Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes

French commune
nomcommune=Gourdon
région=Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
département=Alpes-Maritimes
arrondissement=Grasse
canton=Le Bar-sur-Loup
insee=06068
cp=06620
maire=Eric Mele
mandat=2001-2008
intercomm=Sophia Antipolis
longitude=6.97916666667
latitude=43.7211111111
alt moy=
alt mini=157
alt maxi=1335 m
hectares=2253
km²=22.53
sans=379
date-sans=1999
dens=16
date-dens=1999

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.

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 have been designed by André Le Nôtre. Its architecture dates from the 9th century.

External links

* [http://www.gourdon-france.com/ Gourdon Tourist Office]