Saint-Benoit-de-Sault

St-benoit-du-sault

St.Benoit-du-Sault

Loire Valley

St Benoit-du-Sault

Saint-Benoît-du-Sault in the department of Indre within the Centre Val de Loire Region is listed in the association

'Les Plus Beaux Village de France

and its appeal lies in the fact that its centre has changed very little since its priory was founded in the 10th century by Benedictine monks. It has managed to adapt to modern times without sacrificing a great deal of its original charm though 'shabby chic' may be a better description. Actually, if you enter the village from the A20 (J20) travelling south along Route d' Argenton you just might wonder at its 'Beaux' title.

The choice of location for the priory, on a raised rocky outcrop washed by river Portefeuille, was for obvious defensive reasons. It was further protected by an additional rampart and the forming of a man-made 'lake' by the damming of the river.

As the village grew up around the priory this was also surrounded by a second rampart, evidence of these can still be seen around the village in the form of its remaining arched gates.

As you walk through its narrow cobbled streets you are transported back in time, the medieval houses having changed very little since they were built during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Like most French villages Saint-Benoît-du-Sault tries in different ways to attract visitors with fetes and festivities from its firework displays on Bastile day to concerts in its Romanesque church.

It has a small market each Saturday and a larger one on the 4th of each month in the village square .

A surprise you will find in the village is the garden of artist Jean Remo. He opens the doors taking you along wooded driveways showing you his ancient-style vegetable garden while sharing his passion for botany.

http://pagesperso-orange.fr/alain.pitault/

"Author: Jim Craig"

Rentals

hoose a village house to rent in the Loire Valley direct from the owners.