# Alès

> commune in Gard, Occitanie, France

**Wikidata**: [Q193183](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193183)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alès)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/al-s

## Summary
Alès is a commune in the Gard department of southern France, located in the Occitanie region. It is part of the larger metropolitan area of France and is known for its historical significance, including its role as the capital of the ancient Diocese of Alais. The commune has a population of approximately 40,711 inhabitants and is situated in the Cevennes region, known for its rugged landscapes and cultural heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Alès is situated in the Gard department of southern France, within the Occitanie region.
- **Population**: The commune has a population of approximately 40,711 inhabitants (as of recent estimates).
- **Administrative Division**: Alès is part of the arrondissement of Alès and is divided into several cantons, including Alès-Nord-Est, Alès-Ouest, and Alès-Sud-Est.
- **Historical Significance**: Alès was the capital of the ancient Diocese of Alais, which played a significant role in the religious and administrative history of the region.
- **Geographical Features**: The commune is located in the Cevennes region, known for its mountainous terrain and scenic landscapes.
- **Economic Activity**: Alès is home to several notable institutions, including the IMT Mines Alès, a technology and engineering university, and the PGO, a French car manufacturer.
- **Transportation**: Alès is served by the Alès railway station, which connects the commune to broader transportation networks.
- **Cultural Heritage**: The commune is home to the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, a significant religious site in the region.
- **Sports**: Alès is represented in association football by Olympique Alès, a local club with a history dating back to 1923.
- **Coordinates**: The geographical coordinates of Alès are approximately 44.127222°N, 4.080833°E.
- **Website**: The official websites for Alès are [www.alescevennes.fr](http://www.alescevennes.fr) and [www.ales.fr](https://www.ales.fr).

## FAQs
**What is the population of Alès?**
Alès has a population of approximately 40,711 inhabitants, making it a significant commune in the Gard department.

**What administrative divisions does Alès belong to?**
Alès is part of the arrondissement of Alès and is divided into several cantons, including Alès-Nord-Est, Alès-Ouest, and Alès-Sud-Est.

**What historical significance does Alès hold?**
Alès was the capital of the ancient Diocese of Alais, which played a significant role in the religious and administrative history of the region.

**What are the geographical features of Alès?**
Alès is located in the Cevennes region, known for its mountainous terrain and scenic landscapes, which contribute to its unique character.

**What economic activities are prominent in Alès?**
Alès is home to several notable institutions, including the IMT Mines Alès, a technology and engineering university, and the PGO, a French car manufacturer, which contribute to its economic activity.

**How is Alès connected to transportation networks?**
Alès is served by the Alès railway station, which connects the commune to broader transportation networks, facilitating travel and commerce.

**What cultural heritage sites are located in Alès?**
Alès is home to the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, a significant religious site that reflects its rich cultural heritage.

**What sports teams represent Alès?**
Alès is represented in association football by Olympique Alès, a local club with a history dating back to 1923.

## Why It Matters
Alès is a commune of historical and cultural significance in southern France, known for its role as the capital of the ancient Diocese of Alais and its contributions to education and industry. The commune's location in the Cevennes region provides a unique geographical backdrop, while its administrative divisions and transportation networks support its economic and social development. Alès serves as a hub for cultural heritage, with notable sites such as the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, and is represented in sports by Olympique Alès. Its significance lies in its historical, educational, and economic contributions to the region, making it an important part of the cultural and administrative landscape of southern France.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance**: Alès was the capital of the ancient Diocese of Alais, which played a significant role in the religious and administrative history of the region.
- **Educational Institutions**: Alès is home to the IMT Mines Alès, a technology and engineering university, which contributes to its educational and research capabilities.
- **Industrial Activity**: The commune is home to the PGO, a French car manufacturer, which supports its industrial and economic development.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Alès is home to the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, a significant religious site that reflects its rich cultural heritage.
- **Sports Representation**: Alès is represented in association football by Olympique Alès, a local club with a history dating back to 1923.
- **Geographical Features**: The commune is located in the Cevennes region, known for its mountainous terrain and scenic landscapes, which contribute to its unique character.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Alès is situated in the Gard department of southern France, within the Occitanie region. The commune is part of the larger metropolitan area of France and is located in the Cevennes region, known for its rugged landscapes and cultural heritage. The geographical coordinates of Alès are approximately 44.127222°N, 4.080833°E, placing it in a central position within the region.

### Administrative Divisions
Alès is part of the arrondissement of Alès and is divided into several cantons, including Alès-Nord-Est, Alès-Ouest, and Alès-Sud-Est. These administrative divisions support the governance and management of the commune, ensuring effective local administration and representation.

### Historical Significance
Alès was the capital of the ancient Diocese of Alais, which played a significant role in the religious and administrative history of the region. The commune's historical significance is reflected in its cultural heritage, including notable sites such as the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral.

### Population and Demographics
Alès has a population of approximately 40,711 inhabitants, making it a significant commune in the Gard department. The population is part of the broader demographic landscape of southern France, contributing to the region's social and economic development.

### Economic Activity
Alès is home to several notable institutions, including the IMT Mines Alès, a technology and engineering university, and the PGO, a French car manufacturer. These institutions contribute to the commune's economic activity and support its industrial and technological development.

### Transportation and Infrastructure
Alès is served by the Alès railway station, which connects the commune to broader transportation networks. The railway station facilitates travel and commerce, supporting the economic and social development of the region.

### Cultural Heritage
Alès is home to the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, a significant religious site that reflects its rich cultural heritage. The cathedral and other cultural sites contribute to the commune's identity and attract visitors from around the world.

### Sports and Recreation
Alès is represented in association football by Olympique Alès, a local club with a history dating back to 1923. The club contributes to the sports culture of the region and provides opportunities for local residents to engage in recreational activities.

### Related Entities
Alès is connected to several related entities, including the commune of France, the canton of Alès-Nord-Est, the canton of Alès-Ouest, the canton of Alès-Sud-Est, the arrondissement of Alès, the PGO, the Alès railway station, the IMT Mines Alès, the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, and Olympique Alès. These connections support the commune's administrative, educational, industrial, cultural, and sports development.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. MusicBrainz
9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
10. Populations légales 2016
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
20. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
21. [Journal officiel de la République française](https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6524237x/f5)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. GeoNames
24. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
25. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
26. Virtual International Authority File
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File