What was a minstrel from southern France called?

The term "troubadour" specifically refers to a type of medieval poet and musician who flourished in the southern regions of France during the 11th to 13th centuries. Troubadours typically composed their works in the Occitan language and were known for their lyric poetry that often explored themes of chivalry and courtly love. Their performances included singing and reciting their own poetry, which was often accompanied by musical instruments.

Troubadours are considered important figures in the development of vernacular literature and music in the Middle Ages, and they played a significant role in the culture of the time, influencing the traditions of song and poetry across Europe. This makes "troubadour" the most accurate choice for the description of a minstrel from southern France.

In contrast, other terms like "chansonnier" typically refer to a songbook, "trouvere" denotes a similar poet-musician from northern France, and "goliard" refers to a different group of wandering scholars and poets, often associated with satire and secular themes. Each of these terms pertains to different musical and literary traditions, reinforcing why "troubadour" is the correct identification for a southern French minstrel.