Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes

Gourdon (Occitan: Gordon) is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. Gourdon offers magnificent panoramic views.

Gourdon
Commune
A general view of Gourdon
Coat of arms
Location of Gourdon
Gourdon
Gourdon
Coordinates: 43°43′16″N 6°58′45″E
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
 (2017-01-01)[2]
381
 • Density17/km2 (44/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.

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 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.

Population
Historical population
YearPop.±%
1962216—    
1968242+12.0%
1975254+5.0%
1982231−9.1%
1990294+27.3%
1999379+28.9%
2008453+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
  1. "Répertoire national des élus: les maires". data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises (in French). 2 December 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  2. "Populations légales 2017". INSEE. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
Gourdon Castle


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