Benet () is a commune in the Vendée department in the Pays de la Loire region in western France.
The former communes of Lesson, Sainte-Christine and Aziré were joined to the commune of Benet in 1973.
Geography Close to Niort () in Deux-Sèvres and Fontenay-le-Comte () in Vendée, Benet is located near :
South-Vendée Poitevin Marsh Atlantic Coast
The diversity of the landscapes, the limestone plain, along with the marshes of Sainte-Christine, Aziré and Nessier, make this commune a varied place, rich of its differences.
The Vrizon is the underground river that goes through the commune.
Benet is located close to the A83 and A10 motorways, connecting the commune to some major cities, as Nantes (), Poitiers (), Bordeaux (), or Paris (). Benet is also situated from the tourist city of La Rochelle.
History Benet was formerly named Benet-les-Noyers. Former seat of a canton until 1801–1802, Benet has ultimately integrated the Canton of Maillezais. The communes of Lesson, Aziré and Sainte-Christine merged with the commune of Benet in 1973.
List of mayors
Period Identity Party 2001 - 2023 Daniel David Socialist Party 2023 - Camille Fontaine
Demography Population data refer to the area corresponding with the commune as of January 2025.
Monuments The Sainte-Eulalie Church, on the historical register, constitutes an unmissable stage in the tour of the Romance Churches and Abbeys of the region.
A few kilometres away, it is possible to visit the historic site of the Maillezais Cathedral.
A wind farm was created near Lesson in 2007, and several months later, a second was established away from the first. A total of ten wind turbines overhang the commune.
Notable people
Jean-Paul Ribreau (born 1957), former professional footballer
Twin towns Sundern, Germany
Events Each first Sunday of July, the "Fête du Préfou" is organized in the harbor of Aziré. In November, is organized the traditional "Foire aux alouettes" (Lark Fair).
See also Communes of the Vendée department
References
External links
Website of the municipality of Benet