Poitou

Poitou is a former province of France, located in the west-central part of the country. It corresponds roughly to the present-day departments of Vienne, Deux-Sèvres, and the southern part of Vendée. Its historical capital was Poitiers.

History:

Poitou has a rich history, dating back to Roman times when it was known as Pictavium. It was later part of the Visigothic kingdom and then the Frankish kingdom. During the Middle Ages, it was a powerful county, often involved in conflicts between France and England. The Battle of Poitiers, fought in 732 AD (or 733 AD), was a crucial victory for Charles Martel against the Umayyad Caliphate, halting their advance further into Europe. Another notable Battle of Poitiers occurred in 1356 during the Hundred Years' War, where the English, led by Edward the Black Prince, defeated the French.

Poitou became part of the Kingdom of France in the 15th century. During the Wars of Religion in the 16th century, the region was a stronghold of Protestantism (Huguenots).

Geography:

Poitou is characterized by a diverse landscape, including plains, hills, and marshlands. The Marais Poitevin, a large area of marshland, is a significant feature. The region is primarily agricultural, with cereal crops, livestock farming, and vineyards being important.

Culture:

The culture of Poitou has been influenced by its history and geography. Traditional music, dance, and folklore are still practiced in some areas. The region also has its own dialect, Poitevin, which is a variety of the French language. Food specialties include goat cheese (Chabichou du Poitou), and various types of pastries and wines.