Druids and Gauls and Knights, Oh My! :Ancient Origins in Le Rat, Limousin

Before the 100 Years War, before the Romans, before the Gauls, the Druids hung out in the green hills of the Limousin, staking out hilltops, groves of trees, and other sacred natural places. And when we walked through the forest near the village of Le Rat (gotta love the name), looking for a mysterious chapel rumored to be perched on the mountain overlooking the Chandouille and Vienne valleys, I understood why these tranquil spots were so revered. Moss-covered trees created cathedral-like arches above our heads. Old stone walls marked the path, strewn with leaves.

When we reached the top of the hill, light broke through the forest and we saw a tiny stone structure in a clearing. The chapel-- now closed to visitors-- was built in the 17th century. I skimmed the information tacked to the door outside: "blah blah francais blah, DRUID blah blah." (I'll spare you my butchered translation but suffice it to say that I immediately perked up when I read the Druid history part. How cool! Like the wizard dude from the Asterix comic books who saves our hero with his mysterious, brewed concoctions. Sweet!)

All around were rock formations where rituals were performed millennia ago. A large granite cross was later erected at the tallest point. The views are breathtaking. I took a nap in the sun while little Henri jumped all over the rocks. Apparently this region is full of vestiges of ancient history; the masons of the Medieval Romanesque churches often incorporated the Druids' cross and number symbolism into the design.

PS. Nearby, there is also a stone Templars' Cross dating from the 13^th century.