MâCON

'Mâcon' is a commune of France, ''préfecture'' (capital) of the Saône-et-Loire ''département'', in the Bourgogne ''region''.

Contents

Geography

History

Economy

Miscellaneous

Twinned towns

Overview

See also

External links

Geography

Mâcon is located on the Saône River, north of Lyon. It has an area of 27.04 km². Average altitude: 175 m.

History

:''For the ecclesiastcial history, see bishopric 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.

Economy

The area produces wines, including Pouilly-Fuissé. 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.

Miscellaneous

Mâcon was the birthplace of Alphonse de Lamartine (1790-1869), writer, poet and politician.
''The Baby of Mâcon'' is a 1993 film directed by Peter Greenaway.

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

Overview

See also

★ the former bishopric of Mâcon

★ French wine

External links

★ City council website and mirror site (in French)

★ Tourist office website

★ Virtual visit

★ Mâcon library (in French)