Mâcon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other places called Macon, see Macon.
Coordinates: 46°18′23″N 4°49′53″E / 46.30627150°N 4.83133717°E
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Commune of Mâcon |
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| Location | |
  Mâcon
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| Administration | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Bourgogne |
| Department | Saône-et-Loire |
| Arrondissement | Mâcon |
| Intercommunality | Mâconnais–Val de Saône |
| Mayor | Jean-Patrick Courtois] (2001–2014) |
| Statistics | |
| Elevation | 167–347 m (550–1,140 ft) (avg. 175 m/570 ft) |
| Land area1 | 27.04 km2 (10.44 sq mi) |
| Population2 | 35,393 (2006) |
| - Density | 1,309 /km2 (3,390 /sq mi) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| INSEE/Postal code | 71270/ 71000 |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
| 2 Population sans doubles comptes: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
Mâcon is a commune in the Saône-et-Loire department in the region of Bourgogne in eastern France.
It is the capital of the department, although Chalon-sur-Saône is larger.
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[edit] Geography
Mâcon is located on the Saône River, north of Lyon.
[edit] History
- For the ecclesiastical history, see Ancient Diocese of Mâcon
The foundation of ancient Matisco dates back to the 2nd century B.C. The city very soon became a busy crossroad. Border between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire from 843 to 1600, Mâcon prospered thanks to the customs duties that were established. Mâcon was a Huguenot stronghold in the 16th century. In 1790, Mâcon became the capital of the "département of Saône-et-Loire" and saw the birth of one of its most famous inhabitants: Alphonse de Lamartine. The French Resistance was particularly active here during World War II and Mâcon was the first town in the French zone between Paris and Lyon.
[edit] Wine
Main article: Mâconnais
The area west and north of Mâcon produces well-known wines from the Chardonnay grape. The best known appellation of the Mâconnais is Pouilly-Fuissé.
[edit] Economy
The town also has foundries and plants that manufacture motorcycles, electrical equipment and clothing. The town is also a touristy place with its river bank (with the Saône river), its old center and notably the "Maison de Bois" which was built in the 15th century.
The Tour de France frequently passes through Mâcon on its way down from the Alps around the month of July.
[edit] Notable people
Mâcon was the birthplace of Alphonse de Lamartine (1790-1869), writer, poet and politician.
[edit] In popular culture
- The Baby of Mâcon is a 1993 film directed by Peter Greenaway.
- Mâcon is the hometown of petulant waitress Jessica (Cécile de France) in Avenue Montaigne, Danièle Thompson's 2006 film.
[edit] Twin towns
Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Germany - since 26 June 1956
Crewe and Nantwich, United Kingdom - since 1957
Overijse, Belgium - since 28 August 1960
Macon, Georgia, United States - since 1972
Shumen, Bulgaria - since 18 September 2006
Lecco, Italy - since 12 May 1973
Alcazar de San Juan, Spain - since 15 March 1980
Eger, Hungary - since 11 May 1985
Pori, Finland - since 11 May 1990
Santo Tirso, Portugal - since 20 June 1992
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mâcon |
- City council website and mirror site (in French)
- Tourist office website
- Virtual visit
- Mâcon library (in French)
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