GK3 Rennes-le-Chateau vs. reality - feature article with photos

Ascovel · 02-24-2009, 03:40 AM

I wanted to advertise a post on my blog (so someone hopefully will come and read it) about my trip to Rennes-le-Chateau and how the real city compares to the virtual version from Gabriel Knight 3. It's titled "Gabriel Knight, you liar!"

. I've put in plenty of high resolution photos - you can see where exactly places like Sauniere's church, Villa Bethania, Tour Magdala are really located and how you move from one to another. If you're interested, follow this link.

I encourage adventure game fans to visit the game section of my newly started blog regularly. It is dedicated mostly (but not exclusively) to independent, lesser known (also underground) adventure games and various fan initiatives. In the coming weeks I will post reviews for Tale of a Hero, Edna & Harvey and A Second Face, and also some pretty exclusive interviews (I won't reveal with whom yet

).

jaap · 02-24-2009, 06:37 AM

nice pics,
I remember though an earlier post here on AG (some years ago now...), where another GK fan also made pictures in Rennes-le-Chateau.

Jaap

Fien · 02-24-2009, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaap

nice pics,
I remember though an earlier post here on AG (some years ago now...), where another GK fan also made pictures in Rennes-le-Chateau.

I remember pics at Just Adventure as well. Lots of dedicated fans doing a pilgrimage to France.

Don't think I've seen pics of Gabe's werewolf homeland... would be nice if someone took the time to visit the castles, the Hunting Lodge, Gabe's lawyer, and the woman selling Weisswurst.

AndreaDraco83 · 02-24-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fienepien

Don't think I've seen pics of Gabe's werewolf homeland... would be nice if someone took the time to visit the castles, the Hunting Lodge, Gabe's lawyer, and the woman selling Weisswurst.

There is a Real Life Locations Tour. It's a great tour and following this link you can easily watch the intro, with the following installments on the right.

sysryn · 02-24-2009, 08:05 AM

I think the author of that blog is making a big deal out of it. It's a game for crying out loud, not a documentary.

And if you do want to know a bit more about the mystery get yourself a copy of the "Holy blood and the holy grail". A brilliant book FILLED with evidence and stuff on templars, Rennes-le-Chateau, the order of Sion, and of course (DaVinci code got the basics from this book) - Jesus.

Fien · 02-24-2009, 08:15 AM

Thanks, Andrea, you made my day!

AndreaDraco83 · 02-24-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sysryn

And if you do want to know a bit more about the mystery get yourself a copy of the "Holy blood and the holy grail". A brilliant book FILLED with evidence and stuff on templars, Rennes-le-Chateau, the order of Sion, and of course (DaVinci code got the basics from this book) - Jesus.

Indeed a brilliant book, which served as Jane Jensen's primary inspiration.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fienepien

Thanks, Andrea, you made my day!

I'm glad to!

Ascovel · 02-24-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sysryn

I think the author of that blog is making a big deal out of it. It's a game for crying out loud, not a documentary.

The author of that blog isn't completely serious in his comments. It just seemed like a fun way to write about his visit to the town and how it differs from the game version.

Taylor · 02-24-2009, 10:25 AM

I was in Europe a couple years ago and took these:

Schloss Neuschwanstein

Tour Magdela

Inside Mary Magdelne Church

I forget what you saw looking through this. It was a little on the tall side (I'm 6' and I remember still having to jump to see through it)

Chateau Serras

Rennes-les-Bains (Which, I have to tell you, was a very creepy town. Almost deserted. We walked a few trails trying to come across the Devils Armchair but we never did find it and we were short in time to get back to Montpellier for the TGV back to Paris)

We also went to Carcassone, but I don't have any photos online of the Citadel.

And Ironically enough, when in Paris, they were promoting Da Vinci Code

Taylor · 02-24-2009, 10:29 AM

We also visited Ludwig's other two Castles, Hohenschwangau, and Herrinchemisee. As well as strolled the Marienplatz in Munich. (I have photos but thought I was pushing it with the previous post as it were).

I've also got a collection of locations from GK1 as well from New Orleans.

AndreaDraco83 · 02-24-2009, 10:36 AM

Your photos are beautiful, Taylor. I'm speaking for myself, and I'll be glad to see other pictures! Thanks for sharing!

(And also thank to Ascovel and that blog author

)

Taylor · 02-24-2009, 11:01 AM

I'll see if I can't piece together an album of all the GK related photos I can find so I can provide just a link rather than dozens of high-res photos in the forum.

inm8#2 · 02-24-2009, 11:30 AM

Amazing pics . . . what nostalgia for these games!

sysryn · 02-24-2009, 11:54 AM

Beautiful pictures... It's great how a simple "mystery" story get's you a whole other feeling about a place

Taylor · 02-24-2009, 12:24 PM

Gabriel Knight Locations

I know I have a photo of Napoleons somewhere, but I couldn't find it. Same for the Voodoo Musuem. Which exists (or at least, did exist) but looks nothing like the place in the game.

BTW, The ones from Europe are 2006 and some of the NOLA ones are 2007 and some are 2003.

Ascovel · 02-24-2009, 12:39 PM

Nice pictures, Taylor. For me the New Orleans ones are especially interesting since I didn't see that town beyond what was shown in the Angel Heart movie.

Taylor · 02-24-2009, 12:55 PM

New Orleans is a beautiful place. Culturally anyhow.

After 3 trips I have hundreds of other photos of other things in NOLA. The Quarter was largely (and fortunately for tourism) untouched by Katrina, however we could see (in 07) how it effected commerce in the area, as well as tourism. I'd say it was maybe 90% back, but a few too many vacant buildings and while the people were still quite friendly you could get a sense things have been tough... considering the recession now, I really feel for them.

It's truely a very unique city, almost it's own country within the U.S. It and Las Vegas are very much must-see's for anyone in the US as they often exceed everyones expectations. Plus both places are great for foodies and entertainment.

Kolzig · 02-24-2009, 01:40 PM

Wow,

I have had a plan for years to visit Rennes-le-Chateau with a friend of mine, but it has not yet happened because we were very poor students, but in the future I hope things are different. Though of course we are both now in relationships with women who stole our hearts so who knows will our trip ever happen.

I also would really love to visit New Orleans!

Last summer I was supposed to go to a car road trip through Europe with this said friend and two others guys but I kind of left them by themselves and escaped to Japan at the beginning of the trip to see my girl and the land of the rising sun.

My friend and the two other guys visited the Schloss Neuschwanstein. I really envy them, it's a huge and breathtaking looking castle and I would've liked to visit that as well, too bad I couldn't be in two places at the same time.

Fien · 02-24-2009, 05:00 PM

Taylor, is the Marienbrüke near Neuschwanstein in your pic the same old rickety bridge of the last scene of GK2, where Gabe and Gracie are leaning against the wooden railing? Huuuuuuuuu!!! Splendid view, if you're not afraid of heights...

D.C. · 02-24-2009, 09:06 PM

Man, the photos in this thread and on Ascovel's blog are amazingly awesome! Nice work, guys.

02-24-2009, 03:40 AM	#1
Ascovel Spoonbeaks say Ahoy! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poland Posts: 1,053	GK3 Rennes-le-Chateau vs. reality - feature article with photos I wanted to advertise a post on my blog (so someone hopefully will come and read it) about my trip to Rennes-le-Chateau and how the real city compares to the virtual version from Gabriel Knight 3. It's titled "Gabriel Knight, you liar!" . I've put in plenty of high resolution photos - you can see where exactly places like Sauniere's church, Villa Bethania, Tour Magdala are really located and how you move from one to another. If you're interested, follow this link. I encourage adventure game fans to visit the game section of my newly started blog regularly. It is dedicated mostly (but not exclusively) to independent, lesser known (also underground) adventure games and various fan initiatives. In the coming weeks I will post reviews for Tale of a Hero, Edna & Harvey and A Second Face, and also some pretty exclusive interviews (I won't reveal with whom yet ). Share Share this post on Twitter Last edited by Ascovel; 02-25-2009 at 09:44 AM.

02-24-2009, 08:05 AM	#5
sysryn Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 102	I think the author of that blog is making a big deal out of it. It's a game for crying out loud, not a documentary. And if you do want to know a bit more about the mystery get yourself a copy of the "Holy blood and the holy grail". A brilliant book FILLED with evidence and stuff on templars, Rennes-le-Chateau, the order of Sion, and of course (DaVinci code got the basics from this book) - Jesus. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ "Oh God, don't let it be me. I don't deserve to die at the hands of a pixie!" George Stobbart - Broken Sword

02-24-2009, 08:15 AM	#6
Fien Senior female member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Holland Posts: 3,706	Thanks, Andrea, you made my day! Share Share this post on Twitter

02-24-2009, 10:25 AM	#9
Taylor Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 13	I was in Europe a couple years ago and took these: Schloss Neuschwanstein Tour Magdela Inside Mary Magdelne Church I forget what you saw looking through this. It was a little on the tall side (I'm 6' and I remember still having to jump to see through it) Chateau Serras Rennes-les-Bains (Which, I have to tell you, was a very creepy town. Almost deserted. We walked a few trails trying to come across the Devils Armchair but we never did find it and we were short in time to get back to Montpellier for the TGV back to Paris) We also went to Carcassone, but I don't have any photos online of the Citadel. And Ironically enough, when in Paris, they were promoting Da Vinci Code Share Share this post on Twitter

02-24-2009, 10:29 AM	#10
Taylor Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 13	We also visited Ludwig's other two Castles, Hohenschwangau, and Herrinchemisee. As well as strolled the Marienplatz in Munich. (I have photos but thought I was pushing it with the previous post as it were). I've also got a collection of locations from GK1 as well from New Orleans. Share Share this post on Twitter

02-24-2009, 06:37 AM	#2
jaap recovering AG addict Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New York City, USA Posts: 179	nice pics, I remember though an earlier post here on AG (some years ago now...), where another GK fan also made pictures in Rennes-le-Chateau. Jaap Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Jaap Max: Right! We'll travel through this dimensional portal on the top of the bar! Sam: That's spilled beer, rockhead. Max: Oh in that case ...

02-24-2009, 10:36 AM	#11
AndreaDraco83 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Italy Posts: 2,684	Your photos are beautiful, Taylor. I'm speaking for myself, and I'll be glad to see other pictures! Thanks for sharing! (And also thank to Ascovel and that blog author ) Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Top Ten Adventures: Gabriel Knight Series, King's Quest VI, Conquests of the Longbow, Quest for Glory II, Police Quest III, Gold Rush!, Leisure Suit Larry III, Under a Killing Moon, Conquests of Camelot, Freddy Pharkas Frontier Pharmacist. Now Playing: Neverwinter Nights, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

02-24-2009, 11:01 AM	#12
Taylor Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 13	I'll see if I can't piece together an album of all the GK related photos I can find so I can provide just a link rather than dozens of high-res photos in the forum. Share Share this post on Twitter

02-24-2009, 11:30 AM	#13
inm8#2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 569	Amazing pics . . . what nostalgia for these games! Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ *Read the bolded part* "You ever wish you could just follow your instincts, live for the moment?" - Gabriel Knight Now playing - Legend of Grimrock Need to finish - The Whispered World Finished - Botanicula, The Journeyman Project 3: Legacy of Time Up Next - A New Beginning, Monkey Island 2 Special Edition Anticipating - Asylum, Bracken Tor, The Last Crown

02-24-2009, 11:54 AM	#14
sysryn Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 102	Beautiful pictures... It's great how a simple "mystery" story get's you a whole other feeling about a place Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ "Oh God, don't let it be me. I don't deserve to die at the hands of a pixie!" George Stobbart - Broken Sword

02-24-2009, 12:24 PM	#15
Taylor Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 13	Gabriel Knight Locations I know I have a photo of Napoleons somewhere, but I couldn't find it. Same for the Voodoo Musuem. Which exists (or at least, did exist) but looks nothing like the place in the game. BTW, The ones from Europe are 2006 and some of the NOLA ones are 2007 and some are 2003. Share Share this post on Twitter Last edited by Taylor; 02-24-2009 at 12:31 PM.

02-24-2009, 12:39 PM	#16
Ascovel Spoonbeaks say Ahoy! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poland Posts: 1,053	Nice pictures, Taylor. For me the New Orleans ones are especially interesting since I didn't see that town beyond what was shown in the Angel Heart movie. Share Share this post on Twitter

02-24-2009, 12:55 PM	#17
Taylor Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 13	New Orleans is a beautiful place. Culturally anyhow. After 3 trips I have hundreds of other photos of other things in NOLA. The Quarter was largely (and fortunately for tourism) untouched by Katrina, however we could see (in 07) how it effected commerce in the area, as well as tourism. I'd say it was maybe 90% back, but a few too many vacant buildings and while the people were still quite friendly you could get a sense things have been tough... considering the recession now, I really feel for them. It's truely a very unique city, almost it's own country within the U.S. It and Las Vegas are very much must-see's for anyone in the US as they often exceed everyones expectations. Plus both places are great for foodies and entertainment. Share Share this post on Twitter

02-24-2009, 01:40 PM	#18
Kolzig The Reggienator Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Vaasa, Finland Posts: 5,519	Wow, I have had a plan for years to visit Rennes-le-Chateau with a friend of mine, but it has not yet happened because we were very poor students, but in the future I hope things are different. Though of course we are both now in relationships with women who stole our hearts so who knows will our trip ever happen. I also would really love to visit New Orleans! Last summer I was supposed to go to a car road trip through Europe with this said friend and two others guys but I kind of left them by themselves and escaped to Japan at the beginning of the trip to see my girl and the land of the rising sun. My friend and the two other guys visited the Schloss Neuschwanstein. I really envy them, it's a huge and breathtaking looking castle and I would've liked to visit that as well, too bad I couldn't be in two places at the same time. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ "The old standby, that never got old in the first place. We come back to them weekly, nightly, for hours at a time--and they always deliver. They are pure, timeless, and often taken for granted." - Nick Breckon - Shacknews My gamesale list updated 26.8.2007 Hey, dear people please buy my games, I need money to conquer Europe! Or do something similar.

02-24-2009, 05:00 PM	#19
Fien Senior female member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Holland Posts: 3,706	Taylor, is the Marienbrüke near Neuschwanstein in your pic the same old rickety bridge of the last scene of GK2, where Gabe and Gracie are leaning against the wooden railing? Huuuuuuuuu!!! Splendid view, if you're not afraid of heights... Share Share this post on Twitter

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02-24-2009, 09:06 PM	#20
D.C. Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,773	Man, the photos in this thread and on Ascovel's blog are amazingly awesome! Nice work, guys. Share Share this post on Twitter