Bayers is a small village south of Ruffec and north of Angouleme on the Charente River in the north-east of the Charente department, in the Poitou-Charentes region of France.
Explore Bayers
Much the most important monument in the village is the Chateau de Bayers.
The chateau has passed through several stages, each of which has left its traces. In the 11th century there was a fortified manor house here, of which we can still see the square tower (a donjon). Fortified walls and a moat were later built around the castle, which overlooks the Charente river.
During the 15th and 16th centuries the fortifications were removed and the castle converted into more comfortable living accommodation. The castle we see today therefore has a substantial round tower, living accommodation, a fortified interior courtyard including a well, the moats (now dry) and attractive gardens.
The castle fell to ruin after the French revolution, but is now privately owned and has been fully restored and opened to the public during the summer months.
Other highlights
Bayers is a small sleepy farming village but if you are here visiting the castle its other monuments of interest include the Church of Notre-Dame (originally the church for the castle) and there is a traditional pigeonnier standing just outside the castle walls.
There is also a traditional mill that can be visited, dating from the late 18th century.
One small highlight we found fascinating during our stroll around Bayers was a small doorway in a stone wall, now blocked up but with a big pair of scissors carved in the rock above the entrance, signifying that it was once the entrance to a tailors shop.
Attractions near Bayers
Castle enthusiasts will also want to visit Verteuil-sur-Charente, just a few kilometres from here, to see the substantial castle (it is much grander than the castle at Bayers) that dominates the town centre.
We also enjoyed our trip to Nanteuil-en-Vallée with its ancient abbey and pretty arboretum.
You can find more travel ideas in the Charente guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.
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Map of Bayers and places nearby
Visit near Bayers with France This Way reviews
Verteuil-sur-Charente
At Verteuil-sur-Charente you will enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Charente River and a look at the substantial castle
Verteuil-sur-Charente guide
Nanteuil-en-Vallee
Here at Nanteuil-en-Vallee it is the Nanteuil Abbey and Treasury that is of most interest to visitors
Nanteuil-en-Vallee guide
Ruffec
The highlight in the quiet town of Ruffec is the facade of the 12th century church
Ruffec guide
Tusson
Tusson is a very typical town of the Charente and has several impressive Renaissance townhouses to admire
Tusson guide
Chateau de La Rochefoucauld
The Chateau de La Rochefoucauld is the most important castle in Charente, with both medieval and renaissance parts to the castle
Chateau de La Rochefoucauld guide
La Rochefoucauld
After exploring the Chateau de Rochefoucauld be sure to stroll around the rest of the historic town centre
La Rochefoucauld guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Charente
Address: Bayers, Mansle, Angoulême, Poitou-Charentes, 16460, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.9222, longitude 0.23
Plan your visit to Bayers, Charente
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eglise de Saint André (Ruffec): religious monument (12 km)
- Jardin monastique médiéval: remarkable garden (13 km)
- Parc et jardin de l’Abrègement: remarkable garden (13 km)
- Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (Coulgens): religious monument (13 km)
- Eglise de Genouillé (Genouille): religious monument (22 km)
- Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chatain): religious monument (23 km)
- La Rochefoucauld: village d'etape (24 km)
- Eglise de Saint Pierre (Saint-Pierre-d'Exideuil): religious monument (26 km)
- Eglise de Saint Nicolas (Civray): religious monument (26 km)
- Abbaye Bénédictine (Charroux): religious monument (28 km)
- Abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux: national monument (28 km)
- Angouleme: town of art and history (29 km)
The French version of this page is at Bayers (Francais)