Château de Barbezieux: a medieval fortress in the heart of southern Charente

An emblematic building

de la Charente

Located in Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, Château de Barbezieux is an emblematic monument of the southern Charente region. Built in 1453 on the ruins of an 11th-century motte castrale, this fortified castle was constructed on the initiative of Marguerite de La Rochefoucauld to revive the local economy after the Hundred Years’ War.

Listed as a historic monument since 1913, the château has been used for a variety of purposes over the centuries: prison until 1820, hospital, girls’ boarding school, theater and now a cultural and tourist center.

HISTORIC TREASURES AND THE CHARM OF ANCIENT STONES

A remarkable architectural heritage

Although partially dismantled in the 19th century, the château retains some notable architectural features:

The gatehouse, known as the Porte d’Archiac, flanked by two round towers topped by a single roof, with machicolations and cannonieres.
The old barns, converted into an Italian-style theater in 1900, were renovated in 2015 to host a varied cultural program.
A restored walkway, open to visitors, offers a panoramic view of the town and surrounding countryside.

The architecture blends elements of the flamboyant Gothic style with neo-Gothic additions from successive restorations.

PLUNGE INTO A JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE PAST

An immersive tour of history and culture

The château offers guided tours of its history and transformations over the centuries. Tours include access to the theater, the parapet walk and the Salle Charentaise, a recreation of a 19th-century interior.

Guided tour times :

July 9 to August 31: Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
September 1 to June 30: Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

Rates :

Full price: €5
Reduced rate : 3.50 (ages 10 to 17, students, unemployed, disabled)
Family package: €12 (2 adults and 2 children under 17)
Free for children under 10, journalists and tour guides

Reservations essential, places limited to 18.

Façade d'un bâtiment historique avec monument aux morts.

Château médiéval entouré d'un village pittoresque.

AUTHENTIC ENCOUNTERS THROUGH LOCAL HISTORY

A place for culture and heritage

In addition to tours, the château is a dynamic cultural center. The theater hosts theater, music, dance and puppet shows, punctuated by meetings with the artists.

The château is also a starting point for exploring the local heritage, with hiking trails such as the Sentier du Beau Vallon and the Sentier de Beauregard, offering strolls through the Charente countryside .