Saint-Benoît

Built by monks from the Abbey of Noirmoutier in the 7th century, the abbey of Saint-Benoît was completely rebuilt between the 11th and 12th centuries following total destruction. Partly restored by the Bâtiments de France, however, the site today only presents a chapter house with sculpted capitals or the former monks' dormitory revealing a beautiful frame in the hull of an inverted boat. Not far from there, it is possible to discover the old abbey house or the small passage from the 12th century which at the time allowed the monks to join the cloister.

Several sites registered or classified as Historical Monuments are also visible in the town of Saint-Benoît, like Arcs de Parigny, a former Roman aqueduct which was used to supply Poitiers with water from the 1st century BC, or even the Manoir du Fief-Clairet, a very beautiful 17th century home.

As you stroll through the town, you can also admire the 19th century viaduct which allowed the passage of the old tramway between Poitiers and Saint-Martin l'Ars, or the Sainte-Croix abbey. Founded in the 6th century in Poitiers by Saint Radegonde, it was transferred in the 1960s to the Domaine de la Cossonière.

But it is also for its natural heritage that the municipality of Saint-Benoît is appreciated by tourists, in particular thanks to its possible walks on the banks of the Clain or in the valley of the Miosson. A canoe-kayak base is also present on the site of an old paper mill from the mid-19th century in order to discover the surroundings in the best conditions.

• The weekly market is held every Saturday morning. Once a month, the town also offers a night market of local producers.
• Between the end of March and the beginning of April, make way for the Easter festival with its egg hunt, its rides, its games for children or its fun and entertaining workshops.
• A fireworks display and a lantern retreat are offered every year on July 14 to celebrate the national holiday.
• Every last weekend of September, the town hosts its famous jazz festival, Saint-Benoît Swing.
• During December, Saint-Benoît offers its traditional Santas race with several very festive events.