Gardanne

History

The history of Gardanne dates back to 4000 BC, with the discovery of a Neolithic site in 2003. Walls dating back to the first century AD have also been found. Throughout the Middle Ages the town was enclosed within ramparts and the lordship of Gardanne belonged to different noble families. From the 13th century, the inhabitants claimed franchises and freedoms through their municipal magistrates. In 1454 René d'Anjou bought the estate and would go there until 1480.

Geography

Situated close to Aix-en-Provence and Marseille and on the rail link connecting the two cities, Gardanne is bordered by the Massif du Montaiguet. The terrain is moderately elevated, with some areas reaching over 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level. The surrounding countryside includes forests, vineyards, and former mining sites from the town's historical coal-mining industry. The Arc River flows nearby, contributing to the region's drainage and agricultural viability. Following devastating bush fires in 1979 and 2005, garrigue now covers a wide area of the region.

Most-observed species

• Grey-leaved Cistus

  Cistus albidus L. · Magnoliopsida
  1,667
• Eurasian Magpie

  Pica pica (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  1,653
• Great Tit

  Parus major Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  1,615
• Blue Aphyllanthes

  Aphyllanthes monspeliensis L. · Liliopsida
  1,502
• European Robin

  Erithacus rubecula (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  1,459
• Eurasian Blue Tit

  Cyanistes caeruleus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  1,304
• Eurasian Collared-Dove

  Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838) · Aves
  1,284
• Common Wood-Pigeon

  Columba palumbus Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  1,234

Most recent

• M 2.5 — 2008-12-23
  4 km ENE of Éguilles, France
• M 2.7 — 2008-05-21
  6 km SSW of Carqueiranne, France
• M 2.7 — 2008-03-04
  28 km S of Le Lavandou, France
• M 2.6 — 2007-08-03
  1 km NE of Jonquières-Saint-Vincent, France
• M 2.6 — 2007-05-23
  9 km SSW of Carqueiranne, France
• M 2.5 — 2007-02-25
  3 km SSE of Barjols, France