town hall of Benon

The town hall of Benon serves as the seat of local government for the small commune of Benon, in the Charente-Maritime department, sitting right at the edge of the Aunis plain and the marshlands of the Marais Poitevin. The building itself is modest, but it makes a fitting starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside, since Benon takes its name and identity from one of the last large forest blocks in the region.

Why stop in Benon?

The commune is small in population, but its position makes it a convenient base between La Rochelle and Niort. The town hall, as the administrative heart of the village, sits among the stone houses and tiled roofs typical of the area, surrounded by farmland and the edge of the forest. It's a place where everyday rural life in a small French commune is on full display, away from the tourist crowds of the Atlantic coast.

What is the Forêt de Benon, and why do visitors come for it?

The Forêt de Benon covers roughly 3,300 hectares, stretching about 15 kilometers from east to west and 6 kilometers from north to south, making it the largest forest complex in the Aunis region. Pubescent oak dominates today, alongside ash and maple, though the forest was mostly beech centuries ago. It separates the marshy Marais Poitevin from the chalky Aunis plain, bounded by the valleys of the Mignon and Curé rivers.

Human presence here goes back to the Neolithic period, with fifteen burial mounds still standing in the forest. In Gallic times, the area marked the frontier between the Pictones and Santones peoples. From the Middle Ages onward, Cistercian monks gradually cleared parts of the woodland, and in the 18th century large sections were cut down to plant vines for cognac production. A railway line linking Surgères and Marans ran through the forest until it was dismantled in 1951.

How is the forest protected today?

About 598 hectares of the forest are now under public management, overseen by the National Forests Office (ONF) and the Charente-Maritime department. The area holds wildlife reserve status and is classified as a sensitive natural area (ENS), and since 1979 it has been part of the Marais Poitevin Interregional Park. An arboretum, established in 1995, showcases the range of tree species found across the region. For visitors, that translates into a network of walking and cycling trails through old-growth stands, wetlands, and clearings, well away from the crowds.

What else is there to see around Benon?

Beyond the town hall and the forest, the countryside around Benon offers the quiet rural scenery typical of Aunis, with small churches, farms, and country lanes connecting neighboring villages. The nearby Marais Poitevin, often called "Green Venice," draws kayakers and birdwatchers, and Benon's location roughly 29 kilometers from La Rochelle makes it easy to pair with a trip to the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Benon located? Benon is in the Charente-Maritime department, about 29 km east of La Rochelle and 36 km west of Niort.

What is the commune's main attraction? The Forêt de Benon, the largest forest complex in the Aunis region, spanning 3,300 hectares of oak and ash woodland with an extensive trail network.

Are there historical remains in the forest? Yes, fifteen Neolithic burial mounds survive there, and the forest once marked the boundary between the Gallic Pictones and Santones peoples.

Is Benon a good base for exploring the region? Yes, its position between the Atlantic coast near La Rochelle and the wetlands of the Marais Poitevin makes it a convenient stopover for visitors touring the area.