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Ganges (French pronunciation: [ɡɑ̃ʒ]; Languedocien: Gange) is a commune in the Hérault department in Occitanie in southern France.
Ganges | |
|---|---|
 Town hall | |
.svg) Coat of arms | |
Location of Ganges  | |
  Ganges  Ganges | |
| Coordinates: 43°56′06″N 3°42′33″E / 43.935°N 3.7092°E | |
| Country | France |
| Region | Occitania |
| Department | Hérault |
| Arrondissement | Lodève |
| Canton | Lodève |
| Intercommunality | Cévennes Gangeoises et Suménoises |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2020–2026) | Michel Fratissier[1] |
Area 1 | 7.16 km2 (2.76 sq mi) |
| Population (2021)[2] | 3,984 |
| • Density | 560/km2 (1,400/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 34111 /34190 |
| Elevation | 138–540 m (453–1,772 ft) (avg. 186 m or 610 ft) |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
Location
edit
Ganges is situated at the confluence of the Hérault and Rieutord rivers.[3]
History
editThe castle, of which only ruins remain, was the scene of a murder in the 17th century. The beautiful Dianne de Roussan was killed by her husband's brothers, who wanted her large fortune. They were caught and subsequently executed.
Ganges became prosperous from the manufacture of fine silk stockings during the reign of Louis XIV. Natural silk was replaced by artificial, and later by nylon, and cottage industry gave way to factories; half a dozen or so still produce high quality stockings.
In August 1944, German forces unsuccessfully tried to force a way down the Hérault valley through Ganges; they were repelled by the defence of the Aigoual-Cévennes maquis.[4]
Population
edit| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | 4,872 | — |
| 1975 | 3,858 | −3.28% |
| 1982 | 3,533 | −1.25% |
| 1990 | 3,343 | −0.69% |
| 1999 | 3,502 | +0.52% |
| 2007 | 3,943 | +1.49% |
| 2012 | 3,979 | +0.18% |
| 2017 | 4,024 | +0.23% |
| Source: INSEE[5] | ||
Tourism
editThe area around Ganges offers extensive activities, including kayaking, gliding and go-karting.
The moped mobylette was created by a resident of Ganges and a plaque near the old town commemorates this fact.
International relations
editGanges is the twin town of Schwalmtal (Germany).
Famous people
editIt was the birthplace of the author, poet and composer Antoine Fabre d'Olivet (December 8, 1767, – March 25, 1825, Paris)[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires" (in French). data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises. 13 September 2022.
- ^ "Populations légales 2021" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
- ^ Languedoc, Rousillon, Tarn Gorges, 2nd ed., Michelin Tyre plc, 1998, p 193 ISBN 2-06-136602-3
- ^ Languedoc, Rousillon, Tarn Gorges.
- ^ Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE
- ^ Godwin, Joscelyn. "The Super-Enlightenment: Authors: Fabre d'Olivet". Stanford University collections. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
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