André Douzet is an enigma, much like the subjects he writes about in his books and on his website, Société Perillos.

While many feel his research into the mystery of Rennes-le-Château is vital and fresh, others are less complementary. What are his theories? For a start, he’s championed the belief that Bérenger Saunière traveled with regularity to Lyon and Perillos, and was active in societies not fitting of our present-day image of a priest. He’s also explored the apparent presence and veneration of Egyptian artefacts in caves and churches across the French Pyrenees.

However, André’s greatest coup is the discovery of a topographical model, commissioned by Saunière that reveals the location of two tombs; that of Jesus Christ and his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, according to notations on the model. André alone has placed the location of the two tombs near the abandoned village of Perillos, outside of Perpignan, and remains the only researcher in modern times to have visited each.

Perillos

In a world of arm chair experts, I’ve always respected the fact that André conducts his research firsthand – on site, at the source as it were. For instance, when he began studying La Sanch – the Perpignan based Society with apparent connections to Saunière, he joined the society in order to experience their rituals. ‘Now that’s commitment,’ I thought.

La Sanch Rituals
(Courtesy of Société Perillos)

With all these credentials, I wondered why André is maligned at times within certain segments of the Rennes-le-Château community. I recently visited the researcher in his home in France – near Perillos, in hopes of finding an answer to this and other pressing questions, like: ‘where are the two tombs ALREADY?’

Full-time researchers seldom live in the lap of luxury, and André is no exception. His abode is humble, yet exactly what you would expect from a dedicated, full-time researcher and writer.

André – at his desk

Some of André’s Wall Hangings

I’m greeted warmly and in fact, André is making dinner; an excellent omelette based dish served with spicy salami. The meal goes perfectly with the local Corbières wine. Philip Coppens, André’s research and writing partner on Société Perillos and other projects, was kind enough to arrange the meeting and has joined us for the day. After dinner, Philip assists André in the retrieval of various artefacts from storage, including the Pièce de résistance; Saunière’s Model.

Philip and André at Dinner

It’s fascinating to see the model up close. Curious details not apparent in books or on the web seem to leap-out when viewed in person. I’m also surprised by its size and the huge case required to store it. The model was used to form the topographical casing we study today. Sadly, this, the inverse of the original model, has been ripped and torn by treasure hunters.

André with Saunière’s Model

Me, studying the model

Curious model detail

André displayed many of the artefacts he’d uncovered in and around Perillos, including some amazing objects he’s found near Tomb 2; the site identified by Saunière as the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. When André discovered Tomb 2 it had already been opened, sometime in the past – possibly around the time of Saunière. Artefacts lay scattered. André had each reviewed by experts, and today the artefacts have been tagged and dated for authenticity by the Narbonne School of Archaeology.

Me, with a chalice André found at Tomb 2

I’m especially intrigued by what André discovered near the church in Perillos; two exceedingly long nails that seem to defy purpose…

André’s artefacts – including the two nails

No show and tell would be complete without written evidence. And one the primary pillars of André’s hypothesis that Perillos is in fact a sacred landscape is the 1624 and 1632 Courtade Document, which describes a particular plot of land in Perillos that is protected due to its exalted status and which overlaps the two tombs on Saunière’s Model.

André allows me to study the document, and directs my attention to key pages, highlighting the documents unusual signatures and intricate period handwriting.

‘How could I have written all this myself? That is what they say, you know.  People refuse to believe the book is real.’

Like many of André’s discoveries, sceptics continue to question the most basic elements of his story. Personally, I thought The Courtade Document resonated with authenticity. How could it not?

André holding the The Courtade Document

With dinner now fully digested and my appetite strangely renewed, André and Philip served up the ultimate dessert; A photograph of Tomb 1 – the alleged tomb (according to Saunière) of Jesus Christ. The setting in the photograph appears quite realistic, un-sensational and plausible. I open another bottle of wine, but it will take more than intoxicating grapes for André to reveal the tombs location….@#$& $&* #$%!

My Dinner with André was fascinating and enjoyable on every level. I found him cordial, intelligent and passionate about his research. He was also refreshingly understated; he didn’t try to sell me anything, let alone his theories.

André has agreed to a ‘17 Questions Interview’, so, if there is anything you would like me to ask him, let me know. In the meantime, show the man some respect. I think we can definitely say he’s earned it.

Poster from the 1982 cult film: My Dinner with André