Poitevins

Poitevins refers to the inhabitants or natives of Poitou, a historic province on the western coast of France. The core of Poitou centers on the city of Poitiers and extends to the Atlantic littoral, with major towns such as La Rochelle, Niort, and Angoulême. Historically, Poitou covered parts of what are today the departments of Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, and Vienne, and it formed the county and later duchy of Poitou within the Kingdom of France.

During the Middle Ages and into early modern times, Poitevin identity represented a distinct regional culture within the French realm. Poitiers was a political and intellectual center, while La Rochelle developed as an important port with extensive trade links. The region experienced fluctuating control between English and French rulers before its consolidation into the French crown.

Language and culture: The Poitevin-Saintongeais language, a Romance dialect of the langues d'oïl, was traditionally spoken in Poitou and neighboring Saintonge. It is now endangered, with preservation efforts and recognition in regional cultural initiatives. The Poitou area is known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, agricultural heritage, and coastal towns.

Modern status: In administrative terms, Poitou formed the basis of the Poitou-Charentes region from 1956 until 2016, when it was merged into the larger Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Today, Poitevins is primarily used in historical contexts; contemporary residents commonly identify by department or town, while Poitevin-Saintongeais remains a symbol of regional linguistic heritage.