| |
Discover the fortified castle of Saint Jean d'Angle in Charente Maritime
|
We invite you to discover all the attractions at the fortified castle of Saint Jean d'Angle : |
| |
|
|
| Aliénor Rose Garden
|
| As early as the 6th century, convents were growing roses.
In the 8th century, Charlemagne’s Capitulare de villis* cited roses as one of the plants to be cultivated. Rose gardens were often considered places of beauty. Roses symbolised love, passion and purity, making them popular in medieval art and literature. Rose gardens served as refuges for meditation and contemplation. They were often incorporated into monasteries or convent gardens, providing a peaceful space for prayer.Because of their aesthetic appeal, their medicinal uses ... |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Aliénor Rose Garden
As early as the 6th century, convents were growing roses.
In the 8th century, Charlemagne’s Capitulare de villis* cited roses as one of the plants to be cultivated. Rose gardens were often considered places of beauty. Roses symbolised love, passion and purity, making them popular in medieval art and literature. Rose gardens served as refuges for meditation and contemplation. They were often incorporated into monasteries or convent gardens, providing a peaceful space for prayer.Because of their aesthetic appeal, their medicinal uses ... |
|
|
| Barefoot trail
|
| We have developed this nature trail in the leisure park to awaken your senses, especially your sense of touch...
Come and rediscover a forgotten pleasure : walking barefoot in nature. Take off your shoes and walk along a path made of different natural materials.
Each texture connects you to the earth, promoting a zen and authentic experience. A surprising sensory experience ! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barefoot trail
We have developed this nature trail in the leisure park to awaken your senses, especially your sense of touch...
Come and rediscover a forgotten pleasure : walking barefoot in nature. Take off your shoes and walk along a path made of different natural materials.
Each texture connects you to the earth, promoting a zen and authentic experience. A surprising sensory experience ! |
|
|
| The magic of Mélusine the fairy
|
| Guillaume de Lusignan is reputed to be the founder of this fortified castle..
It belongs to one of the most powerful families in Poitou, which owes its fame and wealth to a protective fairy : The fairy Mélusine. Mélusine is a legendary figure from medieval mythology, often described as a fairy or magical creature. Her story, which dates back to the Middle Ages, evokes themes of transformation, mystery and despair, capturing the imagination of readers across the centuries. We'll tell you the story of his life through twenty or so ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The magic of Mélusine the fairy
Guillaume de Lusignan is reputed to be the founder of this fortified castle..
It belongs to one of the most powerful families in Poitou, which owes its fame and wealth to a protective fairy : The fairy Mélusine. Mélusine is a legendary figure from medieval mythology, often described as a fairy or magical creature. Her story, which dates back to the Middle Ages, evokes themes of transformation, mystery and despair, capturing the imagination of readers across the centuries. We'll tell you the story of his life through twenty or so ... |
|
|
| A medieval-style garden
|
| Immerse yourself in an enchanting world with our medieval-inspired garden.
It's a place where the beauty of nature meets the charm of history. Located in the lower courtyard, at the foot of the castle, this 12-square garden is based on the codes of the Middle Ages and allows you to discover the Hortus (vegetable garden) and the Herbularium (medieval pharmacy with its medicinal plants). Discover the virtues of plants commonly used in the Middle Ages. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A medieval-style garden
Immerse yourself in an enchanting world with our medieval-inspired garden.
It's a place where the beauty of nature meets the charm of history. Located in the lower courtyard, at the foot of the castle, this 12-square garden is based on the codes of the Middle Ages and allows you to discover the Hortus (vegetable garden) and the Herbularium (medieval pharmacy with its medicinal plants). Discover the virtues of plants commonly used in the Middle Ages. |
|
|
| The castle farmyard
|
| The fortified castle's bailey was a central part of daily life, where domestic, agricultural and craft activities were combined, while also playing a crucial role in the overall security and functionality of the fortress.
It often housed servants and farm workers. It could include buildings such as infirmaries, kitchens and storage rooms.It was also the place where domestic animals such as chickens, pigs and goats were kept. Stables and pens were essential for subsistence.Vegetable gardens were often present to provide fresh fruit and ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The castle farmyard
The fortified castle's bailey was a central part of daily life, where domestic, agricultural and craft activities were combined, while also playing a crucial role in the overall security and functionality of the fortress.
It often housed servants and farm workers. It could include buildings such as infirmaries, kitchens and storage rooms.It was also the place where domestic animals such as chickens, pigs and goats were kept. Stables and pens were essential for subsistence.Vegetable gardens were often present to provide fresh fruit and ... |
|
|
| A little bit of history !!!
|
| In 1180 a fortified stone castle was built at Saint Jean d'Angle. Guillaume de Lusignan is believed to be its founder.
He belonged to one of the most powerful families of the Poitou region. They owed their reputation and wealth to a fairy protector: Mélusine. From 1406 to the 17th century, the castle remained in the hands of the Saint-Gelais family, a younger branch of the de Lusignan family. The residence adjoining the original rampart dates back to the Renaissance. By 1994 the castle was in very bad repair. Almost on the point of ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A little bit of history !!!
In 1180 a fortified stone castle was built at Saint Jean d'Angle. Guillaume de Lusignan is believed to be its founder.
He belonged to one of the most powerful families of the Poitou region. They owed their reputation and wealth to a fairy protector: Mélusine. From 1406 to the 17th century, the castle remained in the hands of the Saint-Gelais family, a younger branch of the de Lusignan family. The residence adjoining the original rampart dates back to the Renaissance. By 1994 the castle was in very bad repair. Almost on the point of ... |
|
|
| A visit in costume
|
| Transform yourself into a knight or princess for the duration of your visit.
Young and old alike can borrow a costume free of charge on arrival for a total immersion in the Middle Ages.Don't hesitate to immortalise these magical moments by taking a photo in front of the castle!PLEASE NOTE: In the event of bad weather (rain, muddy site) we reserve the right to withdraw the costumes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A visit in costume
Transform yourself into a knight or princess for the duration of your visit.
Young and old alike can borrow a costume free of charge on arrival for a total immersion in the Middle Ages.Don't hesitate to immortalise these magical moments by taking a photo in front of the castle!PLEASE NOTE: In the event of bad weather (rain, muddy site) we reserve the right to withdraw the costumes. |
|
|
| The siege machine
|
| The castle acquired a trebuchet* in working order from Renaud Beffeyte, an artisan and medieval enthusiast, as well as a renowned specialist of civil and military machines from this era. The trebuchet firing demonstration is a highlight of any visit to the castle. The military camp set up around the castle allows you to discover siege machines, a mantelet (a large shield or portable shelter used for protection in medieval warfare) and a battering ram (designed to pound down the gate on a besieged castle). * A trebuchet is a type of ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The siege machine
The castle acquired a trebuchet* in working order from Renaud Beffeyte, an artisan and medieval enthusiast, as well as a renowned specialist of civil and military machines from this era. The trebuchet firing demonstration is a highlight of any visit to the castle. The military camp set up around the castle allows you to discover siege machines, a mantelet (a large shield or portable shelter used for protection in medieval warfare) and a battering ram (designed to pound down the gate on a besieged castle). * A trebuchet is a type of ... |
|
|
| The castle motte
|
| The visible circular traces on the castle site were excavated in 2015.
The report of the geophysical excavations undertaken pointed to the likely presence of earth or wooden structures. Possibly a castle motte (an early castle site from the 10th century!). Our reconstruction of a castle motte on the site finally took shape. Come and discover the only site comprising a fully renovated castle dating from the 12th century and its motte, overlooked by a small wooden fort typical of castles in the 10th century. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The castle motte
The visible circular traces on the castle site were excavated in 2015.
The report of the geophysical excavations undertaken pointed to the likely presence of earth or wooden structures. Possibly a castle motte (an early castle site from the 10th century!). Our reconstruction of a castle motte on the site finally took shape. Come and discover the only site comprising a fully renovated castle dating from the 12th century and its motte, overlooked by a small wooden fort typical of castles in the 10th century. |
|
|
| A visit for everyone
|
| Everyone has fun at Melusine's castle !
For little knights and princesses :
Riddles and challenges await your children on an immersive, fun-filled trail. They'll develop their team spirit and logic while having fun.A diploma from Mélusine the fairy or a knight will reward their bravery and sense of deduction.To take part, don't forget your pen !
For older children :
Come and test your knowledge in a series of captivating quizzes !Whether you're a history buff, a general knowledge buff or just a keen gamer, there's a ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A visit for everyone
Everyone has fun at Melusine's castle !
For little knights and princesses :
Riddles and challenges await your children on an immersive, fun-filled trail. They'll develop their team spirit and logic while having fun.A diploma from Mélusine the fairy or a knight will reward their bravery and sense of deduction.To take part, don't forget your pen !
For older children :
Come and test your knowledge in a series of captivating quizzes !Whether you're a history buff, a general knowledge buff or just a keen gamer, there's a ... |
|
|
| A sport tour !!!
|
| Whether you're with family, friends or a group, our activities are perfect for all ages !
The programme :
Antique Wooden Games
Relive the classics of the past with our traditional wooden games:• Tic-tac-toe• Little horses• Dice game• Tower of Hanoi• Mikado• Games of agility and skill. These games are perfect for recreating the atmosphere of the festivities of yesteryear while having a great time together !
Archery stand
Test your skills with our archery stand ! Just for a moment, transform yourself ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A sport tour !!!
Whether you're with family, friends or a group, our activities are perfect for all ages !
The programme :
Antique Wooden Games
Relive the classics of the past with our traditional wooden games:• Tic-tac-toe• Little horses• Dice game• Tower of Hanoi• Mikado• Games of agility and skill. These games are perfect for recreating the atmosphere of the festivities of yesteryear while having a great time together !
Archery stand
Test your skills with our archery stand ! Just for a moment, transform yourself ... |
|
|
| Musical forest
|
| We have developed this nature trail in the leisure park to awaken your senses, especially your hearing...
Immerse yourself in a harmonious world where every step guides you through an enchanted forest full of natural melodies. The musical forest offers an immersive experience, where the sounds of nature mingle with interactive musical installations. Elves, fairies, gnomes and other fantastic creatures await you for an enchanting concert. A surprising sensory experience !The musical forest : The fairy Melusine invites you to live a ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Musical forest
We have developed this nature trail in the leisure park to awaken your senses, especially your hearing...
Immerse yourself in a harmonious world where every step guides you through an enchanted forest full of natural melodies. The musical forest offers an immersive experience, where the sounds of nature mingle with interactive musical installations. Elves, fairies, gnomes and other fantastic creatures await you for an enchanting concert. A surprising sensory experience !The musical forest : The fairy Melusine invites you to live a ... |
|
|
|
