en Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes

Gourdon

*Gordon* (Occitan)
Gourdon Gordon (Occitan)
Commune
	A general view of Gourdon
	Coat of arms
	Location of Gourdon
	Gourdon Gourdon
	Coordinates: 43°43′13″N 6°58′43″E / 43.72028°N 6.97861°E
Country	France
Region	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Department	Alpes-Maritimes
Arrondissement	Grasse
Canton	Valbonne
Intercommunality	CA Sophia Antipolis
Government
• Mayor (2020–2026)	Eric Mele
Area 1	22.53 km2 (8.70 sq mi)
Population (2022)	365
• Density	16/km2 (42/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 (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

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

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±% 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

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.