Poitou-Charentes, Former administrative region in western France.
Poitou-Charentes was an administrative region in western France that merged into Nouvelle-Aquitaine in 2016. The area stretches from the Atlantic coast inland and includes rolling hills, broad river valleys, and coastal sections with flat islands.
Charles Martel defeated an Islamic army here in 732 and stopped its advance northward. Centuries later, the area became a battleground during the Wars of Religion because many inhabitants turned Protestant.
The names of the former departments – Charente, Deux-Sèvres, and Vienne – come from the rivers that run through them and shape the land. In villages and small towns today, you can still see the low stone houses with pale tiled roofs that are typical of this area.
Those exploring the former region will find big differences between the flat coastal sections and the hilly interior. Transport links between larger towns work well, while rural areas need more travel time.
Many French-speaking settlers who moved to Canada in the 17th century came from this area. Their descendants form today's Acadian population in the Maritime Provinces and the Cajun communities in Louisiana.
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