Les Contes is the last property as you climb through the towering gorge toward the village and chateau of Montsegur, known as the last Cathar stronghold.
Les Contes is the last property as you climb your way through the towering gorge toward the village and chateau of Montsegur, known as the last Cathar stronghold. Surrounded by the Pyrenees mountains of “Occitan” France, Les Contes (which means the tales) is a place filled with myth, legend and folklore so we may come to understand our unique gift and purpose, and weave ourselves back into the natural world to which we belong.
Situated at the confluence of two streams and beside a holy spring, those who feel a strong calling toward Mary Magdalene will discover a place strongly rooted in her tradition. Les Contes, which appeared on the Channel 4 show, Help We Bought A Village was once a Catholic summer house for children and has recently been transformed into the White Rose Mystery School, complete with chapel, Bed and Breakfast, Riverside Bathing Pools, Vegan café, Apothecary of Body Ritual’s and Animal Sanctuary. Older still is what Les Contes stands on, as it was once a 13th Century Water Mill, hence the meeting place of so many healing waters.
Les Contes produces a large proportion of its own food, keeping goats, sheep, pigs and a miscellany of poultry; a large thriving permaculture garden/food forest. That long, hard work, which requires Aletheia and Pete to be outside in all weathers tending to other living things, as well as a continuing daily need for long walks to explore old forgotten Cathar paths, caves and mountains, has blessed them with a deep and nourishing sense of connectedness to the spirit of place that they feel drawn to share with others.
Montsegur, the last Cathar stronghold is a 15-minute drive away, or if you are feeling fit – a magical two-hour hour walk. Close by is also Gorges de la Frau, a most spectacular place where you will be overlooked by more than four hundred meters of vertiginous rocks. The approach to the gorge is impressive, as it winds down a narrow road with the valley sides getting steeper and steeper – folk say, this old mule path was how the Grail was transported to safety where it still lies hidden today.
This area, known as the Cathar region in France is remote, wild, and strangely magical. There is an exceptional presencehere that stirs the remembrance of a continuous lineage with the Feminine Principle that throughout the centuries has preserved its spiritual dignity, without the need for permission or recognition from any other source. Les Contes is here to deepen your spiritual journey and to offer you a safe space whilst doing so.
Children and Animals are Welcome.
Les Contes provides accommodation with access to garden, riverside and pathways to the forests. FREE private parking! Breakfast is available daily and includes vegetarian and vegan options.
Finding Courage In Challenging Times
Episode 21 of the Nurtured by Nature podcast.
Host Fiona Mackay and Aletheia discuss the courage we are all being called to bring forth to navigate the challenges of our times and how the wisdom held in the land and handed down through myth, fairytale and the archetype of the shepherdess can offer comfort by reminding us of the cyclic nature of the natural world. We meander through the landscapes that have inspired Aletheia’s life and explore ways to navigate our fears, whilst quietly honouring those who have suffered for speaking out against the status quo and held the responsibility for lightening a path for others to follow.