Maison Déodat Roché
Birthplace of the Cathar historian Déodat Roché in Arques, with a permanent exhibition on Catharism and his life.
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About the museum
The house is where Déodat Roché was born on December 13, 1877, in the heart of the village of Arques. A philosopher and historian, he took an early interest in spirituality and trained in various esoteric disciplines. Trained as a lawyer, he served as a magistrate until 1943, then retired to his village, of which he became mayor.
Catharism was one of the great themes of his life. In 1949 he founded the Cahiers d’études cathares and in 1950 the Société du souvenir et des études cathares. He led these bodies until his death, which occurred in his birthplace on January 12, 1978.
Since 1996 the house has presented a permanent exhibition on Catharism, approached from historical, spiritual, political and everyday-life perspectives. Visitors also discover personal objects of Déodat Roché, such as letters, clothing and his desk, and an audio recording upstairs evokes his life.
Highlights
- Birthplace of Déodat Roché, historian of Catharism
- Permanent exhibition on Catharism: history, spirituality, politics and everyday life
- Personal objects: letters, clothing and the desk of Déodat Roché
- Audio recording about his life, upstairs
- Library and space for colloquia and lectures
Permanent exhibition
- Exposition permanente sur le catharisme – Presentation of Catharism through historical, spiritual, political and everyday-life approaches, with personal objects of Déodat Roché.
- Founded
- 1996
- Operated by
- Commune d'Arques
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|
The “from €2” rate was given by the Aude tourism development agency; the ticket also gives access to the visit of the Château d’Arques. Payment methods: bank card, check, cash, bank transfer and holiday vouchers (chèques-vacances).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Workshops for children are offered, according to the Aude tourism development agency.
Getting there & parking
By car
A coach parking area is signposted.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
A library, an equipped meeting room and a space for colloquia are available.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Equipped meeting room and space for colloquia and lectures.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Self-guided or guided visits, individually or in groups. An audio recording on the second floor presents Déodat Roché's life. Languages spoken: French, English and Spanish. |
