Aquitaine History
Here is a brief summary of Aquitaine history until now.
Under the Romans, the province of Aquitania extended almost as far north as the River Loire. The title “Duke of Aquitaine” was held by the counts of Poitiers from the 10th to the 12th century.
It passed to France in 1137 when the duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII of France, but they divorced in 1152 and when Eleanor’s new husband became Henry II of England in 1154 the area became an English possession.
Links between Aquitaine and England were strengthened, with large quantities of wine produced in south-western France being exported to London, Southampton, and other English ports.
Aquitaine remained English until the end of the Hundred Years’ War in 1453, when it was annexed by France. From the 13th century until the French Revolution, Aquitaine was usually known as Guyenne.
Learn more about Aquitaine culture and traditions on this page.
Return to Aquitaine Home Page