La Roche Chambres d'Hôtes

 

Benest is in the North Charente (16), bordering the departments of the Vienne (86) & Haute Vienne (87). Each department has plenty to offer the tourist.

History

There is great pride in our local historical heritage, and Benest is proud of its ancient priory and 'Four aux Ponnes'. This was a kiln used to fire the terracotta vessels called ponnes. These were used to boil the laundry. It doesn't sound exciting now, but it was a source of employment locally, and Benest had an excellent reputation for its wares!

The area is rich in history. Oradour-Sur-Glâne is in easy reach, and there are many Romanesque churches worth visiting.

Local Produce

A holiday in the region cannot pass without a visit to a Cognac house. There are many to chose from. The larger houses offer guided tours in the holiday season. This beautiful town is about one and a half hours drive from Benest.

In the summer there are weekly produce markets around the region which offer golden opportunities to sample cheeses, sausages and other local delicacies.

Music

Confolens, a beautiful medieval town in the Vienne hosts a folk music festival in August, with participants from all over the world. Stages are set up throughout the town.

Accordian festivals take place throughout the region during the summer months.

In the sumer, extra events marking 'l'eté active' are also available in plentiful supply. Full details of what is on offer can be found at the Tourist Office in Confolens.

 

This is the local tourism website: