Tursan

Tursan is a historical region located in southwestern France, specifically within Gascony. It corresponds roughly to the area surrounding the town of Aire-sur-l'Adour in the present-day department of Landes.

The region's name derives from the Latin "Tursonium," and it was historically known for its agriculture, particularly vineyards and livestock. In medieval times, Tursan was a viscounty, subject to various powerful lords and often caught in conflicts between the French and English crowns during the Hundred Years' War. The area was strategically important due to its location near the Adour river, a key transportation route.

Today, Tursan is primarily known for its wines, designated as Vin de Tursan, an Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP). These wines are produced from a variety of grapes including Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot for red and rosé wines, and Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu, and Baroque for white wines. The Tursan wine region offers a unique expression of Gascon terroir and contributes to the cultural and economic landscape of the area.

The administrative structures within Tursan have evolved over time. Modern communes within the area are now integrated into larger intercommunal structures within the Landes department. While the historical viscounty no longer exists as a political entity, the name "Tursan" continues to be used to denote the geographical area and its distinct agricultural and cultural identity.