The Path of Energetic Renewal
This is one of the most profound journeys we offer—a deep, transformative immersion into the primordial energy of the Auvergne. This tour is designed for those who wish to work consciously with their energetic system, raising their vibration to achieve a new level of coherence within the body. By connecting with the unique quality of energy found at these ancient Black Madonna sites, you don't just visit a location; you enter a process of profound spiritual and physical realignment.
A Journey of Grounding and Coherence
The power of this tour lies in its ability to drop awareness out of the mind and into the foundations of the self. Participants often experience a significant opening of the energy in the first two chakras, creating a feeling of being more centered, stable, and deeply grounded. This solid foundation is essential; it is the "deepening of the connection with the earth" that allows the high-vibrational energy of the sites to rise safely and effectively through your system.
Working with the Primordial Current
Throughout the Auvergne, we engage with the "living architecture" of sacred churches and cathedrals. By interacting with high vibrational points in Black Madonna churches and the primordial energy of the crypts, we work across multiple levels of consciousness.
A key element of our work involves walking the "petit labyrinth", an energetic pathway in churches and cathedrals. As you walk, your vibration rises, bringing more coherence to your energetic body. In some places we visit, we share how to interact with the deva, or shining one, an energetic being of the place.
The Sacred Landscape of the Auvergne
Our path takes us through a land of ancient volcanoes and healing springs, a region where many Black Madonna sanctuaries trace their origins back to the Great Mother Goddess of Neolithic times.
- Le Puy-en-Velay: The spiritual heart of France, where the cathedral’s sacred geometry opens and balances the first chakra, initiating a lasting connection with your energy centers.
- Orcival and Thuret: Extraordinary sites of healing that echo with the resilience and spiritual depth of the ancient Celts.
This experience offers more than a glimpse into the past; it is a practical opportunity to immerse yourself in the transformative presence of the Black Madonna. By the end of this journey, you will emerge with a more coherent, energetic body, grounded, renewed, and profoundly inspired by the timeless power of the Great Mother.
A Lasting Transformation.
This tour is not about collecting experiences, it is about becoming more coherent within yourself.
Participants often leave feeling:
The Black Madonna does not lift us away from the world, she brings us fully into the body, into presence, and into relationship with life itself.
St Michel d'Aiguilhe
In Le Puy en Velay, St Michel towers over the surrounding houses. The chapel was built in the 10th century, but the site had been sacred to the inhabitants for thousands of years.
A dolmen was said to be at the top, and three large stones were incorporated into the chapel. The place has been rumored to be associated with a Mercury cult in Roman times.
Energetically, it is quite powerful and definitely worth the climb up 268 carved stairs!
Gastronomy
Auvergne’s gastronomy is a hearty reflection of its volcanic terroir, defined by soul-warming dishes and ancient traditions. The region is world-renowned for its five AOP cheeses, which form the heart of iconic specialties like Aligot and Truffade. From the celebrated Puy green lentils to the slow-cooked Potée Auvergnate stew, the local cuisine offers a robust, authentic taste of the French mountains.
Black Madonna
Revered for her miraculous healing powers, the Black Madonna has been venerated for centuries, and her legends have been passed down through generations.
Found prominently in Auvergne, she symbolizes renewal, transformation, and the sacred connection between humanity and the earth.
The Famous Five Majors
During the 12th and 13th centuries, the five major Romanesque churches of Auvergne in France were built and became renowned for their architectural significance, characterized by a unity of style, elegant proportions, and innovative features.
These churches represent the "Auvergnat Romanesque" style and profoundly influence Romanesque architecture across Europe.
The fabulous churches include Issoire, Orcival, Nôtre Dame du Port, the Abbey of Mozac, and St Nectaire. Some people add St. Saturnin.
Black Madonna
This church is a place of initiation with lots of healing energy. It is a wonderful place to meet the Deva of the place, a high-frequency guardian-like being that we typically see at high vibrational sacred places.
The Black Madonna has strong healing energies here. It is a good place to spend some time.
Mermaids
Be on the lookout for the many mermaids that can be found on top of columns in the places we visit.
They are associated with the underground waters flowing beneath the church and some have healing energies.
Notre Dame de Maihat
Any tour with us can be full of energetic surprises. This angel in front of the church has a star on its forehead...
Can you guess what kind of energy you will find under it?
The Black Madonna
Much has been written about her. We believe she is a continuation of the great Mother Goddess from ancient times—the goddess of the dark earth of fertility, abundant growth, and life. The Black Madonna, like Isis, is depicted holding her baby on her lap. For the Christians, she is seated on the Throne of Wisdom, representing majesty. Below, you can see her traditional stance.
Traditionally, they were placed deep in the earth in the crypt. Most Black Madonnas have a specific energy connected to the earth and fertility. The energy that goes deep into the earth opens the first and second chakras, then rises through the rest of the chakras, opening the crown.
Some of the Black Madonnas we visit
Black Madonna
Found in Sacristy of Notre Dame de Chamalières. She originally came from the chapel of Notre Dame de Vassivière.
Black Madonna
She takes her place at the altar
in the Basilica d'Orcival
Black Madonna
One of the black madonnas found
in the Church of Marsat
Proposed Tour itinerary
Day 1 – Arrivals at Clermont-Ferrand and welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Spend the day in Le Puy-en-Velay visiting the Basilica de Notre Dame, Chapel de St Michel d’Aiguilhe, and St Clair Chapel.
Day 3 – Abbey of St. Pierre de Mozac, Notre Dame de Marsat and St Martin de Thuret churches.
Day 4 – Notre-Dame de Saint-Nectaire, Le Verne Ste. Marguerite Abbey and Sainte-Austremoine Abbey in Issoire.
Day 5 – Menhir de Fichade, dolmen and waterfall of Saillant, Notre Dame de St. Saturnin, and St. Roch de Mural Churches.
Day 6 – Notre Dame de Chamalieres, Notre Dame de Orcival, St. Andre de Besse, and St Anastaise churches and shopping.
Day 7 – Notre Dame de Mailhat, St. Pierre de Blesle, and Basilica of St Julien of Brioude
Day 8 – Breakfast and goodbyes
What is included
October 17 - 25, 2026 ~ Total Tour cost: $3500
Only $3200 during the early bird sale!
Early bird prices good through February 15, 2026
A non-refundable deposit of $800 secures your spot.
Single room supplement is $500
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- All meals from dinner on October 17 through breakfast on October 25, 2026.
- All transportation during the tour.
- All entrance fees.
- Expert guidance each step of the way.
- Energetic experiences, high vibes, and fun!
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights and other transportation to and from Clermont Ferrand, France
- Travel Insurance - Highly recommended for any unforeseen challenges along the way.
Testimonials
“Now that we are safely back home in Portugal, we’d like to say merci beaucoup to Karen, Dominique, and Nicolas for hosting a wonderful and magical Cathars Cathars Tour. It was an experience to remember for a lifetime. And thank you to all you fellow curious travelers who were respectful and kind to us and others throughout the week in France. Gail and I enjoyed your company and look forward to seeing you on future tours!!"
MILLS AND GAIL - Cathar Castle Tour 2024
*************
“I thoroughly enjoyed the way that Karen and Dominique led the Equinox Initiation Tour in Brittany. As promised, it was not a hurried typical packing, unpacking and constantly-changing locations type of journey.
We were housed on the rural property that the leaders own. Our quarters were clean and comfortable. I could have stayed for weeks in my en-suite bedroom with a view of the large yard and a platform where birds landed every morning.
A well-appointed and modern kitchen was available for us to make breakfast and kind Dominique provided us with fresh croissants from the local bakery each morning.
The daily schedule consisted of visiting 2 or 3 special sacred sites in the morning, a leisurely lunch at nearby restaurants with French ambiance, and then more sites in the afternoon. When we returned to our home away from home, there was time to rest before we were served a delicious home-cooked meal and wonderful organic wines and cheeses. We shared stories and laughter until it was time to head off for a night of sleep.
I really appreciated the relaxed and flexible schedule that we kept to and the peaceful, quiet, and spirit-filled places we visited.
I was attracted to the journey for a much-needed reconnection to the spiritual solace I find in sacred natural spaces. From spending ample time with energetic standing stones, ancient trees, moss-covered forest floors, and views of tidal inlets, I got just what I came for.
Many thanks to this knowledgeable, generous, and humorous couple for my wonderful first introduction to Celtic Brittany!"
CONNIE M. - Equinox Initiation Tour 2024
*************
“Thank you, Karen, Dominique, and Nicolas, for this wonderful Cathar Castles Tour. For me, the experience was a marvelous discovery of a new way to see, not just to see, but to feel the world and the energies surrounding us. Thank you all for making this possible, and from now on, I’m in!!!
JULIAN URQUIZA - Cathar Castles Tour 2024
*************
“It was a wonderful experience visiting Brittany with Dominique and Karen. They took us to many energized places that I never would have found on my own! We visited special trees, including a 1,500 year old oak tree; holy wells; the rock alignments at Carnac; several portal dolmens; many awesome menhirs; and a few special churches. But we did more than just see these places; we learned to experience the energies there and identify the devas of the places.
We had a complete tour of charming Brittany with its vast coastline and villages full of flowers. We were treated to the very best of French cuisine and wine. Dominque and Karen ensured that we stayed healthy and cared for with extra vitamins and lots of fun.
Some nights, we sat around the farmhouse table and had home-cooked meals, which were delicious, completely organic, and served with organic wines and cognac. Then, we had great discussions and lessons. I highly recommend this trip! ”
KRISTINA M. WOOD - Equinox Initiation Tour of Brittany 2024
*************
“When I stood in the center of the Crucuno Solsticial Quadrilateral (there, I said it!), I felt such a sense of balance and integration and belonging and rightness that I can’t adequately convey it with words. My profound thanks to Karen and Dominique for the unique experiences you afforded me. I have all those wonderful and unique experiences downloaded and cataloged within me to call upon (recall) when I wish to re-experience any of the myriad pristine energy frequencies I interacted with.
This truly was a magical mystery tour. And, as a bonus, I have learned a lot about working internally with my main chakras (especially the crown!) and have incorporated that knowledge into my internal energy work. And the food was good too! Thanks for everything. With love…”
CHERIE WOODS - Magical Brittany Tour 2019
Notre Dame de St. Nectaire
The black madonna at the altar.
Notre Dame de Saint Nectaire
One of the five Romanesque Majors
Black Madonna
Found in the Church of St André de Besse and St Anastaise