Saint-Benoît-du-Sault
A monastic town on its rock
A village listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, perched on a granite spur above the Portefeuille. Five hundred and ten inhabitants.
Monks from the Abbey of Fleury settled on this rock in the late 10th century, for defensive reasons above all. The Romanesque priory was fortified in the 14th century.
The town is explored on foot, and it climbs. What you'll see: the fortified gate, which has kept traces of its drawbridge and portcullis; the belfry and its clock, still running; the ramparts; the Maison de l'Argentier, listed as a historic monument since 1926, with its carved lintels; the church, built in the 11th and 14th centuries, its 13th-century font and contemporary stained glass by Jean Mauret.
Terraced gardens in medieval style reopened in 2023.
The town is a protected heritage sector. Guided tours June to September, market Thursday mornings, baroque music festival in August.