Tour Mélusine, Medieval keep in Vouvant, France
Description
The Tour Mélusine is a cylindrical stone tower in Vouvant standing roughly 36 meters tall, built from crystalline schist and limestone. It sits within the medieval fortifications that enclose the town, forming a key part of the defensive structure.
History
This tower was built in the early 13th century by the Lords of Lusignan as part of their fortification strategy in western France. It formed part of a broader defensive system that the powerful family established across the region.
Culture
The tower takes its name from the legendary fairy Mélusine, a figure from local folklore connected to the region's history. This mythical connection shapes how locals and visitors relate to the structure today.
Practical
Access to the tower can be arranged through the tourist office at Bail Square, where you can obtain the necessary keys. It is helpful to contact the tourist office before your visit to confirm opening conditions.
Did you know?
From the upper platform, visitors can use an orientation table to spot landmarks across the Mervent-Vouvant forest and surrounding countryside. This vantage point reveals the tower's strategic location and offers sweeping views over the forested landscape.
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