was used as a prison, a school--and a handy quarry for building materials. It was leveled to the ground in the 18th century in order to create a park for local residents. Only its foundations remain today. According to folklore, the earliest castle was built by Melusine, a water-spirit.

The lords of the castle at Lusignan became counts of La Marche in the 12th century. They added the county of Angoulême