A village that seems straight out of a storybook
In its edition of March 5, 2025, the highly respected Times embarked on a ranking of the 25 most beautiful villages in France, based on the official selection of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Among them, Saint-Benoît-du-Sault proudly claimed the 3rd place, right after Ainhoa (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) and Rochefort-en-Terre (Morbihan).
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The British daily newspaper praises a place that is "fascinating," featuring a 14th-century belfry, steep alleyways lined with 15th and 16th-century houses, and a Benedictine priory that opens up to a majestic view of the Portefeuille valley. It's a postcard-perfect setting with its authenticity beautifully preserved.
A Thousand Years of History on a Rocky Spur
Founded in the 10th century around a priory established by Benedictine monks, the village retains two fortified enclosures, remnants of a strategic past during the Hundred Years' War. As visitors stroll along, they encounter the Treasurer's house, the Portal.
fortified, the medieval towers or even a pre-Romanesque abbey church, with stained glass signed by Jean Mauret.See this post on Instagram
Since 2023, the priory's terraces have been transformed into a medieval garden, a place for contemplation and festivals, including the Eva Ganizate Festival and Le Temps suspendu, during the summer.
A cultural and bucolic getaway close to Bordeaux
Enjoy!
rave; 3h30 drive from Bordeaux, Saint-Benoît-du-Sault offers a timeless escape, nestled between Berry and Limousin, far from mass tourism. A blend of a museum village, a spiritual hotspot, and an artistic haven, it embodies the French spirit as the famous Times loves to tell it.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The town has proudly declared: « We can be proud that the village's charm transcends borders », the town hall writes. It's an invitation to discover this certified gem, nestled among ancient stones, gentle light, and living history.