Although France has a rich Fortean history I hadn't planned on investigating anything in particular whilst on holiday. Such is the way of the cosmic joker though, Forteana found me.
We were taking a short tour of the Château de la Roche-Gençay, a 15th century Château on the outskirts of Gençay, when we were led upstairs into the only private museum in France dedicated to the Order of Malta.
The museum holds a treasure trove of books, documents, banners and works of art; all collected by Comte Michel de Pierredon, the father of current Comte. Both men held the title of Bailli of the Order of the Knights of Malta.
By a further wonderful piece of synchronicity I used to work round the corner from their protestant equivalent, the Museum of the Order of St John.
If you are interested in the knights of Malta or the history of the Crusades then you will find this a fascinating and unique museum to visit. Short tours are by prior appointment and cover the Château and the Museum.
