Walled enclosure of Vouvant, Medieval fortification in Vouvant, France.

The walled enclosure of Vouvant is a medieval fortification whose surviving ramparts rise about 1.4 km around the town, reaching up to 10 m high in the northeast. About ten semi-cylindrical towers flank the north and east sides, each with a vaulted room and three arrow slits. The Poterne gate, the last remaining town gate, has a pointed arch beside a square tower section.

The fortification was built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries as a defensive structure for the settlement. It received official recognition as a historic monument in 1984.

The name Vouvant comes from the Lusignan lords, and legend links the Mélusine tower to the fairy Mélusine, wife of Raymondin de Lusignan. A 1526 description records three town gates: Bouguerin to the north, aux Moines to the east and de la Poterne to the west, the only one still standing. The Poterne gate led toward Fontenay-le-Comte.

You can explore the walls on foot and visit the different towers and areas around the village. Guided tours are available if you want to learn more about how the medieval defense system worked.

The Mélusine tower has five levels, two of them with dome vaults and fireplaces, and the fourth level includes latrines with a slanted chute opening to the outside. It was listed as a monument historique on 12 February 1927, while the rest of the fortifications were listed on 26 November 1984.