Pont-de-Vaux facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pont-de-Vaux
|
||
---|---|---|
|
||
Country | France | |
Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | |
Department | Ain | |
Arrondissement | Bourg-en-Bresse | |
Canton | Pont-de-Vaux | |
Area
1
|
7.54 km2 (2.91 sq mi) | |
Population
(2008)
|
2,159 | |
• Density | 286.34/km2 (741.6/sq mi) | |
Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
INSEE/Postal code |
01305 /01190
|
|
Elevation | 169–204 m (554–669 ft) (avg. 177 m or 581 ft) |
|
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. |
Pont-de-Vaux is a small and interesting commune (which is like a town or local area). It is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the Ain department. This area is in the eastern part of France. Pont-de-Vaux is known for its pretty location near the Saône River.
Contents
Discover Pont-de-Vaux: Location and Features
Pont-de-Vaux is found in the Bresse area of France. This region is famous for its farming and beautiful countryside. The town sits close to the Saône River, which is an important waterway in France. This river connection has been useful for the town for a long time.
Geography: Where is Pont-de-Vaux?
The commune of Pont-de-Vaux is in the Ain department. This department is part of the larger Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The town is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Mâcon. It is also not far from the city of Bourg-en-Bresse.
The land around Pont-de-Vaux is mostly flat. It has an average height of 177 meters (581 feet) above sea level. This makes it easy to travel around the area. The Saône River plays a big part in the local geography.
Local Government: How Pont-de-Vaux is Run
Like all communes in France, Pont-de-Vaux has a local government. This government helps manage the town's daily life. A Mayor leads the commune. The mayor is chosen by the people who live there.
The mayor works with a council to make decisions. These decisions are about things like schools, roads, and local events. Jean-Claude Thierry was the mayor of Pont-de-Vaux from 2008 to 2014. He helped guide the town during his time in office.
History of Pont-de-Vaux
Pont-de-Vaux has a long history. Its name means "bridge of the valley." This suggests that a bridge was important here a long time ago. The town's location near the Saône River made it a key place for trade.
Early Days and Development
People have lived in the area of Pont-de-Vaux for many centuries. The town likely grew because of its river crossing. Rivers were like highways in the past. They allowed goods and people to move easily. This helped the town become a local center.
Over time, Pont-de-Vaux developed into a small market town. Farmers from the surrounding Bresse region would come here. They would sell their products. This tradition continues today with local markets.
Things to See and Do in Pont-de-Vaux
Even though it is a small town, Pont-de-Vaux offers some interesting sights. It is a good place to visit if you want to see a traditional French commune. The town has a charming feel.
Exploring the Town Center
The center of Pont-de-Vaux has old buildings and narrow streets. You can walk around and enjoy the local atmosphere. There are often small shops and cafes. These places are great for trying local foods.
The town also has a church. Churches are often very old and show the history of the area. They are important parts of French towns.
Activities Near the River
Because of its location on the Saône River, Pont-de-Vaux is good for river activities. You might see boats passing by. Sometimes, there are opportunities for fishing or other water sports. The river banks are nice for walks or bike rides.
The surrounding countryside is also beautiful. It is perfect for exploring nature. You can see farms and fields that are typical of the Bresse region.