The castle is built atop rocky outcrop overlooking the double confluence of the Ne, Charente and Antenne.

In 1179, the castle was taken by Richard, Duke of Aquitaine and given to his illegitimate son Philippe de Falcombridge.

His son King Henry III of England gave the castle to Hugh X de Lusignan, lord of Cognac, husband of Isabelle d'Angouleme.

In 1308 Merpins was united to the French crown, however under the Treaty of Brétigny of 1360, the castle returned to English hands.

The castle was still a place of fighting during the wars of religion, occupied by Catholics and Protestants.