Poitou

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PO2

Poitou is a historical region located in west-central France. It corresponds roughly to the modern-day departments of Vienne, Deux-Sèvres, and parts of Charente-Maritime. The region is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and significant contributions to French history.

History

Poitou has a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. It was originally inhabited by the Pictavi, a Gallic tribe. During the Roman Empire, the region became part of the province of Gallia Aquitania. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Poitou was ruled by the Visigoths and later became part of the Frankish Empire under Clovis I.

In the Middle Ages, Poitou was a significant center of power. It was ruled by the Counts of Poitou, who also held the title of Duke of Aquitaine. One of the most famous figures associated with Poitou is Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was both the Duchess of Aquitaine and the Queen of France and later England.

During the Hundred Years' War, Poitou was a contested region between the Kingdom of France and the Kingdom of England. The region eventually became firmly part of France after the war.

Geography

Poitou is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including fertile plains, rolling hills, and river valleys. The region is bordered by the Loire Valley to the north, Limousin to the east, Charente to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

The main rivers in Poitou include the Vienne, the Clain, and the Sèvre Niortaise. The region's climate is generally mild, with influences from both the oceanic and continental climates.

Economy

Historically, Poitou's economy was based on agriculture, with a focus on crops such as wheat, corn, and sunflowers. The region is also known for its vineyards, producing wines such as Haut-Poitou AOC. Livestock farming, particularly cattle and goats, is also significant, with the region being famous for its Poitou donkey and Poitou goat breeds.

In recent years, Poitou has diversified its economy, with growth in sectors such as tourism, technology, and renewable energy. The region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists.

Culture

Poitou has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, museums, and historical sites. The region is known for its traditional music and dance, as well as its distinctive cuisine, which includes dishes such as farci poitevin, a type of stuffed cabbage, and tourteau fromagé, a goat cheese tart.

The regional language, Poitevin-Saintongeais, is a variety of the Oïl languages and is still spoken by some residents, particularly in rural areas.

Notable People

• Eleanor of Aquitaine - Duchess of Aquitaine, Queen of France, and Queen of England.
• Richard the Lionheart - King of England and Duke of Aquitaine.
• Jean-Baptiste Lully - Composer and musician.

Related Pages

• Aquitaine
• Eleanor of Aquitaine
• Hundred Years' War
• Vienne (department)
• Deux-Sèvres
• Charente-Maritime