In the heart of the Vendée, 45 minutes north-west of Niort, this village of fewer than 850 residents seems an unlikely place to hog the spotlight, but it has several claims to fame, and has been selected as one of France’s most beautiful villages.
Almost enclosed in a loop by the River Mère, Vouvant is located on a rocky spur in the heart of the Mervent-Vouvant forest.
In around 1010AD, Guillaume Le Grand, Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitou, was charmed by the wooded knoll among the forest and decided to have a castle and a chapel built here, then by the end of that century Vouvant has gained its first dwellings.
The village is closely linked to the prestigious Lusignan family, who took over in the late 1100s and built a fortress here; they were famous for refusing to submit to the king in 1241, leading to reprisals and to Vouvant being attacked and confiscated.
This village was once home to an ancient fortified castle, said to have been built in the late 1200s on the site of another castle belonging to the Lusignan family, and at one time there would have been as many as 30 defensive towers to protect the villagers.
Still standing today is the tower – Tour Mélusine – which was originally the castle keep, built to the north-west to reinforce the castle’s defences and to showcase its power of the local lord. Gradually abandoned, Vouvant castle was dismantled in the 1700s.
The final remains were knocked down in the early 1800s when the former castle courtyard was levelled. However, as well as the tower, you can also see some of the ramparts and the lower part of the Tour des Gardes, located north-east of the village’s Place du Bail.
Climb Tour Mélusine for amazing viewsA Lamoureux Vendée expansion
Listed as a historical monument since 1927, the Tour Mélusine is a circular keep that rises 36m into the skies, indicating the original height of the wall that would have linked two towers. It is named after Mélusine, ancestress of the Counts of Lusignan, who is said to have given the village a castle in one night.
Ad
Visitors can climb up the five levels to the top of the tower and are rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area and Mervent-Vouvant forest.
Historic church
Anyone who loves historic architecture will particularly appreciate the Collégiale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. It is a true architectural treasure, whose details both on the facades and inside reveal centuries of history, from the impressive twin-doored portal to the intricate floral motifs and capitals adorned with animals.
Vouvant's Eglise Notre DameAccueil-Vendee
Draw for artists and creatives
Over the past few decades, Vouvant has attracted artists from all over the world, drawn by the picturesque landscapes, changing light and unique atmosphere, no doubt influenced by its noble past.
As you explore the village, you will discover independent art galleries and various artists’ studios where you can lose a happy hour or two admiring their creations. At certain times throughout the year, Vouvant organises seasonal exhibitions where you can also meet the artists or simply visit and be curious.
As you meander through the cobbled streets within Vouvant, you will occasionally feel transported into medieval times, but for the brightly painted shutters and contemporary galleries that draw you back to the present day.
The red roofs of Vouvantg.ozenne/Shutterstock
If you have time, explore some of the hiking trails around the village, leading you through a variety of landscapes from wooded hills and golden meadows to enchanting riverbanks.
Wherever you walk near here, you will probably still be able to see the Tour Mélusine and admire the ingenuity of the builders from so many centuries ago.
