Hailing from Briel-sur-Barse in the French province of Champagne, Hugh inherited the Barony of Karytaina sometime around 1222 from his brother, Renaud of Briel. Hugh married Alice of Villehardouin, a daughter of the Prince of Achaea, Geoffrey I of Villehardouin. Hugh of Briel died in early 1238, not yet forty years old, and was succeeded by his son Geoffrey.
