Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes

Gourdon
A general view of Gourdon A general view of Gourdon
Coat of arms of Gourdon Coat of arms
Gourdon
Location within Provence-A.-C.d'A. region Gourdon
Coordinates:
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)
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 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
Year	Pop.	±%
1962	216	—
1968	242	+12.0%
1975	254	+5.0%
1982	231	−9.1%
1990	294	+27.3%
1999	379	+28.9%
2008	453	+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

• Communes of the Alpes-Maritimes department

References

• INSEE

External links

• Gourdon Tourist Office

File:Gourdon Castle01.jpg

Gourdon Castle