For many the beginning of 2012 marks the start of an auspicious year. Many believe the world will end in December 2012.

This belief is rooted in ancient Mayan prophecy. The Mayan Calendar ends 21st December, and according to their traditions this marks the end of the age.

However, occult and New Age groups look to a small southern French town for their salvation. The town of Bugarach, is believed to be the only safe place to be in December 2012. New Age believers revere the town as having mystical power thinking it may have an underground UFO base, or be a gateway to an underground world.

For many this may sound ridiculous, but French authorities are taking this seriously as Bugarach is already seeing it’s small population rise, as they anticipate an influx of visitors hoping to escape apocalypse. Authorities also fear in the wake of December 21st cult groups,   many may enter mass suicide pacts, similar to Wacko.