Montélimar
Montélimar is a town in the Drôme department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Southeastern France. It is the second-largest town in the department after Valence. In 2022, the commune had a population of 40,356; its urban area had a population of 58,395.
History
The site where the city of Montélimar stands today has been inhabited since the Celtic era. It was reconstructed during the Roman reign, including a basilica, aqueducts, thermae and a forum. The Adhémar family reigned over the city in the Middle Ages and built a castle which dominates the city silhouette even today. The Hôtel de Ville was officially opened in 1876.Demographics
Personalities
- French navigator Louis de Freycinet and Émile Loubet, President of France from 1899 till 1906, who served also as mayor of Montélimar.
- Formula One racing driver Charles Pic, brother and fellow racing driver Arthur Pic and motorcycle racer Sylvain Guintoli.
- Encyclopédiste Antoine Penchenier at an unknown date.
- Physician and Encyclopédiste Jean-Joseph Menuret was born in Montélimar
- Louis Deschamps was born in Montélimar
- Singer, writer, actress, TV host and fashion designer Marianne James was born in Montélimar in 1962.
- Michèle Rivasi, elected member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2023, was born in Montélimar.
Economy