
Suggested Society Events
🏛️ The Rennes-le-Château Historical Society — Events Programme - Exploring Rennes-le-Château History Together
The Rennes-le-Château Historical Society hosts a varied programme of academic, cultural, and exploratory events throughout the year, both online and in person. Each event seeks to advance understanding of the historical, archaeological, esoteric traditions and intellectual legacy surrounding the Rennes-le-Château Affair and history of the wider Aude region while fostering collaboration among researchers, other French research Societies and the interested wider public.
🖥️ Online Events
1. Scholarly Lectures & Webinars
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Monthly lecture series by historians, archaeologists, linguists, or symbologists.
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Themed talks on key figures (Saunière, de Chérisey, Plantard, etc.) or new discoveries.
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Recorded and archived in a “Digital Lecture Library.”
2. Virtual Roundtables & Discussions
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Panel discussions on contested interpretations (e.g., parchments, symbolism, esoteric traditions or geography).
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“Ask the Researcher” sessions for members to pose questions to Society scholars.
3. Digital Research Workshops
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Hands-on sessions: “How to read 19th-century maps,” “Archival research methods,” or “GPS in archaeology.”
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Collaborative document analysis events where participants examine scans of manuscripts or letters.
4. Online Exhibitions
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Curated digital showcases of rare maps, letters, or photographs with expert commentary.
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Themed displays such as “The Saunière Archive” or “Hidden Symbols of the Languedoc.”
5. Member Forums & Discussion Groups
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Monthly virtual meet-ups for members to share theories, findings, or local research.
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“Book Club” sessions for literature connected to the Affair.
6. Virtual Field Tours
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Guided Zoom or 3D-mapped tours of Rennes-le-Château and related sites (Rennes-les-Bains, Montségur, etc.).
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Narrated by researchers with Q&A.
⚖️ Hybrid Options
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Hybrid conferences and lectures (streamed + in-person attendance).
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Collaborative projects where online members contribute remotely to field data or translation efforts.
📅 Upcoming Example Highlights
Sample upcoming events with dates and booking buttons...
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October 2025: Virtual Lecture – “Saunière’s Legacy: Fact and Fabrication”
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November 2025: Workshop – “Reading the Landscape: Rennes through Old Maps”
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December 2025: Winter Members’ Forum – Reflections and Research Round-Up
🏛️ Real-World Events
1. Annual Conference or Symposium
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Held in Rennes-le-Château or another historically relevant location.
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Academic papers, poster sessions, and networking opportunities.
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Could include a public “Open Day” with talks and exhibitions.
2. Field Research Visits & Study Tours
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Guided expeditions to key sites (church, Tour Magdala, Rennes-les-Bains, Blanchefort).
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Interpretive field notes and group research exercises.
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Optional: photography, mapping, and documentation workshops.
3. Archaeological Site Visits
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In collaboration with local authorities or archaeologists.
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Observational, educational—focusing on conservation and interpretation, not excavation (unless licensed).
4. Museum or Archive Days
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Visits to archives in Carcassonne, Perpignan, or Paris to view related documents.
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Could include training on archival handling and interpretation.
5. Exhibitions & Installations
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Display Society research findings, maps, and models.
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Pop-up exhibitions in libraries or universities or other sites.
6. Cultural & Heritage Events
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Public lectures in partnership with local councils or cultural festivals.
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Historical reenactments or walking tours themed on Saunière’s era.
7. Social Gatherings
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Informal meet-ups, dinners, or “Members’ Evenings” in France or the UK.
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Networking for researchers, artists, and enthusiasts alike.
Virtual Roundtables & Member Forums
Open discussion sessions allow members to exchange ideas, challenge interpretations, and share local research insights in an atmosphere of collegial debate.
🧭 Virtual Field Tours
Explore the landscapes of mystery — from the Tour Magdala to the hills above Rennes-les-Bains — through guided digital tours with expert narration, historical mapping, and high-resolution imagery.
Next session: “Tracing the Circuit: Landscapes of the Affair”
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