In 2009 and 2011 French researcher Albert Fagioli asked DRAC for permission to undertake archaeological excavations in the church of Rennes-le-Château and this was declined.

The commune of Rennes-le-Château then took its turn – represented by Belgian architect Paul Saussez – to ask DRAC for permission to excavate the church of Rennes-le-Château – that also failed.

The proposals for excavations dating from 26 August 2011, officially made by the commune of Rennes-le-Château were publicised at the time on two English websites (that were never updated) – and in a 2012 article by Paul Saussez in a French magazine (that was also never updated).

The commune of Rennes-le-Château which wanted to excavate the village church did not issue any updates or results about any of the discussions and proceedings – not even “we were not granted permission by DRAC to excavate the village church” – not even that much.

Johan Netchacovitch runs a French website specialising in providing updates on the subject matter of Rennes-le-Château – even he didn't give any information about the discussions and the final decisions relating to the proposed archaeological excavations.

In the meantime, the Rennes-le-Château Tourist Industry continues full speed ahead – without disclosing anything about the failed proposed excavations 2009-2013 – leaving the “Rennes-le-Château Treasure Appreciation Society” unaffected. DRAC requires a valid reason to justify an archaeological excavation of the church of Rennes-le-Château.