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.
Explore Barbezieux
The town is best known for the Chateau de Barbezieux, an imposing 15th century castle.
Although a substantial part of the castle was taken down in the 19th century the west side and the entrance between the two grand round towers remains. 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 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 in Barbezieux 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.
Attractions nearby
Most of the villages close to Barbezieux are traditional small Charentaise villages, with no major monuments although several have very impressive roman style churches.
Further afield, Cognac to the north of here has a very attractive historic centre and Angouleme is also a pleasure to visit.
You can find more travel ideas in the Charente guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.
Arrange a visit to Barbezieux
Hotels in Barbezieux
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Barbezieux and places nearby
Visit near Barbezieux with France This Way reviews
Saint-Simon
In the Charente town of Saint-Simon you will enjoy a stroll along the river, and perhps then a boat trip along the river
Saint-Simon guide
Jonzac
Best known as a spa town Jonzac also has a small castle and other monuments to discover
Jonzac guide
Jarnac
Visitors to Jarnac can explore the small old town, walk along the riverside, and sample the local Cognac!
Jarnac guide
Mouthiers-sur-Boeme
The 12th century church in roman style is the principal monument here in Mouthiers-sur-Boeme
Mouthiers-sur-Boeme guide
Charmant
Charmant is another pleasant Charente town, with a small castle and a church as well as the source of the river Boeme
Charmant guide
Cognac
Cognac has an extensive old twon and town centre, nice riverside walk and lots of Cognac distilleries. Definitely recommended.
Cognac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Charente
Address: Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, Cognac, Poitou-Charentes, 16300, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.473611, longitude -0.154167
Plan your visit to Barbezieux, Charente
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardin du Chaigne: remarkable garden (9 km)
- Eglise de Saint Cybard (Roullet-Saint-Estephe): religious monument (20 km)
- Eglise de Saint Estèphe (Roullet-Saint-Estephe): religious monument (20 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Gensac-la-Pallue): religious monument (21 km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame (Voulgezac): religious monument (22 km)
- Jonzac: recommended detour (22 km)
- Logis de Forge: remarkable garden (24 km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame (Trois-Palis): religious monument (25 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Germain (Gimeux): religious monument (25 km)
- Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (La Couronne): religious monument (25 km)
- Abbaye Notre Dame de l'Assomption de Châtre (Saint-Brice): religious monument (26 km)
- Eglise de Saint Michel (Saint-Michel): religious monument (28 km)
Market days in Barbezieux, France
Regular market(s) are held in Barbezieux each Tuesday & Saturday & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Barbezieux (Francais)