Lusignan, a timeless adventure

In Lusignan, travel through time

If you are passing through the area, remember to stop in Lusignan! 

Small town… with character 

Perched on a rocky promontory, Lusignan proudly dominates the Vonne valley. This medieval city 30 minutes from Futuroscope already existed at the time of the Celts! Today it is classified among the “Small Cities of Character”. Former fiefdom of lords who became kings of Cyprus, Jerusalem and Armenia during their epic journey to the East, it hides a thousand and one treasures to discover.

1000 years of existence! 

In 2025, Notre-Dame and Saint-Junien church celebrates its 1000th anniversary! On this occasion, the entire city is celebrating, offering a wide variety of activities all year round! Medieval festival, conferences, concerts, guided tours… The festivities will be launched on April 6! 

On the way for a medieval stroll 

• When you arrive, admire the majestic front door, dating from the 15th^th century and enter the historic city center, delimited by the ramparts of the old fortress.
• In the central square, contemplate halls with their magnificent wooden frame, built in 1853 and classified as historic monuments.
• Continue your walk with Celtic accents and discover the church of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Junien, founded in the first half of the 11th^th century by Hugues IV de Lusignan. During the wars of religion, this Romanesque church in the shape of a Latin cross suffered several damages. It was subsequently reworked.
• Near the church, linger on the beautiful red half-timbered house dating from the 15th century^th century and listed as a historic monument.
• Take the time to stroll through the alleys, which have retained their original layout.

A real immersion in the time of fortified castles!

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.

Meet at pleasure garden of Lusignan to admire part of the keep, the base of the Poitevine tower, a cistern and the entrance to a closed underground passage. You can also observe a staircase tower in the wall, as well as the foundations of a mustard plant.

Follow in the footsteps of the fairy Mélusine! 

The Legend of the Melusine Fairy

• The cursed : The legend tells the story of Mélusine, a young girl cursed by her mother and condemned to the following curse: every Saturday, her legs are covered with scales and take on the appearance of a serpent's tail. If caught in this state, she will never be able to return to human form. To break the curse, she must marry a man who will never have to see her on Saturdays.
• The builder : In Lusignan, she meets Raymondin and agrees to marry him on the sole condition that he does not seek to see her on Saturdays. After their wedding, Raymondin then became the most powerful lord of Poitou. The fairy Mélusine, the builder, built the Château de Lusignan on her husband's land, as well as other majestic cities and fortresses in the surrounding area.
• Fairy : Out of curiosity, one day Raymondin seeks to unlock his wife's secret and discovers her serpent's tail while she is in her bath. When Melusine realizes this, she disappears screaming and profaning horrible threats against the fortresses she has built for her husband. Be on your guard when you come, legend says that it comes back every night to haunt Lusignan, theater of its 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, a life-size playground

City of relaxation and leisure, Lusignan offers many activities and a rich natural heritage during your stay in the Vienne. Labeled "Green Station", it is an ideal destination for family holidays in the countryside in France.

Discover the Promenade de Blossac, a French-style garden

Within the walls of the city, treat yourself to a beautiful bucolic walk in the Promenade de Blossac. This French garden was created in the 18th century.^th century by the Count of Blossac and is now listed as a natural monument. Built on the foundations of the castle, it overlooks the Vonne valley and the communal forest of the Grand Parc, the former hunting estate of the lords of Lusignan. Ideal for a family picnic break!

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. 

Stroll through the Grand Parc forest

Take a breath of fresh air in the Bois du Grand Parc, a communal forest of 160 hectares located at the foot of the viaduct. This site, formerly the hunting grounds of the lords of Lusignan, offers numerous possibilities for walks on marked trails. Let yourself be amazed by the richness of its flora, its steep paths and its wildlife.

Discover the rich heritage of Lusignan during a guided tour, organized by the Lusignan Tourist Information Office.