Medieval Festival of Lusignan

Medieval Festival of Lusignan: A Dive into the Heart of Poitou's Middle Ages

Nestled on a rocky promontory overlooking the Vonne valley, Lusignan is one of the oldest medieval towns in Poitou. It is here that legend places the meeting between Raymondin de Poitiers and the fairy Mélusine, a creature half-woman, half-serpent, who is said to have built the city's castle and fortifications in one night. What could be more natural for this historic city than to host its annual Medieval Festival, which has become one of the unmissable events of the summer in Vienne.

Twenty-one Editions of Medieval Passion

Since its creation in 2005, the Medieval Festival of Lusignan has continued to grow. Organized by the Comité des Fêtes de Lusignan with the support of the association Les Lusignan et Mélusine, the event now brings together several thousand visitors over two days. The 21st edition, held on July 19 and 20, 2025, confirmed the popular appeal and vitality of this free, family-friendly event.

A Medieval Market Rich in Know-How

The heart of the festival beats to the rhythm of the medieval market, which brings together about thirty exhibitors on the Promenade de Blossac and the Place du Bail. Artisans and artists perpetuate ancestral crafts: calligraphy, archery, coin minting, embroidery, wool spinning, woodturning, stone carving, cutlery making, and leatherworking. Local products are displayed alongside artisanal creations in a warm and authentic atmosphere that delights lovers of living heritage.

Shows, Fights, and Entertainment for All

The program combines live performances and participatory activities. Medieval troupes take over the streets of Lusignan to offer sword fights, parades of troubadours and minstrels, juggling and acrobatic shows, as well as theatrical performances recounting the story of Mélusine. Recreated medieval encampments allow visitors to discover daily life in the Middle Ages, while younger visitors can try their hand at archery, foam sword fighting, period wooden games, and enjoy pony rides and medieval storytelling.

The Fire Show and the Medieval Banquet

Saturday evening is the highlight of the festival. A grand medieval banquet, animated by troubadours and jesters, brings together costumed and hungry guests around medieval-inspired dishes in a festive and convivial atmosphere. The evening continues with a spectacular fire show that lights up the Promenade de Blossac, concluding the first day in a magical ambiance. Fire-eaters, flame jugglers, and pyrotechnicians offer a grand finale under the Poitou stars.

The Legend of Mélusine, Soul of Lusignan

The Medieval Festival is inseparable from the legend of Mélusine, the guiding theme of the event. According to the story popularized by Jean d'Arras in the 14th century, Mélusine, daughter of the fairy Pressine, was condemned to transform into a serpent every Saturday. She married Raymondin on the condition that he never try to see her on that day. After founding the lineage of the Lusignans and building castles and fortresses, she was betrayed and flew from the keep in the form of a winged dragon. This founding legend is brought to life by the Compagnie de la Fée Mélusine and the association Les Lusignan et Mélusine through short plays performed several times during the weekend.