Troubadours were medieval poets and musicians who composed and performed songs in the Occitan language, primarily in the regions of southern France during the 11th to 13th centuries. They often wrote about themes of love, chivalry, and courtly life, using intricate melodies and lyrical styles. Their performances were typically held in courts and public gatherings, where they entertained nobility and common folk alike. These artists played a significant role in the development of lyric poetry and influenced later musical traditions. The tradition of troubadours also gave rise to the trouvères in northern France, who wrote in Old French. Their legacy continues to inspire modern music and poetry.