Gascon

Gascon is a term used to describe a person from Gascony, a historic region in southwest France, and it also denotes the Gascon language, an Occitan-speaking variety traditionally spoken in that area. In English usage, Gascon can refer to both the ethnonym and its linguistic varieties; in French, the region is called Gascogne and its people Gascons.

Geographically, Gascony roughly corresponds to parts of the modern French region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, including most of the departments of Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. It was a province during the Ancien Régime and figures prominently in medieval and early modern French history. The landscape blends coast, river valleys, forests, and extensive vineyards, with Armagnac production and notable wine regions.

Language: Gascon is one of the Occitan languages or varieties, with distinct phonology and vocabulary. It is closely related to other Occitan dialects. Following gradual decline in use as standard French spread, there have been revival efforts, including linguistic documentation, teaching programs, and cultural organizations that promote Gascon literature and heritage.

Culture and identity: Gascony has a distinctive culinary and cultural heritage, including regional cuisine, wine and spirits such as Armagnac, and traditional music and festivals. The term Gascon can also appear in historical or literary contexts to describe regional character, reflecting a long-standing regional identity within France.