Saint-Benoît-du-Sault
This is the second of the « Loveliest Villages in France » in the Indre department. Situated at the meeting point of Berry and Limousin, this ancient medieval village once inhabited by Benedictine monks is perched on a granite rock overlooking the River Portefeuille. Spectacular views guaranteed !
Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, one of the « Loveliest Villages in France »on the border of Berry and Limousin
This is the second of the « Loveliest Villages in France » in the Indre department. Situated at the meeting point of Berry and Limousin, this ancient medieval village once inhabited by Benedictine monks is perched on a granite rock overlooking the River Portefeuille. Spectacular views guaranteed !
Saint-Benoît-du-Sault is a wonderful place for a stroll around the steep, narrow streets within its walls. Founded at the end of the 10th century, the Priory of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault was an advanced post for the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire in Aquitaine. It was along this frontier between the Pays d’Oc and Pays d’Oil, in the south of Berry, that the rivalry between France and England was played out for over a hundred years. The orange tone of its buildings gives a special kind of warmth to this delightful village which has kept its proud medieval appearance. Stroll around and enjoy it !
Visit Saint-Benoît-du-Sault within the ramparts
The tourist office organises guided tours. Jeanne, servant to the ‘argentier du roy’(royal finance officer) and Guillaume the blacksmith take you around the alleyways, through the different gateways to the Pre-Romanesque church, along the rampart walk and Rue Sous-le-Mur with its mule ramp steps, past the ‘argentier’s’ house. Although the original priory was built in the 10th century, the present one dates from the 18th century. Constructed on a rocky peak, it was fortified in the past to protect the dozen Benedictine monks who lived there. Today all types of exhibitions are held there. The church of Saint-Benoît is definitely worth a visit for its beautiful 13th century granite font and the village has some fine 15th and 16th buildings like the Maison de l’Argentier and Le Portail, the impressive fortified gateway. In summer the church and priory echo to the sound of music during two festivals. The Festival Eva Ganizate of lyrical and instrumental music whose patron in 2018 was Isabelle Adjani and the Festival of baroque music, Le Temps Suspendu – take your choice !
A short distance from the village of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, the Dolmen de Passebonneau and Dolmen des Gorges are examples of far more ancient history.