Visit Lusignan: medieval town and the legend of Melusine

Lusignan in 1000 years: a journey through time 

Once a Celtic stronghold and later an impregnable citadel in the Middle Ages, the city now offers a leap into history through free immersive experiences:

• the church of Notre-Dame and Saint-Junien: A Romanesque masterpiece from the 11th century in the shape of a Latin cross, this church founded by Hugh IV of Lusignan preserves superb sculptures carved in stone.

  How to visit Download the app LEGEND to follow the free and fun mediation trail "Time Explorers: Decode 1000 Years of History" (duration: ~40 min, accessible for people with reduced mobility).

• the citadel and the fortified castle: Although the largest fortified castle in France has now given way to ruins and ramparts, virtual reality allows you to contemplate it as it was in the 13th century via the virtual tour. LEGEND "Lusignan and its Citadel".

Medieval stroll through the historic center

• Upon your arrival, admire the majestic entrance gate dating from the 15th centuryand enter the historic city center, enclosed by the ramparts of the old fortress. This is also the starting point for the immersive and playful “Lusignan and its Citadel: a unique adventure". 

• Continue your walk with Celtic accents and discover the church of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Junien, founded in the first half of the 11th century by Hugh IV of Lusignan. During the Wars of Religion, this Romanesque-style church in the shape of a Latin cross suffered several damages. It was subsequently remodeled.
• Near the church, linger on the beautiful red half-timbered house dating from the 15th century and listed as a historical monument.
• A few steps away you find yourself on theIn the central square, contemplate the market halls with their magnificent wooden frameworkbuilt in 1853 and listed as historical monuments.
• Take the time to stroll through the alleys, which have retained their original layout.

Discover the remains of the largest fortified castle in France

If you wish to visit Lusignan Castle, once the largest fortified castle in France, know that today only the remains remain! Over the centuries, it has suffered numerous destructions. But you can discover a proposal for a virtual reality restitution in the tour LEGEND "Lusignan and its Citadel: a unique adventure” (free, starting point at the gates of the City… let yourself be guided!).

Following in the footsteps of the Fairy Melusine: between myth and geocaching

The Legend of the Melusine Fairy

Lusignan is inextricably linked to the myth of the fairy builder:

Legend tells the story of Melusine, a young girl cursed by her mother and condemned to the following curse: every Saturday, her legs become covered in scales and take on the appearance of a serpent's tail. To break the curse, she must marry a man who must never see her on Saturdays. In Lusignan, she meets Raymondin and agrees to marry him. After their wedding, Raymondin becomes the most powerful lord of Poitou. The fairy Melusine, the builder, constructs the castle of Lusignan on her husband's lands, as well as other majestic towns and fortresses in the surrounding area. Out of curiosity, Raymondin one day tries to discover his wife's secret and finds her serpent's tail while she is bathing. When Melusine realizes this, she vanishes, screaming and uttering terrible threats against the fortresses she has built for her husband. Be on your guard when you come, legend says that she returns every night to haunt Lusignan, the scene of her destiny!

Keep your eyes open: Sculptures and representations of Mélusine are hidden all over the city, including on the Notre-Dame church. Who will be the first to find them all?

Lusignan on the banks of the Vonne, where to take a walk?

 Labelled as a "Green Station", it is an ideal destination for family holidays in the countryside in the Poitou region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

• The Blossac Promenade: this French-style garden was created in the 18th century by the Count of Blossac and is now listed as a natural monument. Laid out on the foundations of the castle, it overlooks the Vonne Valley and the Grand Parc communal forest, the former hunting grounds of the Lords of Lusignan. Ideal for a family picnic!
• From the rocky promontory, enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Vonne and its viaduct. Have fun following the grassy path at the foot of the remains to understand the importance of the old fortress.

• Bathed by the Vonne, Lusignan also invites to beautiful walks and relaxation along its shady banks. The natural site of the Boucle de la Vonne is home to the Vauchiron leisure center. In summer, enjoy nautical and outdoor activities on this exceptional site in the heart of the Mélusin country, located a few dozen kilometers from Poitiers.
• In this green setting bordered by the Vonne and the Grand Parc forest, young and old will find what they are looking for: supervised swimming in July and August, outings canoe Kayak along the Vonne, games for children, fishing, picnic tables, mini-golf, etc. 

Take a stroll in the Grand Parc forest

Take a deep breath of fresh air in the woods of Grand Parc, a 160-hectare municipal forest located at the foot of the viaduct. This site, formerly a hunting ground for the lords of Lusignan, offers numerous opportunities for walks along marked trails. Let yourself be amazed by the richness of its flora, its steep paths, and its wildlife.