FRANCE ITINERARY
June 13th – 24th
FRANCE ITINERARY
June 13 – 24, 2026
Day 1 - Saturday, June 13: Arrival in Toulouse. Continue Alet-les-Bains (D)
Please be at the Toulouse Airport (TLS) Arrivals Area by 1:00 pm** for our pick up and private coach transport to the magical medieval village of Alet-les-Bains, known to the ancients as “The Chosen Place.” You’ll have the afternoon to settle into your beautiful homes for the next week, the grand and gracious “sister” houses known as Les Marguerites and the riverside Villa du Parc, as well as the gorgeous Villa Florence, with its unparalleled views of the medieval village. 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 3pm 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 at Les Marguerites. Please note that you will be assigned your rooms on arrival based on the three stunning properties we are using (two are directly across from each other, one is a short walk).
** 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 1:00 pm is missed due to a late flight, the cost of a private transfer to our region is approximately $300 Euros. If you prefer to arrive a day early, you will need to 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 14: In Alet les Bains. (B/L/D)
After breakfast we gather for a morning walking tour of Alet-les-Bains, visiting the very special church with unique stained glass windows, as well as exploring the secret codes of Nostradamus’s house. Alet is home of ancient ruins and many legends – and we will discover why its name means “the Chosen Place.” Nazi officers believed the Ark of the Covenant was buried in these hills, which is 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. The layers of legend in this area are thousands of years deep and those ancient spiritual strata are part of our discussion for our afternoon teachings under the ancient trees of Les Marguerites. This evening, we dine together on the riverbanks at Villa du Parc.
Day 3 - Monday, June 15: 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 Cathar 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 was built intentionally in a spiral over 1000 years ago - 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 16: Teaching day – Alet-les-Bains (B/L/D)
Today we get to integrate everything slowly as we rest in Alet and immerse ourselves in the The Way of Love teachings in a very special way – through the healing and power of sound. After breakfast, we will open the space in our Rose Temple and experience the embodiment of walking the 6 petal rose, led by Kathleen and Jeremiah, with very special guest Ani Williams. Ani is a musician and author with over 30 decades of experience in these mysteries. Lunch at Villa du Parc followed by an afternoon of continued teachings and Cathar chanting. This material cannot be found anywhere else, but with these devoted teachers of the Way. We meet for an early dinner at Villa du Parc before we gather at Les Marguerites for a special Cacao ceremony around the fire.
Day 5 - Wednesday, June 17: Excursion to Limoux (B/L/D)
Today, we continue to explore the legends of the land and how the Cathar’s secrets are hidden in plain sight throughout the Languedoc. After breakfast, we have a short journey to the magnificent church in Limoux: Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Marceille. Here we will have a special guided tour of the back rooms in the church where we will see an exciting link to Kathleen’s family. This church has a very powerful presence of more than 100 years of women’s faith and gratitude. There is also a healing spring on the land that is an ancient original pilgrimage location long before Lourdes. We enjoy a bountiful lunch in Limoux at the Grand Café where you get the true experience of local French food. After lunch we will visit the gorgeous, encoded stained glass windows in the Church of St Martin. The balance of the day is at leisure in Alet for swimming, journaling or relaxing. Dinner at Les Marguerites.
Day 6 - Thursday, June 18: Teaching day (B/L/D)
This morning, we will dive into the second and third petals: Surrender and Service. Kathleen will share teachings from her new book: Secrets of The Magdalene Rose. We will have the opportunity to workshop together, allowing the teachings to integrate into your lived experience. Lunch at Villa du Parc followed by a free afternoon. For those who wish, you will have the opportunity to book a massage or energy session from our wonderful local healer with magical hands. You could also walk down to the river or “Lavoir” to dip your feet or go for a swim, allowing the local waters to work their magic. Dinner at Villa du Parc.
Day 7 - Friday, June 19th: Excursion to Arques and Brenak (B/L/D)
After breakfast we take the picturesque road up to Arques. For those who have read The Expected One, the name might ring a bell. We will gather in the main room of the castle for story time. There is much to explore in this peaceful site, and you will have time to roam around and let the land speak to you. Lunch in a peaceful sanctuary on the riverbanks. After lunch we continue to Brenak where we are welcomed into a living Cathar Community for a special afternoon piano concert and tour of the gardens. We return with time to rest before dinner at Les Marguerites.
Day 8 - Saturday, June 20: 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 will 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 to the two Black Madonnas that reside in the very special village church. Dinner at Villa du Parc.
Day 9 - Sunday, June 21: SUMMER SOLSTICE. Excursion to Rennes le Chateau (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. You will visit Rennes le Chateau as a local, being invited into the inner sanctum with private concerts and meditation time on some of the most powerful land of the village. Lunch in the beautiful Garden of Marie restaurant, and time for shopping in the wonderful esoteric crystal and jewelry shops; where Kathleen has jewelry specially made for her groups. Return to Alet for a surprise solstice dinner where you are invited to dress beautifully if you desire.
Day 10 - Monday, June 22: Morning Excursion to Mirepoix Market. Afternoon in Alet (B/D)
After breakfast, we journey into the neighbouring “departement” of the Ariege to visit the colorful, charming market in Mirepoix – one of the biggest markets in the region. In this bustling market you can find local fresh fruits, spices, textiles, artisan crafts, jewelry and more… It’s a true look into the local culture. Lunch is on our own to sample the amazing offerings there. The rest of the day is at your leisure, with the option to book massages and energy healing if you wish. Dinner at Les Marguerites.
Day 11 - Tuesday, June 23: In Alet les Bains. Full Day Teaching (B/L/D)
Today we will have a full day of teachings diving into the last 3 petals: Abundance, Forgiveness and Overcoming. You will have time to walk the rose to continue embodying the teachings. You will have the opportunity to workshop the teachings and to ask questions so that you feel confident integrating the teachings into your daily life and walking the way of love in the world. Farewell barbecue dinner at the Villa du Parc this evening with a special story time.
Day 12- Wednesday, June 24: Tour Ends (B)
Our tour ends after breakfast with a private coach transfer to Toulouse Airport (TLS). Please be sure to book your flight AFTER 1:00 pm.