Perhaps the most crucial piece of evidence that the “Rennes-le-Château mystery” is nothing more than a fantasy is the testimony of Jean Bousquet, the village schoolmaster at Rennes-le-Château from October 1949 until July 1954, and was a lodger who knew Marie Dénarnaud. His obituary was written by Gilbert Tappa, published in Les Cahiers de Rennes-le-Château, Tome IX, 1989, who recounted the very fist letter that he received from Jean Bousquet.

Quoting Gilbert Tappa, about Jean Bousquet's memory of Marie Dénarnaud:

“As for Mademoiselle Marie, she has, on each and every occasion, evaded the questions that I was able to put to her regarding, in particular, the source of Saunière's fortune. And yet, for 5 years, we even took our meals together at the table of Monsieur and Madame Corbu (who had been kind enough to offer me lodgings).

Since I am mentioning Monsieur and Madame Corbu, let me say that I cannot ever praise their generosity and their kindness highly enough. They looked after Mademoiselle Marie with a great deal of affection, and for me they were the most charming of hosts. I shall always revere their memory.”

The translation of the complete obituary of Jean Bousquet by Gilbert Tappa.