In 1136, a papal bull mentioned the church at Barlieu as "Ecclesiam de Barlocco.

The parish church, dedicated to Saint Germain, was initially appointed to the abbot of Saint-Satur and a priory, called the "chaplaincy Barlieu", was built here.

At the beginning of the fifteenth century, the lordship of Barlieu was sold to Martin of Charpaigne Gouge, bishop of Clermont and Chancellor to the Duke of Berry.

In 1458, following Coeur’s downfall, the seigneury of Barlieu was purchased by John V of Bueil, Count of Sancerre.

A farming area comprising the village and two hamlets situated by the banks of the river Sauldre, some 26 miles (42 km) northeast of Bourges at the junction of the D57 with the D21, D8 and the D95 roads.