Château de Barbezieux

Château de Barbezieux is a 15th-century fortified castle with two circular towers flanking a central passage and defensive cannon openings along its walls. The remaining sections of the northern curtain wall and tower structures showcase the defensive architecture typical of that period.

The fortress was built in 1453 by Marguerite de La Rochefoucauld, replacing an 11th-century castle that previously stood on the same site. Its construction during a period of famine reflects the strategic importance this location held at the time.

The castle now hosts a theater inside its former stables, where dance performances, theatrical productions, and musical events take place throughout the year. This contemporary use creates a living connection between the medieval structure and modern artistic expression.

Guided tours are available from Wednesday through Saturday during July and August, then continuing on Saturdays from September through June. Budget time to explore the tower structures and defensive installations at your own pace.

Inside the castle lies a preserved covered walkway that ends in a semi-cylindrical tower, offering visitors an unusual path through the fortress. Two wells of different sizes once supplied water to different sections of the castle, revealing how medieval engineers planned water distribution.

Location: Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire

Architectural style: Gothic art

GPS coordinates: 45.47306,-0.15750

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03