RENNES-LES-BAINS, CORBIERES, AUDE, LANGUEDOC FRANCE

RENNES-LES-BAINS, EARLY CHRISTIANITY, AND THE MYSTERIES OF RENNES-LE-CHATEAU

BAPTISM IN RENNES LES BAINS

In the early days in the Corbières at Rennes-les-Bains, when people were converted they were baptised. This was an essential major ceremony of the new Christianity and had the character of a covenant with God. Baptism washed away sin so one could begin a new life in which salvation and personal enlightenment were assured. Baptisms were whole body immersions and Mary was authorised to perform baptisms, unlike most women of the time. . . . complete immersion, including the hair, was the norm and among the observers, fellow Christians waiting to welcome the newcomer to the fold, one of them was appointed to ensure this complete immersion. The newcomer had to be completely naked. Then he or she was welcomed lovingly, with hugs and kisses, into the new Christian community.

Where, 2,000 years ago in the region of Rennes-les-Bains, were there suitable places for whole body baptism? Just outside the town is the Fontaine d'Amours – lover's spring. If you bathe there together, your love will last forever.

It's the tiniest mental leap here, from romantic love to everlasting and spiritual love. Did this legend come from the baptism, done in the new loving religion, that took place there, after which people hugged and kissed?

More about Rennes-Les-Chateau

Rennes-les-Bains is at the center of Cathar country, south of Limoux, and the citadel at Carcassonne. Rennes-les-Bains' history goes back to Antiquity as archaeological artifacts indicate that the spa in the village was at one time popular with the Roman capital of southern France at Colonia Narbo Martius (Narbonne).

Bathers have enjoyed the natural hot spring waters at Rennes-les-Bains for thousands of years - now still being used to cure for rheumatism and certain skin problems at a modern thermal spa with the latest equipment and great amenities. Due to micro organisms being found in the pipes of the old baths they were closed andnow the new hospital gets its water from another source. Apparently the 'Bains Forts', an old 'lavoir' where the young have bathed for 40 years or more, have been closed definitively - creating some humor amongst some locals to rename Rennes-les-Bains as Rennes-sans-Bains.

Rennes-les-Bains is known for being mentioned numerous times in many books about Rennes-le-Chateau, famous again because of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code and Kate Mosse's 2007 novel Sepulchre.

Interestingly Abbé Henri Boudet was the parish priest of Rennes-les-Bains at the same time that Bérenger Saunière was the incumbent of Rennes-le-Château.

Boudet wrote an unusual book "La vraie langue celtique et le cromleck de Rennes-les-Bains (1886)" we he wrote that all languages were derived from the English tongue establishing his premis through the use of puns.

In 1832 a another book by Auguste de Labouïsse-Rochefort called Voyages à Rennes-les-Bains referred to a treasure located at Mont Blanchefort, in which a story was told about a magician who almost succeeded in taking control of the Devils wealth, but failed because the locals did not help him at the critical moment. Auguste de Labouïsse-Rochefort had married a daughter of a millionaire, and his story perhaps became the basis for the rumors that this was Sauniere's source of income.

Things to see in Rennes-Les-Bains

Salle de Patrimoine

Trace the history of the village with gallo-roman artifacts, fossils, mineral collections. Interesting panels examine the past of the baths and spas, the origin of the water, and the mines, and quarries of the area.
Open Monday to Friday
9 h 00 to 12 h 00 and from 14 h 00 to 18 h 00

Cold water Springs:
La Madeleine (route de Bugarach)
Le Cercle (near the Fauteuil du Diable)
La Fontaine des Amours (route de Sougraigne)
Le Pontet (route de Couiza)

Warm water Springs:
Les Bains Doux (route de Couiza, left bank of the Sals) 37°C
Les Bains Forts (in the village, under l’Hostellerie, right bank of the Sals) 47,5°C
Les Bains de la Reine (à l’entrée du village, under the Résidence de la Reine, left bank of the Sals) 40°C

Rock Climbing

Some fine climbing it to be had at Le Pech Cardou - just 2 kilometers from Rennes Les Bains - and is visible from the main road. There are about 100 routes with difficulty from 3 to 7a.

Walking and Hiking

There are some 7 walking or hiking circuits around Rennes Les Bains from 3 - 15 kms in length.

Events in 2010

May 13 - 16
ARTISTES À SUIVRE
4 artists exhibitions throughout the village

July 3
MARCHE DU SEL
Theatrical walk open to all

July 29-31
INTERNATIONAL FORKLORE FESTIVAL
Music and Dance

August 7,8
MARCHE DES POTIERS
Pottery Fair

Sept 5
LE RAID SALE
13kms cross country run