Extract from review of guided tour to le Chateau and Montsegur

Sunday after breakfast and in the brilliant sun gathered the majority of the group by bus which drove us to the foot of the mountain Montségur. From here we had to hike up to the castle ruins, located 1,207 meters above sea level

Br. Kaj which again was to be our guide, gave us an initial briefing in the bus and handed us then a long-stemmed, large flowering, beautiful, white rose. These roses were placed on the memorial to the more than 220 Cathars, who chose to be burned at the stake rather than renounce their interpretation of the Christian faith in favor of the Roman Church's interpretation. The has left only one word to the French - namely "amour". Moreover, it is once again been officially allowed to teach the language.

The ascent to the castle ruins begins shortly after the memorial, and is a breathless, breathtaking, scenic hiking. You see the valleys and mountains, gorges and canyons, right down to the small village Montségur at the foot. It was probably not what occupied the thoughts of the approximately 600 people who stayed at the castle in the exceptionally cold winter of the year 1244. It was for us a strange and very depressing experience to walk around the castle ruins. From the walls were labeled discouragement and fear and counseled for thought.

Br. Kaj gathers us in a place with a unique beautiful view of the landscape, and here we get a strong and very poignant farewell to the place. He recites from Kate Mosse's work "" from Chapter 71, and it reads:

"Her daughter was of a less serious nature than Alais herself had been for her age. But the appearance was Bertrande her mirror image. The same heart-shaped face, the same penetrating gaze and the long brown hair. Apart from Alais gray hair and wrinkles around the eyes, they could have been sisters. The load of the long waiting appeared in her daughter's face. "Sajhê says that the soldiers will come," she said with a faltering voice. Alais shook her head. "They do not come before tomorrow," she said firmly. "There is still a to do with our time from now until tomorrow." She took Bertrandes cold hands between hers. "I trust that you will help Sajhê and take care of Rixende. Especially tonight. They need you. "I will not lose you, Mama," she said, her lips trembling. "It will not," Alais smiled and prayed that it was true. "We will all soon be together. You must have patience. "Bertrande gave her a weak smile. "That's better. Come on, Filha. Let's go down. "" And with these Br. Kaj's final line: "So let's go down".

It is our hope that with this small contribution, has been able to arouse interest among some readers to immerse themselves in the diverse issues surrounding Rennes-le-Château, Montségur and Carcassonne. To those we will at the very warmest recommend Sus Krassels book "The Master in the House of Wisdom", which can be used as a guide with sublime photos and graphics Br. Kaj Lilliendal. A big and heartfelt THANK should be directed to the two, and no less sincere thanks to sound to those who took the initiative and putting elbow grease to the birth of this great event. It causes us to rejoice and look forward to next year's tour.

Kjeld Andersen & Bjarne André Wilkenskjeld