Local Area & History
Badecon-le-Pin - Superb Picturesque Countryside
The countryside around St Benoit du Sault is quiet and very picturesque any time of the year. There are many attractive hamlets and villages to be found away from the main roads. Even on the warmest August days you will probably have the winding narrow lanes to yourself, leading through woodland, alongside lakes and over rivers with fish rising. Hawks and Buzzards are always to be seen and with luck you may briefly spot some deer browsing in the dappled shade, deep in the woodland. In the warm, still afternoon sun it is easy to see where Debussy found the inspiration to compose his "L'Aprés-midi d'un faune.
For busier excursions, St Sulpice le Feuilles is a 20-minute drive and has a supermarket, butchers, bakers, hairdressers, bar, petrol station and many other shops.
Also, the quaint old town of La Souterraine is a 30-minute drive with its cobbled streets and narrow alleys that lead to a small tree lined square with cafes, bars and a number of immobiliers. It also has two large supermarkets, an indoor swimming pool and sports centre. La Souterraine main line railway station provides direct and fast access to Paris to the north, Limoges and the South coast and is an excellent opportunity to take the fast and famous TGV.
Limoges - Capital Of The Limousin Region
Limoges, the busy capital of the Limousin region is a very large city. The major A20 auto route provides easy access to all areas. Alternatively one can take the train from La Souterraine as mentioned above.
The nearest airports are Bellegarde at Limoges which is about 50 minutes, or Poitiers which is about an hour away. In addition to the many restaurants, excellent shops, and fashionable boutiques to be found in Limoges, the numerous porcelain shops and factories are also a worthwhile visit.
Additionally fishing, walking,cycling (both on and off road), golf, and horse riding may all be found within easy reach of St Benoit du Sault. Lakes & rivers are in abundance throughout the surrounding countryside. Lac Mondon, Chaillac and Lac d'Eguzon are all close by and have their own sandy beaches. The impressive Lac d'Eguzon has a variety of outdoor activities, including water-sports & rock climbing. Slightly further a field are Lac de St Paradour & Lac Vassivere which is home to an extensive water sports complex.