The Tour Mélusine: witness to the whole of History!
While legend has it that the Tour Mélusine was built in one night by the serpent fairy, history buffs may prefer this version: it was at the beginning of the XIᵉ century that William the Great, Count of Poitiers and Duke of Aquitaine, fell under the spell of a rocky spur set on a meander of the River Mère. In no time at all, he had a wooden fortified castle and a monastery built there: Vouvant was born.
In the middle of the XIIᵉ century, it was the turn of the Lusignan family to add their stone to the edifice (got it?) by building a new hard fortress. Urban enclosure, fortification, fortified castle and defensive gates, it was at this time that the Tour Mélusine made its appearance. This is the keep, the castle’s masterpiece, the one that allows the Lusignans to show off their power. Pretty stylish, isn’t it?
But all good things must come to an end, and the castle was eventually abandoned and dismantled in the XVIIIᵉ century. All that remains of the fortress is the lower part of the Tour des Gardes, and the Tour Mélusine, which continues to stand proud watch over Vouvant!
A legendary climb: historical immersion and a unique view
To climb to the top of this little jewel of local heritage, start by going to the Vouvant Tourist Office to ask for the key. Then head for the keep for a historic climb!
You’ll arrive in a first room with a vaulted dome, from which a covered walkway once protruded, allowing you to walk along the castle ramparts. Then it’s on to the second room, with its latrines and fireplace that suggest it was once a bedroom (who knows, maybe Geoffroy de Lusignan’s bedroom?). Are you ready? Then head back up the stairs for the highlight of the show!
Here you are at the top of the keep,36 metres above the north moat! Before you is a 360° panorama of the village of Vouvant, its church and the River Mère. Further on, you can see the Mervent-Vouvant forest, the village of La Châtaigneraie and the Bois de la Folie de Pouzauges. It’s so beautiful!
The village of Vouvant: a continuation of medieval pleasures
Have you always felt like a knight? Then you should feel right at home in the medieval town of Vouvant, listed as a Petite Cité de Caractère® and one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France®! After your beautiful ascent, your adventure guides you through the narrow streets of the village and its heritage.
Start with a diversion toVouvant’s Romanesque church. Look for the Mélusine fairy among the figures carved on the capitals, discover the Théodelin nave and its art exhibition by the association “Vouvant, village de peintres”, explore the 12thᵉ century crypt. Next, head for the Porte de la Poterne, the last of the village’s three gates to have been preserved. Finally, don’t miss Rue de la Poterne, undoubtedly the most picturesque street in the village! It’s been said: valiant knights, you are at home in the Vendée!
