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Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes

Coordinates: 43°43′13″N 6°58′43″E / 43.72028°N 6.97861°E / 43.72028; 6.97861
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Gourdon
Gordon (Occitan)
A general view of Gourdon
A general view of Gourdon
Coat of arms of Gourdon
Location of Gourdon
Map
Gourdon is located in France
Gourdon
Gourdon
Gourdon is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Gourdon
Gourdon
Coordinates: 43°43′13″N 6°58′43″E / 43.72028°N 6.97861°E / 43.72028; 6.97861
CountryFrance
RegionProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
DepartmentAlpes-Maritimes
ArrondissementGrasse
CantonValbonne
IntercommunalityCA Sophia Antipolis
Government
 • Mayor (2020–2026) Eric Mele[1]
Area
1
22.53 km2 (8.70 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[2]
368
 • Density16/km2 (42/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
06068 /06620
Elevation157–1,335 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.

Gourdon (French pronunciation: [ɡuʁdɔ̃] ; Occitan: Gordon) is a rural commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in Southeastern France. The village of Gourdon is best known for the panoramic views it offers visitors. It is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association.

History and geography

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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 with impressive slopes down to the river Loup. 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 had been demolished at the beginning of the 20th century. Thick, high ramparts close off the North side, which is the only point from which the village can be approached.

Demographics

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Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1968 242—    
1975 254+0.69%
1982 231−1.35%
1990 294+3.06%
1999 379+2.86%
2009 440+1.50%
2014 404−1.69%
2020 371−1.41%
Source: INSEE[3]

Tourism

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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

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

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires" (in French). data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises. 4 May 2022.
  2. ^ "Populations légales 2021" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
  3. ^ Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE
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Gourdon Castle