Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes
 | You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in French. (December 2008) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
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Gourdon | |
|---|---|
 A general view of Gourdon | |
 Coat of arms | |
Location of Gourdon  | |
| 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 |
| Area 1 | 22.53 km2 (8.70 sq mi) |
| Population (2008) | 453 |
| • Density | 20/km2 (52/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| 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. | |
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
| 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
References
External links
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