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 streets you are
transported back in time, the medieval houses having changed very little
since they were built during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Parts of the priory church
at Saint-Benoit-du-Sault
dates from the 11th century
Back to top.
"Author: Jim
Craig"
Back to Towns