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.

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/

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