Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes

Gourdon

A general view of Gourdon

Coat of arms
Gourdon

Coordinates: 43°43′16″N 6°58′45″E / 43.7211°N 6.9792°E / 43.7211; 6.9792Coordinates: 43°43′16″N 6°58′45″E / 43.7211°N 6.9792°E / 43.7211; 6.9792
Country France
Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Department Alpes-Maritimes
Arrondissement Grasse
Canton Le Bar-sur-Loup
Intercommunality Sophia Antipolis
Government
 • Mayor (2008–2014) Eric Mele
Area1 22.53 km2 (8.70 sq mi)
Population (2008)2 453
 • Density 20/km2 (52/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
INSEE/Postal code 06068 / 06620
Elevation 157–1,335 m (515–4,380 ft)

1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

Gourdon (Occitan: Gordon) is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. Gourdon offers magnificent panoramic views.

History and geography

In the distant past, this isolated rock was used as a place of refuge and defence. Gourdon, as it appears to us today, gives a good example of a Feudal village. It is built on a peak whose impressive slopes will, after many hundreds of rock falls, end their days in the Loup River. There is only one entrance, from which you can access the main street. In former times, it was defended by a simple and harmonious Roman gate, that has been demolished at the beginning of the century. Thick, high ramparts close off the North side, which is the only point from which the village can be approached.

Population

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1962216—    
1968242+12.0%
1975254+5.0%
1982231−9.1%
1990294+27.3%
1999379+28.9%
2008453+19.5%

Tourism

The castle is one of Gourdon's most important features. It has been open to visitors since 1950, and was classed as an historical monument in 1971. Its magnificent gardens were designed by André Le Nôtre. Its architecture dates from the ninth century.

Filmography

Certain scenes of Les Misérables (2012) were filmed at Gourdon and in the surrounding area.

See also

References

    Gourdon Castle
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