Discover Benayes: heritage and La Font Faure

Benayes brings together several cultural and historical themes that can be considered separately when planning a stay: the architectural history of Château de Forsac, the history of the Church of Saint Maurice, and the traditions surrounding La Font Faure. There is also an annual event at the spring on June 24, as well as a hiking trail. Architecture, local history and landscape therefore stand alongside one another as distinct areas of interest. When planning your trip, you can decide which of these themes you would like to spend the most time exploring.

Château de Forsac: Several Centuries of Construction

Château de Forsac features architectural elements from the 13th, 16th and 19th centuries. These three dates give an overview of the architectural features’ time span. Another detail is a cage at the château: in the 19th century, the Comte de Chérade de Montbron used it to transport lions. This adds a specific story about its historical use to the building’s history, distinct from the dates of its architectural elements.

The park at Château de Forsac is another notable feature of the site, with remarkable plane trees. The architecture, a historical object and the trees in the park represent different aspects of the château. If you are especially interested in architectural history, the three centuries are the main focus; the story of the cage offers a different perspective.

Saint Maurice: Church and Local History

The Church of Saint Maurice is mentioned in a privilege granted by Hildegair, Bishop of Limoges, in 987. Its bell-gable is a distinctive architectural feature. The church’s exterior and interior were renovated in 1999. The mention in 987 and the renovation in 1999 mark different stages in the building’s history: an early written reference, followed later by work on the interior and exterior.

If you plan to visit the church, check the current access arrangements locally. This keeps the historical context separate from the practical arrangements for a visit.

La Font Faure: Woodland Spring and Local Legend

La Font Faure is a woodland spring outside the center of Benayes. According to local legend, Saint Eloi created it while shoeing his mule, when he threw a horseshoe into the ground to cool it. The spring is said to have healing powers. Together, these details tell a different kind of local story from those of the buildings: the landscape, religious tradition and a tale associated with the craft of blacksmithing are at the heart of it.

If you are interested in local legends, at La Font Faure you can distinguish the story of Saint Eloi from the factual description of the site as a woodland spring. The spring lies outside the village center; the legend offers a traditional account of its origin. This makes it possible to consider the setting in the landscape alongside the religious tradition when planning your trip.

Event and Hiking Trail

An event featuring a Mass, picnic and dance evening takes place at Font Faure every year on June 24. The date gives you a specific point of reference for planning your trip. Check the exact program before you travel.

The history of the local routes also adds to the themes of Benayes. A central ridge running from north to south made the route of the Chemin du Bas Limousin possible. This historical connection links the local landscape to the course of a road and offers a different perspective from the architectural history of the château and church.

The La Font Faure hiking trail takes an average of 2 to 3 hours. The route description was updated on May 7, 2026. The estimated time gives you a framework for planning your day; as an average, it is no substitute for assessing your own pace.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Martin-Sepert, Saint-Pantaléon-De-Larche, Beyssenac, Montaignac, Cornil, Saint-Viance, Sérandon, Orgnac-sur-Vézère.

For the broader travel overview: Corrèze.