Fans of Dan Brown’s book ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and its sequel, ‘Angels and Demons’, often want to see the locations featured in the books and the films.  Paris, London and Edinburgh feature prominently in the books, and each is worthy of a holiday on its own.  But the books give these locales a special flavour when visited with the history and plots in mind.  Also, the characters visit several amazing locations, any one of which will provide travellers with hours – or days – of interest and activities.

Good book - boring and long film

One of the most prominently-featured locations in the book is, of course, the Louvre Museum in Paris.  This incredible building is referenced throughout the book and is, of course, where the dead body is discovered, along with the first clues to the mystery.  The Louvre itself is worthy of several days’ exploration.  Da Vinci’s works are there, along with thousands of other works and artefacts.  Both the ancient building and the newer glass pyramid are critical parts of the story and deserve a visit.

A true Da Vinci Code fan won’t stop at the Louvre, though.  Other Paris attractions featured in the book and movie includes the Tuileries Gardens and St. Sulpice Church.  The Tuileries, once Napoleon’s main residence, was destroyed in the 19th Century, but the magnificent gardens near the Louvre remain and are beautiful at any time of year, but especially in the spring and summer.  Also, don’t forget to spend some time locating the 135 bronze disks scattered throughout Paris, marked with either ‘N’, ‘S’, or ‘Arago’.  This is the line of the original Prime Meridian, referred to by Dan Brown as the “Rose Line”, and these four lines cross the city, meeting at the Louvre.

Trace the lines…

St. Sulpice Church, the second-largest in the city behind Notre Dame, is a magnificent example of mostly 17th Century architecture; a church has been on this site, though, since the 13th Century.  On the floor you’ll see the brass line; follow it to a matching line on the white marble obelisk.  At noon on the winter solstice, the sun will shine onto the brass line in the obelisk.

Consider a guided tour when you first arrive in any of the larger cities mentioned in the book.  They’re all ancient, and have been built from the centre out over the course of several centuries.  It’s quite easy to lose yourself in Paris’ ‘arrondissements’ and spend more time than necessary wandering the Parisian streets.  Visit the sites with a guide, and then come back a second time on your own to study the area at your leisure. Walking tours are perfect for this approach, and many are available in each city.  Some are even geared toward the books, and will take you to the locations featured in the book.

Need a place to stay while in Paris?  The books and movies feature the Ritz Paris Hotel.  Rooms are a little pricey, starting at over £500 per night, but you can always stop to have a drink and a snack in the bar if the rooms are out of reach.

This is where Tom Hanks stayed

The Chateau de Villette is a main feature of ‘The Da Vinci Code’, and it’s a beautiful villa about 30 minutes outside of Paris.  Tours are available, but if you want to stay there, be prepared to pay about £4,000 for a week’s stay.

Don’t like tours and prefer to do things on your own?  Get a copy of ‘Fodor’s Guide to the Da Vinci Code’ and you’ll be able to follow the trail of clues through the cities.  Using the book, you’ll be able to determine which areas you want to walk in, and which require use of Paris’ excellent Metro or even a cab.

London features Westminster Abbey and the Temple Church.  Westminster Abbey is a can’t-miss sight for any trip to London.  Over 700 years old, this incredible church has seen the christenings, marriages and funerals of many kings and queens.  It’s very large, so be prepared for a half-day stay at a minimum – you’ll get much more out of a full day’s visit, though.

Westminster Abbey….

Temple Church is much smaller, and a little more difficult to find, but equally fascinating.  Dating from the 12th Century, the church was built by the Knights Templar, another key ingredient from the book.  The nine life-sized stone effigies of knights are wonderfully carved, and the nave is circular, rather than the traditional rectangle.  If you have time, stay for one of the services.  The Temple Church is known the world over for the quality of its choir.

Leaving London, you may wish to travel north to Edinburgh, Scotland.  Rosslyn Chapel, just a few miles south of the city, is a key location near the end of the book.  While there’s no Star of David in the floor, as the book puts forth, the building is amazing just for its very presence.  Begun in 1456, the church is built on pillars.  The famous Apprentice Pillar is the one that creates the most excitement, for the legend tells that the apprentice who carved the pillar in his master’s absence enraged his boss (upon his return) to the point of murder.  The carvings in the church are marvellous, but be aware that this is a true 15th-Century stone building; even in summer, it’s cool and somewhat dark inside, so bring a sweater.

Head up to Scotland to see a wonderful church

Plan your ‘Da Vinci Code’ holiday around the time you have.  If you have a leisurely holiday planned, you may wish to guide yourself around the sights.  If your time is a little more constrained, consider hiring a tour guide, either as a group or hired just for you or your family.  With these services you should be able to see most everything on your list in the time you have available.

‘Da Vinci Code’ holidays are interesting even without the background of the books and movies, but using those as a starting point will make your holiday even more memorable.  And your holiday will be one step above, because it’ll be real, rather than fiction!

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