Ganges, Hérault

Ganges (Languedocien: Gange) is a commune in the Hérault department in Occitanie in southern France.

Ganges
Commune
Town hall
Coat of arms
Location of Ganges
Ganges
Ganges
Coordinates: 43°56′06″N 3°42′33″E
CountryFrance
RegionOccitanie
DepartmentHérault
ArrondissementLodève
CantonLodève
IntercommunalityCévennes Gangeoises et Suménoises
Government
 • Mayor (2008–2014) Jacques Rigaud
Area
1
7.16 km2 (2.76 sq mi)
Population
 (2017-01-01)[1]
4,024
 • Density560/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
34111 /34190
Elevation138–540 m (453–1,772 ft)
(avg. 186 m or 610 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Location
Map

Ganges is situated at the confluence of the Hérault and Rieutord rivers.[2]

History

The castle, of which only ruins remain, was the scene of a murder in the 17th century. The beautiful Dianne de Roussan was killed by her husband's brothers, who wanted her large fortune. They were caught and subsequently executed.

Ganges became prosperous from the manufacture of fine silk stockings during the reign of Louis XIV. Natural silk was replaced by artificial, and later by nylon, and cottage industry gave way to factories; half a dozen or so still produce high quality stockings.

In August 1944, German forces unsuccessfully tried to force a way down the Hérault River valley through Ganges; they were repelled by the defence of the Aigoual-Cévennes maquis.[3]

Population
Historical population
YearPop.±%
19624,818—    
19684,872+1.1%
19753,858−20.8%
19823,533−8.4%
19903,343−5.4%
19993,502+4.8%
20084,003+14.3%

Tourism

The area around Ganges offers extensive activities, including kayaking, gliding and go-karting.

The moped mobylette was created by a resident of Ganges and a plaque near the old town commemorates this fact.

International relations

Ganges is the twin town of Schwalmtal (Germany).

Famous people

It was the birthplace of Antoine Fabre d'Olivet (December 8, 1767, – March 25, 1825, Paris)[4]

See also

References
  1. "Populations légales 2017". INSEE. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  2. Languedoc, Rousillon, Tarn Gorges, 2nd ed., Michelin Tyre plc, 1998, p 193 ISBN 2-06-136602-3
  3. Languedoc, Rousillon, Tarn Gorges.
  4. Godwin, Joscelyn. "The Super-Enlightenment: Authors: Fabre d'Olivet". Stanford University collections. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2016.


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