Visit to the Castle

The fortified castle & leisure park of Saint Jean d'Angle in Charente Maritime Come and experience an extraordinary adventure with activities for all ages: With its 20-meter-high walls and its characteristic 'shell-keep' construction - literally a shell-dungeon - the castle dominated the marshes and offered…

Offered by Château Mélusine - Saint-Jean d'Angle Castle Saint-Jean d'Angle


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The fortified castle & leisure park of Saint Jean d'Angle in Charente Maritime

Come and experience an extraordinary adventure with activities for all ages: With its 20-meter-high walls and its characteristic 'shell-keep' construction - literally a shell-dungeon - the castle dominated the marshes and offered a view of the ocean!

Eleanor's Rose Garden

From the 6th century onwards, convents cultivated roses. In the 8th century, Charlemagne's Capitulare de Villis listed roses among the plants to be cultivated. Rose gardens were often considered places of beauty. Roses symbolized love, passion, and purity, which made them popular in medieval art and literature. Rose gardens served as sanctuaries for meditation and contemplation... A barefoot trail, medieval castle, and leisure park near Royan. Developed within the leisure park, this natural trail awakens your senses, especially touch... Come rediscover a forgotten pleasure: walking barefoot in nature. Take off your shoes and follow a path made of different natural materials. Each texture connects you to the earth, fostering a zen and authentic experience. A surprising sensory experience!

The magic of the fairy Melusine, medieval castle and amusement park

William of Lusignan is reputed to be the founder of this fortified castle. He belonged to one of the most powerful families in Poitou, a family that owed its renown and wealth to a protective fairy: Melusine. Melusine is a legendary figure from medieval mythology, often described as a fairy or a magical creature. Her story, which dates back to the Middle Ages...

A medieval-inspired garden, fortified castle and leisure park near Fouras in Charente Maritime

Immerse yourself in an enchanting world with our medieval-inspired garden. It's a space where the beauty of nature meets the charm of history. Located in the lower courtyard, at the foot of the castle, and composed of 12 squares, this garden reflects the style of the Middle Ages and allows you to discover the Hortus (kitchen garden) and the Herbularium (medieval pharmacy with its medicinal plants). There, you'll discover the virtues of commonly used plants...

The lower courtyard of the medieval castle of Mélusine and leisure park

The outer bailey of the fortified castle was a central hub of daily life, where domestic, agricultural, and artisanal activities intertwined, while also playing a crucial role in the security and overall functionality of the fortress. It often housed the living quarters of servants and farm laborers. It might also include buildings such as infirmaries, kitchens, and storage rooms.

A costumed tour of the medieval castle near Rochefort, Fouras in Charente Maritime

Transform yourself into a knight or princess for the duration of your visit. For young and old alike, we offer free costume rentals upon arrival for a complete immersion in the Middle Ages. Don't hesitate to capture these magical moments with a beautiful photo in front of the castle! Please note: In case of bad weather (rain, muddy site), we reserve the right to remove the costumes.

Trebuchet firing, medieval castle and leisure park near Rochefort

Siege Engines: The fortified castle of Saint Jean d'Angle has purchased a trebuchet from Renaud Beffeyte, a passionate craftsman of medieval machinery and a recognized specialist in civil and military engineering of that era. The trebuchet firing demonstration (in July and August) is a highlight of the visit to the fortified castle of Saint Jean d'Angle. Since 2021, the acquisition of a working trebuchet has further enhanced the collection. The Castle Mound, Medieval Castle and Leisure Park near Fouras: The circular traces visible on the castle site were excavated in 2015. The geophysical survey report does not rule out the presence of earthworks or wooden structures. Could it be a castle mound (an early 10th-century castle)? Our project to rebuild a castle mound on the site has finally taken shape... A large puzzle game, medieval castle and leisure park near Chatelaillon. A visit for young and old. At the Fairy Melusine's castle, everyone has fun! For little knights and princesses: Puzzles and challenges await your children in an immersive and playful experience. They will develop their teamwork and logic while having fun. A diploma from the Fairy Melusine or a knight will reward their bravery and deductive reasoning... A sporty visit, medieval castle and leisure park near Rochefort. Whether you are with family, friends or in a group, our activities are perfect for all ages! On the program: Traditional Wooden Games. Relive the classics of the past with our traditional wooden games: • Tic-Tac-Toe • Ludo • Dice Game • Tower of Hanoi • Mikado • Games of agility and skill. These games are perfect for recreating the atmosphere of parties of yesteryear while having a great time together! Archery Range: Test your aim... Musical Forest, Medieval Castle and Leisure Park near Rochefort. We have developed this nature trail in the leisure park to awaken your senses, especially your hearing... Immerse yourself in a harmonious world where each step guides you through an enchanted forest filled with natural melodies. The musical forest offers an immersive experience, where the sounds of nature blend with interactive musical installations. Elves, fairies, gnomes, and other fantastic creatures...

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Visit time : 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00

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In the 11th century, the first wooden castle was built on the feudal motte and was called the Château de la Mothe. In 1180, <strong>William of Lusignan</strong> built the fortified castle as it stands today. Why such a fortification? Simply because the owner of the castle also owned 6,000 hectares of salt marshes, which were the source of immense profits generated by salt production. From its origins until the end of the Wars of Religion, the castle changed hands more than thirty times. Many prominent figures vying for power passed through Saint-Jean d'Angle: Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Black Prince, Duguesclin, Jeanne d'Albret and her son Henry IV, the Rohan, Soubise, Coligny, and La Rochefoucauld families. In 1628, the fall of La Rochelle put an end to all these abuses, and the region regained its peace. <strong>In 1624, Charlotte de Saint-Gelais de Lusignan restored the castle, which</strong> had been badly damaged by several sieges. She brought comfort to the 15th-century Gothic residence, where <strong>many celebrations</strong> were held. Marie Mancini was a frequent guest at Saint-Jean d'Angle. In 1995, Mr. Rousselot, the new owner, undertook the complete reconstruction of the entire castle, as it can be seen today.