Visit the places in the 'Da Vinci Code'

You've read the book and you're probably thinking of seeing the movie. So, why not combine a vacation in Europe with a personal visit to some of the real landmarks that figure so prominently in "The Da Vinci Code"?

A little time on the Web will lead you to guide books and companies that will take you on tours to some or all of the big scenes in the story, but with a little more time you could plan your own tour.

It all starts with a violent, perplexing death in the Louvre -- www.louvre.fr/ -- which should be on your itinerary even if you're not following the book. Look for "English" in barely noticeable pale gray letters in the upper right corner of the Web site. Then use the search function to look for everything the museum Web site has on Da Vinci. If you want to try to follow the characters' paths, you'll need to click on "Visit" and then "Interactive Floor Plans" to learn the layout of the museum.

Another Paris landmark featured prominently in the plot is the church of Saint-Sulpice -- www.paroisse-saint-sulpice-paris.org/ -- which may be best known for its pipe organ. Sorry, this Web site is only in French, which is frustrating because "Visite de l'eglise," which shows the layout of the church, also has a link to a church commentary on "The Da Vinci Code." However, a tribute to the church's organ, Eglise Saint-Sulpice -- www.uquebec.ca/musique/orgues/france/ssulpice.html -- has a description and history of the church in English.

Find your way to these and other points of interest with the "Maps & Transport" section of the semiofficial Paris Info -- en.parisinfo.com/ -- which also can help you find places to stay and to spend your euros on shopping. "Museums & Monuments" will help you find your way to the Louvre, but there's no entry there for Saint-Sulpice.

After Paris, the action shifts to London and the Temple Church -- www.temple church.com/ -- whose oldest portion, the Round Church, really was built by the Knights Templar, whose history is important to the book's plot. Click on the image of the "Da Vinci" book for a brief commentary by the master of the temple.

Westminster Abbey -- www.westminster-abbey.org/ -- also is used for a scene in the book. Along with visitors' information and history, you'll want to take time to enjoy "Panoramic Views" of the interior.