they might encounter.

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Philibert Aspairt – Wikipedia

Unresolved: The Missing Man In The Paris Catacombs – The Ghost In My Machine

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The Soldier Ghosts Haunting the Iconic Château de Chambord

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Get to know one of the most iconic castles in France – Château de Chambord. The grand castle is, according to legend, designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself. And it is also said that the castle is haunted by the souls of the soldiers of the Franco-Prussian War.

Built by King Francis I in the 1600s, the Château de Chambord is one of France’s most iconic castles in the Loire Valley in the heart of France because of its distinct French Renaissance architecture. 

The Château was originally built to be a hunting lodge for King Francis I and it is filled with centuries of history, the majestic site quickly became one of the country’s biggest attractions and remains a must-see destination for travelers today. 

History of Château de Chambord

Château de Chambord was built by King Francis I of France from 1519 to 1547. The property took 14 years to build and stretch out an impressive 52,000 square meters (558,000 sq feet). 

Its design was a blend of both Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with a blend of French and Italian elements the French brought home from Italy after the Hundred Years’ War. The castle is surrounded by a park 5 km (3 miles) in circumference and is home to 46 staircases, 282 fireplaces, and 440 rooms.

Designed by Leonardo Da Vinci?

The immense double staircase is an exceptional feature of the Château de Chambord, which according to legend was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, although the true architect behind it is much disputed. This design which blends together two symmetrical independent spiral staircases is perhaps one of its most remarkable features. In order to ensure this symmetry, both staircases ascend the same height and never meet each other. 

Château de Chambord’s double helix also intersects with multiple rooms, creating spectacular illusions by allowing visitors to originate from any point of departure and remain completely unseen from anyone in the opposite staircase.

The Hauntings at Château de Chambord

Rumors about paranormal activity in the castle have been around since the 19th century and the castle has been abandoned many times during the long war years, revolution and so on. Many visitors reported seeing mysterious figures and hearing strange, unexplained noises inside its walls. 

During the Franco-Prussian War from 1870-1871 the Château de Chambord was used as a field hospital. The war was between the Second French Empire and The North German Confederation that ended in German victory. It also ended in over 40 000 deaths on the German side and over 138 000 deaths on the French side. 

Many were taken to the Château de Chambord that was a field hospital back then and ended their lives there. After this, people in the grand Château claim to see the ghosts of the dead soldiers still wandering the halls and the grand staircase. 

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Château de Chambord – Wikipedia

Franco-Prussian War – Wikipedia 

France’s Top 5 Haunted Castles 

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The Lady in Green Haunting Château de Brissac

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The tragic story of Château de Brissac and the murder of Charlotte de Brézé is a haunting one, but not a rare one as it houses the ghost of a woman murdered by her own husband and is forced to remain as a ghost.

It’s no secret that the Château de Brissac holds centuries of ghostly secrets in the Loire Valley. As one of the highest, grandest and oldest castles in France, it has been home to some of the most mysterious occurrences in all of Europe, including that of the Lady in Green. Unearth the tales about its ghosts, spirits and supernatural activity inside!

Discover the History of Château de Brissac

Château de Brissac has a long, colorful history that provides a backdrop for its resident spirits. Built in the 11th century by the Counts of Anjou but renovated in the 16th century, it stands as an impressive monument to France’s past. Its past inhabitants have left behind a tale of murder and misfortune – one that still haunts the castle today.

Rebuilt in 1611 after the French Wars of Religion, the architecture of the Château de Brissac is unlike any other in France. It features a unique combination of early Renaissance and classic Renaissance styles. It’s surrounded by seven towers and many turrets, windows, and balconies. 

Its main reception hall is one of the largest in Europe, measuring an impressive 80 feet long by 30 feet wide. The walls are actually double-walled to prevent fires and its design includes a mezzanine for extra storage space. Even its natural environment acts as a defensive wall against intruders since it’s located deep in dark forests!

The Ghost of the Green Lady or La Dame Verte

Many ghosts in French ghost story lore are said to be Dame Blanches or Ladies in White. And although the ghost of the Château de Brissac follows in the same pattern, the ghost is remembered and rumored to be a Lady in Green or La Dame Verte. 

The spirits of Château de Brissac are said to still linger in its walls, though sightings of them have become rarer over the years. 

Legends of La Dame Verte, the Green Lady, are some of the most popular tales told about the Château de Brissac. It is said that she was murdered by her own husband and now wanders the halls in search of vengeance. Some believe these stories are real, while others think they’re far-fetched. 

The Murder of Charlotte de Brézé

One of the reasons why Château de Brissac is so famously haunted is due to a tragic event that took place there. Charlotte de Brézé, the wife of Jacques de Breze and mistress of the castle, was mysteriously murdered inside one of its rooms. 

She was the illegitimate daughter of King Charles VII and his mistress, Agnes Sorel. She married Jacques de Breze, the lord of Château de Brissac in 1462 and had 5 children with him. The match was not a success however and Charlotte found the boring country life too much. 

Jacques de Breze suspected her of having an affair with another man, one of his huntsmen, Pierre de Lavergne. On the night of May 31 in 1477 she was murdered by her husband when he ran his sword through her as well as her lover because of his jealousy. 

She is said to haunt the tower room of the chapel of Château de Brissac, wearing her green dress and it is said that Jacques de Breze had to move out from the castle as he was tormented by her ghost. Years later, visitors still report hearing cries in the night at Château de Brissac, perhaps forever labeling it as one of France’s most haunted places!

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References

Charlotte de Brézé – Wikipedia

Château de Brissac – Wikipedia

The Ghost of the Green Lady Haunts this Spectacular French Chateau

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The Haunted and Holy Mont Saint-Michel

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The tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel in France holds many secrets of the sea and is said to be haunted by both monks disturbed of their eternal rest as well as soldiers from the bloody battlefields of the Hundred Year War. 

Mont Saint-Michel, the mysterious and spectacular island off the coast of France, has fueled an array of mysterious stories for centuries. It’s a little tidal island in Normandy, northwest in the country, one-half nautical mile off the mainland.

The tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel has served many purposes, mostly as a monastery and today it is a small village with around 50 villagers. It has also been a location for many battles and a prison known as The Bastille of the Sea. 

While people may debate if Mont Saint-Michel is really haunted, locals and visitors alike have shared stories about eerie figures, ghostly voices, and strange sightings which add to the legends surrounding this awe-inspiring destination.

History and Legends of Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an ancient destination and pilgrimage site that has been embraced by nature. Its sides are steep and nearly inaccessible from the mainland, with huge cliffs around its shoreline. The island was a great reminder of pilgrimages that they were indeed on the right path. 

Mont Saint-Michel’s tides are the product of complex natural interactions between wind, waves and the gravitational pull of the sun and moon. This happens when large masses of water on the earth’s surface respond to these forces. 

The tides of Mont Saint-Michel vary greatly, at roughly 14 meters between highest and lowest water marks. Popularly nicknamed “St. Michael in peril of the sea” by medieval pilgrims making their way across the flats, the mount can still pose dangers for visitors who avoid the causeway and attempt the hazardous walk across the sands from the neighboring coast.

Ghost Monks of Mont Saint-Michel

Most of the people living in this little tidal island were pious monks in the abbey. When the monks died it was common to bury them inside of the walls of churches and abbeys. When the French Revolution came around for Mont Saint-Michel, a lot of abbeys and churches were desecrated as they needed the building material of the building or even the fortune the monks kept. 

Some say that the monks buried inside of the walls who had their eternal rest disturbed by the revolution are haunting the place as their souls were awoken to roam Mont Saint-Michel. 

The Ghost from the Hundred Year War

Mont Saint-Michel has had a long, dark history and its fair share of battles. One of the most famous and mysterious tales is that of “Le fantôme de la guerre de 100 ans” because this haunting story dates back to an incident during the Hundred Year War. 

The Hundred Year War really impacted generations of French people and the mindset of the French. It was here heroes like Joan of Arc stepped forward, but also many lost their lives during it as most of the waring happened on French soil. And even if the victory ended with French victory, the people, the land as well as their history going forward would be tainted by the blood of the long war. 

During the Hundred Year War, England tried several times to take over the Mont Saint-Michel, but were unable to because of the natural as well as human made fortifications. They tried in 1423 and 1433 but the island knew how to protect itself. 

It is said that there were several soldiers who were killed in battle defending Mont Saint-Michel from the English troops on the nearby beaches on one of the bloodiest days in the war. More than 2000 Englishmen were killed under the command of Captain Louis d’Estouteville. 

According to legend the souls of the soldiers that perished in the battle are now haunting Mont Saint-Michel, especially near the water. The ghost of Captain Louis d’Estouteville has also been spotted around Mont Saint-Michel, still protecting the abbey. 

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Mont Saint Michel Castle: France’s Haunted Island Village – Mysterioustrip