Gigondas
Gigondas is a commune of the département of Vaucluse in the Provence- Alpes- Côte d' Azur. Administratively, it is assigned to the Canton of Beaumes -de -Venise and the district Carpentras.
The municipal area is within the wine growing region Côtes du Rhône, a sub-area with its own appellation → Gigondas ( wine region ).
Geography
The southern French village with 531 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) is located at the western entrance to the rocky landscape dentelles de Montmirail. The location is situated 15 kilometers east of the town of Orange and is drained by the Trignon, a tributary of the Ouvèze.
The climate is Mediterranean, but it can be fresh when the mistral is blowing.
History
Discovered antique urns, statues, lamps, tiles and more that were randomly found while plowing or directed excavations testify to the presence of residents to the Gallo- Roman period. 1866 was Eugène Raspail the head of Bacchus on his property at the Chateau Raspail.
The first mention in writing Gigondas in 951 under the Latin name Jucundus what, angenenehm 'or' pleasing ' means. In the late Middle Ages, the Prince of Orange made their influence over the area claimed.
Until the 18th century, especially wine was grown in Gigondas, but then the population began more and more to the cultivation of olives and mulberries to concentrate for sericulture. It was only in 1861 revived the family Raspail and in particular their representatives Eugène Raspail after his political career the wine again. Three years later, his products through the port of Roquemaure on the Rhone to Valence and Lyon as well as other waterways were also shipped to Saint -Etienne and Paris. The invasion of phylloxera around ten years later, only temporarily stop the rise of wine production in Gigondas. Since 1971, the municipality may market their products under the appellation Gigondas AOC.
Coat of arms
- Coat of arms of Gigondas
- Coat of arms of the Princes of Orange
The main sign corresponds to that of the Prince of Orange.
On an azure field a silver form, perforated Tolosanerkreuz ( Croix cléchée also Croix occitane ) and twelve silver coins a rim. The golden head of the shield is covered with a silvery cloud over azure hunting horn to which a cord is fixed.
Demographics
Economy
The rocky landscape dentelles de Montmirail, which is to a large extent on the municipality, and the wine making Gigondas attractive. Therefore, it is not surprising that a large part of the population from tourism and the wine lives. In addition, some olive tree plantations are entertained. The local industry offers hiking, climbing, horse-riding and cycling tours. In addition, also painting classes are organized.
Attractions
- The rock massif dentelles de Montmirail
- The original Romanesque chapel Chapelle Saint -Cosme and Saint- Damien is located in the north of the parish at the driveway to the Col du Cayron. It was destroyed in the 16th century and reconstructed in the 17th century. From the old building remained only the apse and the transept, which was in the new building to the longhouse. As building material fracture and stone were used, the latter was used as a reinforcement for the corners and door and Fesnsterrahmen. The roofing consists of " Roman bricks ". On closer inspection reveals numerous stone marks on the stones.
- The Romanesque church Église Sainte -Catherine d' Alexandrie from the 11th century.
- The Hospices, which have been renovated since 1982.
- Wall ruins of the fortified medieval city.
- The castle and winery Château Raspail
- The former spa of Montmirail, which was in operation 1859-1939, is located on the village exit towards Vacqueyras.
- The Sculpture Sculptures cheminement de contemporaines presents contemporary sculptures.
- The trail Sentier botanique et Archaeological dedicated to the topics of botany and archeology.
- Vineyard in Gigondas with the dentelles de Montmirail in the background
- Chapel Saint -Cosme and Saint- Damien
- Church of Sainte -Catherine d' Alexandrie
- Castle and Château Raspail
Twin Cities
- Anderlues, Hainaut, Belgium