Saujac village in the Lot
Nestled on the picturesque south bank of the Lot River, the quaint village of Saujac is a hidden gem in the heart of the Quercy region, about 54 kilometres east of Cahors.
While strolling through Saujac’s narrow streets, you might discover the weathered facade of the former Buvette, the old grocery store, a relic of a bygone era.
On the worn walls, a faded fresco depicts a curious scene: a monkey and a monk, enigmatic figures entwined in a captivating legend dating back to the 15th century. This tale, imbued with mystery and melancholy, weaves a story of tragedy and loss, intimately linked to the history of Saujac.
Le Saut de la Mounine in Saujac
Once upon a time, in the picturesque village of Saujac, there lived a monk named Cidoine, who set out on a pilgrimage from Conques, accompanied by his faithful companions: a tame monkey, a mounine in the local dialect, and a goat.
Fate intervened, and during their journey, along the edge of the cliff just above the present-day site of Saujac, Cidoine tripped and fell into the void. Miraculously, his fall was stopped by his belt, which caught on a sturdy branch, saving him and his monkey from certain death. Considering this providential event a divine sign, Cidoine decided to make a cave he had spotted as his new home, where he would live as a hermit.
News of the wise monk living on the cliff spread among the villagers, who sought his advice and rewarded him with offerings of food and companionship. Among his regular visitors were Ghislaine, the spirited daughter of Lord Ogier de Montbrun, and Renaud, the son of Ogier’s rival.
While Ghislaine and Renaud’s secret love blossomed under the monk’s watchful eye, tragedy struck when Lord Ogier discovered their feelings. Fearing dishonour and shame, Lord Ogier, in a fit of rage, uttered a curse, expressing his fierce opposition to their union: “By the devil, I’d rather you leap from that monk’s rock than marry my rival’s son!”
In despair, Ghislaine turned to Cidoine for advice. With cunning and compassion, the hermit devised a scheme to deceive Lord Ogier and ensure the lovers’ happiness. He advised Ghislaine to wait until her father had gone hunting and then go to his cave, dressed in her finest clothes. Following Cidoine’s instructions, Ghislaine arrived at the cave where the old blind monkey, adorned in his crimson robe, was gently pushed from the top of the cliff.
Mistaking the monkey’s fall for his daughter’s tragic leap, Lord Ogier was overcome with grief and remorse. Seeking forgiveness for his thoughtless words, he went to Cidoine, who revealed the truth to him. With misunderstandings cleared and hearts filled with forgiveness, Ghislaine and Renaud were joyfully united in the sumptuous halls of Montbrun Castle, sealing the restored harmony of their families.
As for the old monkey, forever immortalised in the legend of Saujac, its fate remains a mystery, and its story continues to be told with a mixture of laughter and tears through the ages. Thus, nestled in the cliffs overlooking the winding river, the site took the name Le Saut de la Mounine (The Mounine Leap). It boasts breathtaking views of Montbrun Castle and the villages along the verdant banks of the Lot River.
Department of Lot
Coordinates Saujac Saut de la Mounine: Lat 44.485108 – Long 1.912525
Credits: Photo Monk and his monkey ©melangedmagic – Evelyn Jackson – Photo via Wikimedia Commons: Photo3 and Header by Krzysztof Golik CC BY-SA 4.0
