Brigueuil

Visit Brigueuil, Poitou-Charentes

The village of Brigueuil is situated towards the north-eastern border of the Charente department (Poitou-Charentes region) of France, to the south-east of Confolens in a location that has been occupied since ancient times. Remains of a roman villa have also been found nearby.

Exploring Brigueuil

The main highlight, situated in the heart of this small but picturesque fortified village, is the roman style Church of Saint-Martial. The well-proportioned church was built in the 12th century (and modified in the 15th century). Note in particular the unusual roof design of the belltower and the ornate stonework around the entrance. Inside the church you can see some vibrant 19th century stained glass windows.

Other notable historical structures in Brigueuil include a stone gateway through part of the original town ramparts through which you can enter the old town, and an associated tower.

A small part donjon that once stood here is still visible - built in the 11th century, the donjon originally had seven storeys but now only one remains; and an ornate stone gateway that is sadly all that remains of what once must have been a grand chateau here.

As you stroll the village streets you can see a few other interesting buildings, many in the attractive local light coloured stone and carefully renovated, such as the Maison du Juge.

Attractions nearby

There are abbey churches at two villages very close to here: at saint-Junien you can see the Abbey of Saint-Amand while at Lesterps is the abbey church of Saint Pierre.

Visiting the village of Oradour-sur-Glane to the south-east of Brigueuil, is also a remarkable experience - the village was destroyed and all the inhabitants murdered during the second World War and the village has been preserved unchanged ever since.

Note: photo of Brigueuil is copyright

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

Suggested places to visit near Brigueuil, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Bellac 24km; Aixe-sur-Vienne 28km; Limoges 34km; Le-Dorat 34km; Nanteuil-en-Vallee 42km; La Rochefoucauld 44km; Verneuil-Moustiers 48km; Verteuil-sur-Charente 49km; Bayers 49km;

Brigueuil tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye de Saint-Amand (Saint-Junien) - religious monument (8km) : Abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Lesterps) - religious monument (9km) : Jardin de Liliane - remarkable garden (22km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chatain) - religious monument (36km) : Abbaye de la Réau (Saint-Martin-l'Ars) - religious monument (36km) : Abbatial church de Saint Pierre (Solignac) - religious monument (39km) : Perigord-Limousin - regional natural parc (39km) : Abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux - national monument (41km) :

See more places and a map at places near Brigueuil