Mâcon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Location | ||
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Administration | ||
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Country | France | |
Region | Bourgogne | |
Department | Saône-et-Loire (préfecture) | |
Arrondissement | Mâcon | |
Canton | Chief town of 3 cantons | |
Intercommunality | Communauté d'Agglomération du Mâconnais Val de Saône (CAMVAL) | |
Mayor | Jean-Patrick Courtois (2001-2014) |
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Statistics | ||
Elevation | 167 m–347 m (avg. 175 m) |
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Land area¹ | 27.04 km² | |
Population² (2007) |
36,068 | |
- Density | 1,335/km² (2007) | |
Miscellaneous | ||
INSEE/Postal code | 71270/ 71000 | |
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
2 Population sans doubles comptes: residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel) only counted once. | ||
Mâcon is a commune of France, préfecture (capital) of the Saône-et-Loire département, in the Bourgogne region.
Contents |
[edit] Geography
Mâcon is located on the Saône River, north of Lyon. It has an area of 27.04 km². Average altitude: 175 m.
[edit] History
- For the ecclesiastcial history, see Ancient Diocese of Mâcon
The foundation of ancient Matisco dates back to the 2nd century B.C. The city very soon became a busy crossroad. Border between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire from 843 to 1600, Mâcon prospered thanks to the customs duties that were established. Mâcon was a Huguenot stronghold in the 16th century. In 1790, Mâcon became the capital of the "département of Saône-et-Loire" and saw the birth of one of its most famous inhabitants: Alphonse de Lamartine. The French Resistance was particularly active here during World War II and Mâcon was the first town in the French zone between Paris and Lyon.
[edit] Wine
The area west and north of Mâcon produces well-known wines from the Chardonnay grape. The best known appellation of the Mâconnais is Pouilly-Fuissé.
[edit] Economy
The town also has foundries and plants that manufacture motorcycles, electrical equipment and clothing. The town is also a touristy place with its river bank (with the Saône river), its old center and notably the "Maison de Bois" which was built in the 15th century.
The Tour de France frequently passes through Mâcon on its way down from the Alps around the month of July.
[edit] Famous inhabitants
Mâcon was the birthplace of Alphonse de Lamartine (1790-1869), writer, poet and politician.
[edit] In popular culture
- The Baby of Mâcon is a 1993 film directed by Peter Greenaway.
- Mâcon is the hometown of petulant waitress Jessica (Cécile de France) in Avenue Montaigne, Danièle Thompson's 2006 film.
[edit] Twinned towns
- Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Germany - since June 26, 1956
- Crewe and Nantwich, United Kingdom - since 1957
- Overijse, Belgium - since August 28, 1960
- Macon, Georgia, United States - since 1972
- Shumen, Bulgaria - since September 18, 2006
- Lecco, Italy - since May 12, 1973
- Alcazar de San Juan, Spain - since March 15, 1980
- Eger, Hungary - since May 11, 1985
- Pori, Finland - since May 11, 1990
- Santo Tirso, Portugal - since June 20, 1992
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- City council website and mirror site (in French)
- Tourist office website
- Virtual visit
- Mâcon library (in French)