POITOU CHARENTES Meaning and
Definition
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Poitou-Charentes refers to a former administrative region located in western France. Covering an area of approximately 25,810 square kilometers, it consisted of four departments: Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, and Vienne.
Poitou-Charentes derived its name from the historical provinces of Poitou and Charentes, which it encompassed. The region was bordered by the Loire Valley to the north, the Centre-Val de Loire and Limousin regions to the east, the Aquitaine region to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
The region owed its varied landscapes to the diverse natural features it housed. Poitou-Charentes encompassed the flatlands of the Poitevin Marsh (Marais Poitevin) in the north, an extensive wetland recognized for its ecological significance and charming waterways. Towards the west, it boasted picturesque coastlines along the Bay of Biscay, encompassing sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and charming seaside resorts.
The region also offered a rich historical and cultural heritage. Poitou-Charentes was renowned for its Romanesque architecture, with numerous churches and abbeys displaying exquisite examples of this style. It was also a significant site for prehistoric and medieval archaeology, with various historical sites and ruins dotted throughout the region.
Known for its mild climate and agricultural significance, Poitou-Charentes cultivated various crops such as grapes (for wine production), wheat, and sunflowers. It was also renowned for its dairy farming, particularly the production of goat cheese, such as the famous Chèvre cheese.
In 2016, the region of Poitou-Charentes was merged with the regions of Aqu
Etymology of POITOU CHARENTES
The term "Poitou-Charentes" is a region in western France, which was an administrative division in the country until 2016. The etymology of the name is derived from two historical provinces, Poitou and Aunis (also known as Charente-Maritime). The region was created in 1956 by combining these two provinces.
The name "Poitou" comes from the ancient Gallic tribe called the "Pictavi", who inhabited the area during Roman times. Over the centuries, the name evolved into "Poitou". The term "Aunis" refers to the historic province located along the Atlantic coast, characterized by the Charente River.
In 1968, the region was officially named "Poitou-Charentes", incorporating both provinces into a single administrative entity.
