Sunday, June 28, 2009

SAINT-BENOIT du Sault.....


.... has been called 'the most beautiful village in France'.


I'm sure there are many beautiful villages in France, but this one is certainly worth a visit. Situated in the south of the Centre region, near the borders with Limousin and Poitou-Charentes, the village owes its origins to the benedictine monks who established themselves in the area around the 10th century, having chosen the site on a raised rocky outcrop because of its defensive advantage.


The village of today, with its pretty, narrow streets of medieval houses, dates from the 15th-16th century. The centre of the town is set around the Church, priory and fort, and was protected by a stone wall around its perimeter.













Richard and our fantastic host, Frankie, admire the roses.















11 comments:

Merle said...

Dear Alice ~~ What a wonderful trip and holiday you have had and your photos are wonderful holiday. What a lot of great places you visited and
Belgium looks great. I like the idea of a long twilight, so that's what I like about Daylight Savings Time.
I hope you have settled down at home in Canberra and hope it's not TOO cold for you. Take care, my friend,
Love. Merle.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic photos Alice. I love the character of the old buildings, and such a beautiful little town.

Calidore said...

Ohhhh I can see why it gets the title of Beautiful Village. How stunning and quaint all at the same time. It must be amazing to visit let alone live there. Nice to see a photo of the two of you too - you both look very happy.

Reflection Through The Seasons said...

Hello Frances.....

A wonderful collection of pictures taken in the pretty village of St. Benoit du Sault..... I love the exquisite little cottage festooned with rose..... could even be a ‘Cotswolds’ scene.

We are so enjoying the Teddy Tahu Rhodes & David Hobson CD....... we had it playing yesterday (very hot day)..... the French doors of the sitting were open and the wonderful music and songs drifted out into the garden where we sat in the shade. Quite delightful.

Love & best wishes to you and Richard. Marion

a good yarn said...

Impossibly picture book. There must have been the most amazing atmosphere. Not to mention the food!

Cheers...Ann :)

UB said...

Spring garden photo is pure joy. Your holiday photos are brillant. You it appears, marinate in your passion.

Kerri said...

I'm absolutely awestruck by the beauty of this village. Almost speechless...but not quite :)
Wow!!
I can just imagine you and Richard soaking in all that beauty with your new friend.
I was struck by the fact that some of those climbing roses are growing in a tiny plot of dirt. It's amazing that they do so well.
The little village seems so sleepy and peaceful. Where are all the people and cars? I only see a few in these photos.
Thank you for sharing this magical place. The photographs are wonderful, and it's so good to see you and Richard smiling so happily :)
Ah yes, I see you've been spreading the music around :)

Frankie Perussault said...

I don't know about your fantastic host, but these are sure fantastic photos!

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

Hi Alice, The villages in Europe are very pretty. Saint Benoit is exceptionally beautiful. All your pictures are a delight to see. Enjoyed the special photographic touches; the old, wooden entrance door and the pigeon on the lookout!
Thank you for a marvelous tour.

Marlene Depler said...

Great photographs! I have been to France, but not here. Makes me want to go!

Marja said...

wow have to remeber this It is stunning See you had a marvellous trip I recognise Antwerpen underneath I went there lots of times