Barbezieux

Visit Barbezieux, Poitou-Charentes

Barbezieux (full name Barbezieux-sur-Hilaire) is a town located south-west of Angouleme and in the south-west of the Charente department (Poitou-Charentes region) of France.

Barbezieux castle

The town is best known for the Chateau de Barbezieux, an imposing 15th century castle. The west side and entrance between two grand round towers is especially notable. The castle has known many uses over the centuries, among them a prison, a girls school, and a hospital.

The castle now also houses the Barbezieux tourist office, a theatre (created in the original castle barn) and a small local museum of archaeology.

Other Barbezieux monuments

The other notable historical monument in Barbezieux is the Church of Saint-Mathias, in the heart of the old town and for many centuries an important pilgrimage destination due to the relics it contained, most notably of saint Mathias.

The church is large and represents several architectural styles, having been built and altered over the course of several hundred years, from the 12th century to the 19th century. The beltower with its open arches and inset statues is perhaps the highlight.

After enjoying the 'important' sights be sure to take a stroll around the old town to admire the local style white-stone buildings which cluster in the shadow of the church.

If possible you might like to plan your visit for one of the two market days in Barbezieux, Tuesday and Friday.

Note: photo of Barbezieux is copyright

See Poitou-Charentes and Charente (the region and department for Barbezieux) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Barbezieux, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Charmant 27km; Cognac 28km; Torsac 31km; Angouleme 32km; Aubeterre-sur-Dronne 34km; Villebois-Lavalette 34km; Riberac 46km; Saintes 48km; Marthon 49km;

Barbezieux tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin du Chaigne - remarkable garden (9km) : Eglise de Saint Cybard (Roullet-Saint-Estephe) - religious monument (20km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Gensac-la-Pallue) - religious monument (21km) : Eglise de Notre Dame (Voulgezac) - religious monument (22km) : Logis de Forge - remarkable garden (24km) : Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (La Couronne) - religious monument (25km) : Eglise de Notre Dame (Trois-Palis) - religious monument (25km) : Eglise de Saint-Germain (Gimeux) - religious monument (25km) :

See more places and a map at places near Barbezieux