The fortified medieval village of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages", is a lovely place for a wander, with a rampart walk, narrow lanes lined with old houses, a fortified gate, belfry and Romanesque church. Alongside the latter are the buildings of an old Benedictine priory.
Enjoy the pretty view of Portefeuille valley from the church terrace!
Village of Indre, Saint-Benoît-du-Sault was ranked among the most beautiful villages of France for its idyllic location between Berry and Limousin, and the beauty of its medieval monuments.
The origins of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault back to the end of the tenth century, with the creation of the priory, advanced to the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire in Aquitaine. Its ideal location, on the edge of the Massif Central, ensures a large number of tourists, like its important architectural heritage classified mostly historical monument. Past and future come together in harmony to Saint-Benoît-du-Sault which offers a relaxing and charming to passing visitors.
How to resist the surrounding nature and the many buildings that recall the glorious past of this village of 700 inhabitants? Saint-Benoît-du-Sault will delight the heart of lovers of history and old stones.
Medieval village, Saint-Benoît-du-Sault retained an architectural and historical heritage which is not without interest. The orange stone that dominates the architecture of the village has a special warmth to this city full of charm. Bright and colorful, Saint-Benoît-du-Sault can seduce visitors.
If the original priory was built in the tenth century, the current dates for its eighteenth century. Located on a rocky outcrop, it was once fortified, protecting dozen Benedictine monks present in its walls. Today, exhibitions of all kinds are regularly organized.
Romanesque building fully restored, the St. Benedict church is worth a visit especially for its beautiful granite baptismal font dating from the thirteenth century.
Walking through the narrow streets of the village, visitors will discover beautiful houses of the fifteenth and sixteenth century as the home of the Silversmiths listed historical monument, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. One can still admire the remains of ancient walls through a beautiful gate of the fourteenth century.
A little away from the village of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, the dolmen and the dolmen Passebonneau Gorges show an even longer history.
Despite its modest size, the village of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault highlights several cultural events of great prestige.
Every first Tuesday of the month, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saint-Benoît-du-Sault offers its monthly fair.
End of July-beginning of August, time for the festival Le temps suspended. This festival dedicated to Baroque music takes place within the walls of the very beautiful Saint-Benoît church and surroundings, with concerts, conferences and even discovery workshops.
The Eva Ganizate festival, created in tribute to a young opera singer born in Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, is an opportunity to attend exceptional concerts. It takes place in several villages in the region, and in particular in the church of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, from August 8 to 15, each year.
