# Gourdon

> commune in Alpes-Maritimes, France

**Wikidata**: [Q272364](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q272364)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gourdon,_Alpes-Maritimes)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gourdon-q272364-2

## Summary
Gourdon is a commune located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It is situated in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and is part of the arrondissement of Grasse. Known for its picturesque setting, Gourdon is also recognized as one of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Alpes-Maritimes, France (coordinates: 43.720277777778° N, 6.9783333333333° E).
- **Type**: Commune (municipality) in France.
- **Population**: Varied over years, with recent counts including 413 (2023), 396 (2022), and 397 (2021).
- **Administrative Division**:
  - Part of the **arrondissement of Grasse**.
  - Formerly part of the **canton of Le Bar-sur-Loup** (until March 2015).
- **Department**: Alpes-Maritimes (established June 23, 1860).
- **Recognition**: Listed among *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* (since 1982).
- **Website**: [http://www.gourdon06.fr](http://www.gourdon06.fr).
- **Aliases**: Also known as "Gordon."

## FAQs
**Where is Gourdon located?**
Gourdon is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France, situated in the southeastern part of the country near the Mediterranean coast. It lies within the arrondissement of Grasse and is known for its scenic hilltop location.

**What is the population of Gourdon?**
The population of Gourdon has fluctuated over the years, with recent estimates ranging from 365 to 437 inhabitants. As of 2023, the population was recorded at 413.

**What administrative divisions is Gourdon part of?**
Gourdon is part of the Alpes-Maritimes department, which was established on June 23, 1860. It is located within the arrondissement of Grasse and was previously part of the canton of Le Bar-sur-Loup until March 2015.

**Is Gourdon recognized for any special distinctions?**
Yes, Gourdon is listed among *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*, an independent association founded on March 6, 1982, that highlights picturesque and historically significant villages across the country.

## Why It Matters
Gourdon matters as a cultural and historical landmark in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. Its inclusion in *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* underscores its architectural charm, scenic beauty, and historical significance. As a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes, it contributes to the region's tourism and cultural heritage, attracting visitors who seek authentic Provençal experiences. The village's hilltop location and preserved medieval character make it a notable destination for those interested in France's rural and historical landscapes.

## Notable For
- **Scenic Beauty**: Recognized as one of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*.
- **Historical Significance**: Part of the Alpes-Maritimes department, which has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1860.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Represents traditional Provençal architecture and lifestyle.
- **Tourism**: A popular destination for visitors exploring the French Riviera and its hinterlands.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Gourdon is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The commune is situated at coordinates 43.720277777778° N, 6.9783333333333° E. It is part of the arrondissement of Grasse, which is known for its perfume industry and scenic landscapes. The village is perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean coast.

### Administrative and Political Context
Gourdon is a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, equivalent to a municipality. It is governed by local officials and is part of the larger Alpes-Maritimes department, which was created on June 23, 1860. Historically, Gourdon was part of the canton of Le Bar-sur-Loup until March 2015, when administrative boundaries were reorganized.

### Demographics
The population of Gourdon has varied over the years, with recent counts including:
- 413 (2023)
- 396 (2022)
- 397 (2021)
- 381 (2020)
- 374 (2019)
- 437 (2018)
- 413 (2017)
- 373 (2016)
- 371 (2015)
- 368 (2014)
- 365 (2013)
- 367 (2012)

The population trends reflect the village's appeal as both a residential and tourist destination.

### Recognition and Tourism
Gourdon is notable for its inclusion in *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*, an association founded on March 6, 1982. This recognition highlights the village's architectural beauty, historical preservation, and scenic surroundings. The association aims to promote and protect France's rural heritage, and Gourdon's membership underscores its significance as a cultural and tourist attraction.

### Infrastructure and Accessibility
Gourdon is accessible by road and is located near major transportation routes in the Alpes-Maritimes. The village's hilltop location provides a unique vantage point for visitors, while its proximity to Grasse and other regional centers ensures connectivity to broader amenities and services.

### Related Entities
- **Alpes-Maritimes**: The department in which Gourdon is located, known for its Mediterranean climate and diverse landscapes.
- **Arrondissement of Grasse**: The administrative division that includes Gourdon, recognized for its perfume industry and historical sites.
- **The Most Beautiful Villages of France**: An association that promotes and preserves France's most picturesque villages, of which Gourdon is a member.

### Historical Context
The Alpes-Maritimes department, where Gourdon is situated, was established in 1860 following the annexation of the County of Nice by France. This historical context adds to the region's cultural richness and the village's role in preserving local traditions and heritage.

### Cultural Significance
Gourdon's cultural significance lies in its representation of traditional Provençal life. The village's architecture, narrow streets, and historical buildings reflect the region's past, making it a living museum of rural French heritage. Its recognition by *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* further cements its status as a cultural landmark.

## References

1. Source
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. [Source](https://archives06.fr/archives/archives/fonds/FRAD006_E-depot66)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
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](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
21. GeoNames
22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
23. [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)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)