A ten centuries long history, written by men, carved in stone, built around a priory which, for many decades, was abandoned, forgotten and which, suddenly, under the impetus of a few enthusiasts, in love with history and the love of old stones, carried by a protective will to safeguard, bring to life through an association a past that one could believe lost forever.
Robert Teyssèdre, vice-president of the association “Les Amis du prieuré du Sauvage”, a very active member within the group and clearly committed to heritage and culture – his efforts were also recognized and rewarded since was knighted in the Order of Arts and Letters – was interested in the history of this site.
During the first confinement, he looked into the origins of the monastic order of Grandmont founded by Étienne de Muret in the 11th century and in particular the origins of the Priory of the Savage, built at the end of the 12th century. The research carried out with various authors or historians led him to write a review entitled “Le Prieuré du Sauvage, from the 11th century to the present day”. This review relates the strong moments of this order through the centuries, but also its weaknesses and its decline. But its content is mainly oriented towards the history of the Priory, of the occupation by the religious for six centuries, followed by an abandonment of more than two hundred years, to finally relive, since 1995, a new adventure under the impetus of the association and become a festive and cultural meeting place.
This review, embellished with many photos is on sale at the price of eight euros (plus 2 €, if sent) fully paid to the association. The author would like to thank Nicole, member of the association which took charge of its formatting and the various supplies. For any information R. Teyssèdre tel. 0 630 646 535.
Despite the health constraints, the association has not remained inactive. In 2020, site restoration continued with the laying of natural stone paving on the floor of the dormitory room (130 m2) in the spring by a group of volunteers; in the fall, it was around the laying of a blanket on the north wing of the cloister. Some activities have been maintained: open days (started at the end of June) more than 600 visitors, Summer Music concert in September, play in October, while others, and not least (quine, festival of 25th anniversary of the association, end of season meal) had to be deleted or postponed to 2021.
For information, even in winter, the sale of trinkets, wine (Prieuré cuvée), honey, magazines, etc … continues. Phone. 0 630 646 535 or 0 565 693 795.
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