For six years, Jean-Luc Robin, ran the Hotel de la Tour, the hotel started by Noel Corbu in the Villa Bethania in Rennes-le-Château. Originally built by Abbé Saunière to lavishly entertain his guests, Corbu converted it into a hotel in 1955. Robin ran the hotel for six years (1994-2000). Though not the owner, he did live in the Villa, following in Corbu’s footsteps, those of Marie Dénarnaud (Saunière’s housekeeper) and Henri Buthion who had bought the hotel from Corbu in 1965. An illustrious series of people indeed.

Recently, Robin wrote a book on life in Rennes-le-Château, as well as his views on the mystery. Today, he runs a café-bar in the gardens in front of the Villa and campaigns vigorously to keep Rennes-le-Château on the tourist trail.

His first English book ‘Saunière’s Secret’ , which was translated by Henry Lincoln, is a favorite amongst the Rennes-le-Château villagers themselves in its original French version, due to its honest and un-sensational portrayal of the mystery. At the same time it also presents intriguing new evidence for the involvement of the Habsburgs in the enigma surrounding Abbé Saunière.

Useful Links

Arcadia’s 17 Questions to Jean-Luc Robin
APARC, Association pour la Préservation de l’âme de Rennes-le-Château

 

 Interview with Jean-Luc Robin: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download