For other places called Macon, see Macon.
{{#iferror:Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character "�"||Coordinates: 18' 26" N_N_04° 49' 57" E_E_region:FR_type:city Expression error: Unrecognised word "expression"°Expression error: Unrecognised word "expression"′Expression error: Unrecognised word "expression"″Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character "�" Expression error: Unrecognised word "expression"°Expression error: Unrecognised word "expression"′Expression error: Unrecognised word "expression"″Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character "�" / 46° 18' 26" N, 04° 49' 57" E }}
Mâcon is a commune of France, préfecture (capital) of the Saône-et-Loire département, in the Bourgogne region.
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 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.
Wine
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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.
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.
Famous inhabitants
Mâcon was the birthplace of Alphonse de Lamartine (1790-1869), writer, poet and politician.
In popular culture
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
See also
External links
bg:Макон (Франция)
ca:Mâcon ceb:Mâcon de:Mâcon es:Mâcon fi:Mâcon fr:Mâcon gl:Mâcon it:Mâcon ja:マコン la:Matisco lt:Makonas nl:Mâcon nn:Mâcon pl:Mâcon pt:Mâcon ro:Mâcon sl:Mâcon sr:Макон sv:Mâcon vi:Mâcon vo:Mâcon
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