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Illustration - Pays Cathare

Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays-Basque

Illustration - Pays-Basque

SPAIN. PROVINCE OF NAVARRE. BASQUE COUNTRY, RONCESVALLES (STAGE OF THE PILGRIMAGE TO SAINT-JACQUES-DE-COMPOSTELLE). PROCESSION (ROMERIA) DEDICATED TO THE VIRGIN OF RONCESVALLES IN THE ROYAL COLLEGIATE CHURCH (FOUNDED IN THE 12TH CENTURY AS A HOSPITAL INSTITUTION). WOMEN IN TRADITIONAL COSTUME FROM THE AEZKOA VALLEY Photo by Severine Dabadie/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Puy-de-Dome

Illustration - Puy-de-Dome

FRANCE. PUY-DE-DOME (63). CLERMONT-FERRAND. THE BELL TOWER OF THE NOTRE-DAME-DU-PORT BASILICA, BUILT IN THE 12TH CENTURY IN AN AUVERGNE ROMAN STYLE. Photo by Antoine Lorgnier/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Puy-de-Dome

Illustration - Puy-de-Dome

FRANCE. PUY-DE-DOME (63). CLERMONT-FERRAND. INSIDE THE NOTRE-DAME-DU-PORT BASILICA, BUILT IN THE 12TH CENTURY IN AN AUVERGNE ROMAN STYLE. Photo by Antoine Lorgnier/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Surtourisme

Illustration - Surtourisme

ITALY, SICILY (NORTH SHORE OF THE ISLAND) CEFALU'S SWIMMING STATION ON THE TYRRHENIAN SEA DOMINATED BY HER CATHEDRAL NORMAND WITH FORTRESS OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND CLASSIFIED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO Photo by Stephane Frances/Only World/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Surtourisme

Illustration - Surtourisme

ITALY, SICILY (NORTH SHORE OF THE ISLAND) CEFALU'S SWIMMING STATION ON THE TYRRHENIAN SEA DOMINATED BY HER CATHEDRAL NORMAND WITH FORTRESS OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND CLASSIFIED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO Photo by Stephane Frances/Only World/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Surtourisme

Illustration - Surtourisme

ITALY, SICILY (NORTH SHORE OF THE ISLAND) CEFALU'S SWIMMING STATION ON THE TYRRHENIAN SEA DOMINATED BY HER CATHEDRAL NORMAND WITH FORTRESS OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND CLASSIFIED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO Photo by Stephane Frances/Only World/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Surtourisme

Illustration - Surtourisme

ITALY, SICILY (NORTH SHORE OF THE ISLAND) CEFALU'S SWIMMING STATION ON THE TYRRHENIAN SEA DOMINATED BY HER CATHEDRAL NORMAND WITH FORTRESS OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND CLASSIFIED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO Photo by Stephane Frances/Only World/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Surtourisme

Illustration - Surtourisme

ITALY, SICILY (NORTH SHORE OF THE ISLAND) CEFALU'S SWIMMING STATION ON THE TYRRHENIAN SEA DOMINATED BY HER CATHEDRAL NORMAND WITH FORTRESS OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND CLASSIFIED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO Photo by Stephane Frances/Only World/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Surtourisme

Illustration - Surtourisme

ITALY, SICILY (NORTH SHORE OF THE ISLAND) CEFALU'S SWIMMING STATION ON THE TYRRHENIAN SEA DOMINATED BY HER CATHEDRAL NORMAND WITH FORTRESS OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND CLASSIFIED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO Photo by Stephane Frances/Only World/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Surtourisme

Illustration - Surtourisme

ITALY, SICILY (NORTH SHORE OF THE ISLAND) CEFALU'S SWIMMING STATION ON THE TYRRHENIAN SEA DOMINATED BY HER CATHEDRAL NORMAND WITH FORTRESS OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND CLASSIFIED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO Photo by Stephane Frances/Only World/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Surtourisme

Illustration - Surtourisme

ITALY, SICILY (NORTH SHORE OF THE ISLAND) CEFALU'S SWIMMING STATION ON THE TYRRHENIAN SEA DOMINATED BY HER CATHEDRAL NORMAND WITH FORTRESS OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND CLASSIFIED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO Photo by Stephane Frances/Only World/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Surtourisme

Illustration - Surtourisme

ITALY, SICILY (NORTH SHORE OF THE ISLAND) CEFALU'S SWIMMING STATION ON THE TYRRHENIAN SEA DOMINATED BY HER CATHEDRAL NORMAND WITH FORTRESS OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND CLASSIFIED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO Photo by Stephane Frances/Only World/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Cathares

Illustration - Cathares

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Cathares

Illustration - Cathares

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Cathares

Illustration - Cathares

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Cathares

Illustration - Cathares

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE. ALPS. SAVOIE (73) HAUTECOMBE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY). THIS CISTERCIAN ABBEY IN THE TROUBADOUR GOTHIC STYLE HOUSES THE TOMBS OF THE PRINCES OF SAVOY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE. ALPS. SAVOIE (73) HAUTECOMBE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY). THIS CISTERCIAN ABBEY IN THE TROUBADOUR GOTHIC STYLE HOUSES THE TOMBS OF THE PRINCES OF SAVOY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE. SAVOIE (73) ABBAYE NOTRE-DAME DE TAMIE, 12TH CENTURY CISTERCIAN ABBEY Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE. SAVOIE (73) HAUTECOMBE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY). THIS CISTERCIAN ABBEY IN THE TROUBADOUR GOTHIC STYLE HOUSES THE TOMBS OF THE PRINCES OF SAVOY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE. ALPS. SAVOIE (73) HAUTECOMBE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY). THIS CISTERCIAN ABBEY IN THE TROUBADOUR GOTHIC STYLE HOUSES THE TOMBS OF THE PRINCES OF SAVOY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE. ALPS. SAVOIE (73) HAUTECOMBE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY). THIS CISTERCIAN ABBEY IN THE TROUBADOUR GOTHIC STYLE HOUSES THE TOMBS OF THE PRINCES OF SAVOY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE. ALPS. SAVOIE (73) AERIAL VIEW OF HAUTECOMBE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY), CISTERCIAN ABBEY ON THE WESTERN SHORE OF LAC DU BOURGET Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE . ALPS. SAVOIE (73) AERIAL VIEW OF HAUTECOMBE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY), CISTERCIAN ABBEY ON THE WESTERN SHORE OF LAC DU BOURGET Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE . ALPS. SAVOIE (73) HAUTECOMBE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY), CISTERCIAN ABBEY ON THE WESTERN SHORE OF LAC DU BOURGET Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - The Alps in Summer

Illustration - The Alps in Summer

FRANCE . ALPS. SAVOIE (73) AERIAL VIEW OF HAUTECOMBE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY), CISTERCIAN ABBEY ON THE WESTERN SHORE OF LAC DU BOURGET Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Vin Champagne

Illustration - Vin Champagne

FRANCE. AUBE (10) URVILLE, NABUCHODONOSORS (15 LITERS) IN THE CELLARS OF THE CHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER BUILT BY BERNARD DE CLAIRVAUX IN 12TH CENTURY Photo by Pascal Stritt/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE - ILE DE FRANCE - SEINE ET MARNE (77) - PROVINS: AERIAL VIEW OF THE HISTORIC CENTER OF THE UPPER TOWN, LISTED AS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. IN THE FOREGROUND, THE CAESAR TOWER, BUILT IN THE 12TH CENTURY ON AN ARTIFICIAL MOUND AND THE ONLY OCTAGONAL KEEP WITH A SQUARE BASE. IN THE BACKGROUND, THE SAINT QUIRIACE TOWER, ALSO DATING FROM THE 12TH CENTURY. IN THE BACKGROUND, THE LOWER TOWN. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. SEINE ET MARNE (77) PROVINS: AERIAL VIEW OF THE HISTORIC CENTER OF THE UPPER TOWN, LISTED AS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. IN THE FOREGROUND, THE SAINT QUIRIACE COLLEGIATE CHURCH, BUILT IN THE 20TH CENTURY. IN THE BACKGROUND, THE CESAR TOWER, BUILT IN THE 12TH CENTURY ON AN ARTIFICIAL MOUND AND THE ONLY OCTAGONAL KEEP WITH A SQUARE BASE. IN THE BACKGROUND ON THE LEFT, THE LOWER TOWN. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE - ILE DE FRANCE - SEINE ET MARNE (77) - PROVINS: AERIAL VIEW OF THE HISTORIC CENTER OF THE UPPER TOWN, LISTED AS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. IN THE FOREGROUND, THE CAESAR TOWER, BUILT IN THE 12TH CENTURY ON AN ARTIFICIAL MOUND AND THE ONLY OCTAGONAL KEEP WITH A SQUARE BASE. IN THE BACKGROUND, THE SAINT QUIRIACE TOWER, ALSO DATING FROM THE 12TH CENTURY. IN THE BACKGROUND, THE LOWER TOWN. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE - ILE DE FRANCE - SEINE ET MARNE (77) - PROVINS: AERIAL VIEW OF THE HISTORIC CENTER OF THE UPPER TOWN, LISTED AS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. IN THE FOREGROUND, THE CAESAR TOWER, BUILT IN THE 12TH CENTURY ON AN ARTIFICIAL MOUND AND THE ONLY OCTAGONAL KEEP WITH A SQUARE BASE. IN THE BACKGROUND, THE SAINT QUIRIACE TOWER, ALSO DATING FROM THE 12TH CENTURY. IN THE BACKGROUND, THE LOWER TOWN. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. BURGUNDY. COTE-D'OR (21) MONTBARD. AERIAL VIEW OF THE ABBEY OF FONTENAY, LISTED IN 1981 AS WORLD HERITAGE OF HUMANITY BY UNESCO. FOUNDED IN THE 12TH CENTURY BY SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ONE OF THE GREATEST FRENCH SAINTS, IT IS THE OLDEST PRESERVED CISTERCIAN ABBEY IN THE WORLD Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. BURGUNDY. COTE-D'OR (21) MONTBARD. AERIAL VIEW OF THE ABBEY OF FONTENAY, LISTED IN 1981 AS WORLD HERITAGE OF HUMANITY BY UNESCO. FOUNDED IN THE 12TH CENTURY BY SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ONE OF THE GREATEST FRENCH SAINTS, IT IS THE OLDEST PRESERVED CISTERCIAN ABBEY IN THE WORLD Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. ALSACE. BAS RHIN (67) HAUT KOENIGSBOURG CASTLE. OVERLOOKING THE PLAIN, THIS IS THE BEST-KNOWN FORTIFIED CASTLE IN ALSACE AND ONE OF THE REGION'S MOST VISITED MONUMENTS. DATING BACK TO THE 12TH CENTURY, THE BUILDING UNDERWENT MAJOR ALTERATIONS IN THE 15TH CENTURY AND WAS COMPLETELY RESTORED AT THE REQUEST OF EMPEROR WILHELM II FROM 1900 ONWARDS. IN THE MIDDLE AGES, THE HIGHEST POINT ON WHICH THE CASTLE STANDS WAS USED TO KEEP WATCH OVER ALL THE WINE, WHEAT AND SALT ROUTES CROSSING ALSACE. A 270 M LONG FORTRESS PERCHED ALMOST 800 M HIGH, IT IS NEITHER A MIRAGE NOR A ?GRANDE ILLUSION?, TO REFER TO THE FILM SHOT BY JEAN RENOIR IN 1937, BUT A MONUMENT THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED. ON THE RIGHT, THE VOSGES MOUNTAINS. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. BURGUNDY. COTE-D'OR (21) MONTBARD. AERIAL VIEW OF THE ABBEY OF FONTENAY, LISTED IN 1981 AS WORLD HERITAGE OF HUMANITY BY UNESCO. FOUNDED IN THE 12TH CENTURY BY SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ONE OF THE GREATEST FRENCH SAINTS, IT IS THE OLDEST PRESERVED CISTERCIAN ABBEY IN THE WORLD Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. BURGUNDY. COTE-D'OR (21) MONTBARD. AERIAL VIEW OF THE ABBEY OF FONTENAY, LISTED IN 1981 AS WORLD HERITAGE OF HUMANITY BY UNESCO. FOUNDED IN THE 12TH CENTURY BY SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ONE OF THE GREATEST FRENCH SAINTS, IT IS THE OLDEST PRESERVED CISTERCIAN ABBEY IN THE WORLD Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. NORMANDY. MANCHE (50) THE CHATEAU DE PIROU IS A FORMER FORTIFIED CASTLE, FOUNDED IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 12TH CENTURY AND EXTENSIVELY MODIFIED IN THE 17TH CENTURY. ITS REMAINS STAND IN THE COMMUNE OF PIROU, IN THE COTENTIN REGION. Photo by Jerome Houyvet/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Provence

Illustration - Provence

FRANCE. VAUCLUSE (84) LUBERON REGIONAL NATURE PARK. GORDES. NOTRE DAME DE SENANQUE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY). THE CLOISTER Photo by Norbert Scanella/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Provence

Illustration - Provence

FRANCE. VAUCLUSE (84) LUBERON REGIONAL NATURE PARK. GORDES. NOTRE DAME DE SENANQUE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY). THE CLOISTER Photo by Norbert Scanella/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Provence

Illustration - Provence

FRANCE. VAUCLUSE (84) LUBERON REGIONAL NATURE PARK. GORDES. NOTRE DAME DE SENANQUE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY). THE CLOISTER Photo by Norbert Scanella/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Provence

Illustration - Provence

FRANCE. VAUCLUSE (84) LUBERON REGIONAL NATURE PARK. ASIAN TOURISTS IN FRONT OF NOTRE DAME DE SENANQUE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY) Photo by Norbert Scanella/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Provence

Illustration - Provence

FRANCE. VAUCLUSE (84) LUBERON REGIONAL NATURE PARK. ASIAN TOURISTS IN FRONT OF NOTRE DAME DE SENANQUE ABBEY (12TH CENTURY) Photo by Norbert Scanella/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Provence

Illustration - Provence

FRANCE. VAUCLUSE (84), GORDES, LUBERON REGIONAL NATURAL PARK, OUR LADY OF SENANQUE ABBEY DATING FROM THE 12TH CENTURY Photo by Norbert Scanella/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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INI member Ozaki plays Yoshitsune in Iwate festival

INI member Ozaki plays Yoshitsune in Iwate festival

Takumi Ozaki (C) of Japanese boy band INI waves to spectators as he plays the role of 12th-century warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune during a parade in Hiraizumi in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Iwate on May 3, 2025.

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