Seamus Hammond
Cologne is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France. It is a picturesque fortified town founded in 1284 with a central square surrounded by houses with façades of Toulouse brick and Lomagne stone. However, the name Cologne also refers to a city in Germany, which is known for its association with eau de cologne, a perfume created by Italian Giovanni Paolo Feminis, who moved to the German city in the late 1600s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Cologne in France? | Yes, there is a commune called Cologne in the Gers department in southwestern France. However, it is important to note that the city of Cologne is in Germany. |
| Population | 900 inhabitants |
| Founding | Founded in 1284 as a new town by the Seneschal of the King of France with the approval of the local lord. |
| Architecture | Picturesque town square surrounded by houses with façades of Toulouse brick and Lomagne stone. The town has a geometric plan with two perpendicular axes and a central wide space covered with arches and galleries on the ground floor of the housing. |
| Fortifications | Fortified in the 14th century, with remains of ancient fortifications and ditches still visible. |
| Economy | Agricultural and craft-based economy. |
| Tourism | Offers bed & breakfasts, campsites, and hotels for visitors. Attractions include the medieval center, the central square, the 14th-century covered market hall, the church of Our Lady of the Assumption, hiking trails, and various events and festivities throughout the year. |
What You'll Learn
Cologne, a commune in Gers, southwestern France
Cologne is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France. It is a fortified town with a picturesque quality, founded in 1284. The town has a population of 900 and is known for its scenic heritage and hiking trails.
The town's central square is surrounded by typical houses with façades of Toulouse brick and Lomagne stone. In the middle of the square, there is a 14th-century covered market hall, topped with a small steeple, which contains a stone grain measure from the 15th century. The square is considered one of the prettiest in the Gers region.
Near the square is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, which has been revised several times since its construction. However, the façade elements to the north and west remain original. Inside, the church features a rich décor and quality furnishings, including an altar of Louis XVI-style giltwood Pietà and a Cross procession. The church is protected as a historical monument and has a treasure room containing 17th- and 18th-century objects of worship.
Cologne is situated 33 kilometres from Auch, the department capital, and is in the Occitanie region. Popular places to visit nearby include Sarrant, at 7 kilometres, which has an ancient gateway and half-timbered houses, and Beaumont-de-Lomagne, at 18 kilometres, which hosts a weekly market.
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Cologne, Germany, where the perfume Eau de Cologne was created
Cologne, a city in Germany, is where the perfume Eau de Cologne was created. The name translates from French as "water from Cologne". However, the perfume has Italian roots. It was created in the late 1600s by an Italian apothecary named Giovanni Paolo Feminis, who had moved to Cologne. It was originally intended to be a medicine called Aqua Mirabilis, or "amazing, wonderful and admirable water" in Latin, known for its soothing and healing qualities. Feminis was also a barber, a dentist, and a botanist with extensive knowledge of drugs, plants, fruits, and flowers.
In 1709, another Italian, 24-year-old Johann Maria Farina, created a perfume water in honour of his new hometown of Cologne. This was also known as Eau de Cologne. Farina's formula has been produced in Cologne since 1709 and remains a secret. Eau de Cologne was also taken internally as a "miracle cure" for various ailments, including migraine headaches, cold feet, and even the plague. Its high alcohol content, made even more potent when mixed with wine, was believed to be the active ingredient.
The fame of Eau de Cologne spread worldwide during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with devotees including Napoleon Bonaparte. Its success prompted countless businessmen to sell fragrances under the name of Eau de Cologne. Today, the term "cologne" has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men, and it is often used to refer to a less concentrated, more affordable version of a popular perfume.
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Eau de Cologne's origins and ingredients
Cologne, or "Eau de Cologne", is a perfume originating from Cologne, Germany. The name is French for "Water from Cologne". However, the origins of the fragrance are neither French nor German, but Italian.
The iconic scent was first created in the late 1600s by Giovanni Paolo Feminis, an Italian apothecary who moved to Cologne. Feminis was also a barber, dentist, and botanist with expertise in drugs, plants, fruits, and flowers. He created a mixture known as "Aqua Mirabilis" in Latin, meaning "amazing, wonderful, and admirable water". It was not originally intended as a perfume, but rather as a medicine with soothing and healing qualities. The formula was passed on to Johann Maria Farina (also known as Giovanni Maria Farina), who launched it as a perfume in 1709.
The original Eau de Cologne was a spirit-citrus perfume with a 5% alcohol content. It contained a mixture of citrus oils, including lemon, orange, tangerine, clementine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, blood orange, bitter orange, and neroli. It could also include other oils such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, jasmine, and olive. The perfume was delivered to nearly all royal houses in Europe and gained immense popularity.
When free trade was established in Cologne by the French in 1797, countless businessmen began selling their fragrances under the name of Eau de Cologne. This prompted Farina's family to open a museum, the Farina House, to showcase the history and success of their fragrance business. Today, Eau de Cologne has become a generic term for perfumes marketed towards men or unisex fragrances.
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The history of the town of Cologne, France
Cologne, France, is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France. The history of the town of Cologne, France, is a rich and lengthy one, spanning over two millennia.
The area's earliest traces of settlement date back to the Palaeolithic age, when the mild climate and fertile soil attracted settlers from the Danube region. The first nucleus of population in what would become Cologne was called "Oppidum Ubiorum" (Ubian Settlement). In 57 BC, Julius Caesar, during the Gallic Wars, conquered the territories on the left bank of the River Rhine. The Rhine formed the border between the Roman Empire on the western bank and the Germanic area on the eastern bank.
In 39 BC, the Germanic tribe of the Ubii entered into an agreement with the forces of the Roman General Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and settled on the left bank of the Rhine. Their headquarters was Oppidum Ubiorum, which also served as an important Roman military base. In 50 AD, the Cologne-born Agrippina the Younger, wife of the Emperor Claudius, requested that her home village be raised to the status of a city under Roman law. It was renamed "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium" (colony of Claudius and the altar of Agrippina), shortened to "Colonia Agrippina" (Colony of Agrippina).
Cologne became an influential merchant stronghold in the early Middle Ages due to its location on the Rhine, allowing its wholesalers to control the flow of goods from northern Italy to England. The archbishops promoted the perception of "Holy Cologne" and had both the semicircular city wall and the Gothic Cologne Cathedral built as a demonstration of power. In the 15th century, Cologne shook off archiepiscopal rule and, as a Free Imperial City, enabled the burgher ruling class to flourish.
After the Thirty Years' War, the city's development stalled until it was incorporated into Prussia in 1815, after which it experienced steady growth driven by industrialization. The cathedral was completed in 1880 as a national monument of German unity, providing the city with its iconic landmark.
During World War II, Cologne was almost completely destroyed. Reconstruction proceeded rapidly but without much urban planning. Today, Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city, with a population of approximately one million. It is known for its media companies, universities, and cultural attractions, including the famous Cologne Cathedral.
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Attractions and tourism in Cologne, France
Cologne, France, is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France. Here are some of the top attractions and highlights for tourists visiting Cologne, France:
St. Gereon Basilica
St. Gereon Basilica is one of twelve Romanesque churches in Cologne and is renowned for its unusual design and decagonal dome. The current structure dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries and showcases a mix of architectural styles, including its giant dome, which was once one of the largest in the Western world.
Cologne City Hall
Cologne City Hall, or Rathaus, is located in the heart of the Altstadt (historic Old Town). It is the oldest city hall in Germany still in use, dating back to the 12th century. The exterior is coated with 130 intricately detailed sculptures depicting influential figures from the city's history. The Hansasaal, which hosted Hanseatic League meetings, features stunning statues of prophets and heroes.
Hahnentorburg
The Hahnentorburg is one of the last remaining parts of the city's once formidable fortifications. This huge gate, located on Rudolfplatz, was the entrance through which royal guests passed on their way to the cathedral's Shrine of the Three Kings. It is one of only four medieval city gates still standing and has been renovated and reconstructed after World War II.
Heumarkt
Heumarkt is one of Cologne's scenic cobbled squares, lined with countless cosy cafes, contemporary brewpubs, and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. It is famous for its massive Christmas Market and is also a venue for cultural events and community festivals such as Carnival and Pride. Heumarkt is just a stone's throw from the Great St. Martin Church and Cologne City Hall.
Chocolate Museum
The Chocolate Museum, located on the tip of the Rheinau peninsula, offers delicious samples and informative tours explaining the history of chocolate. Visitors can learn about the craft of chocolate-making, see antique boxes and wrappers, and even design their own chocolate bar.
Cologne Cathedral
Dominating the city's skyline, Cologne Cathedral is one of the tallest cathedrals in the world, with twin spires standing at 157 meters. Construction began in 1248 and was completed in 1880. The interior boasts glittering treasures and religious artworks, including the Shrine of the Three Kings, believed to house the remains of the Three Wise Men. Climbing the 530 steps of the spiral staircase rewards visitors with sweeping views over the city.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is a commune called Cologne in the Gers department in southwestern France. It is a fortified town founded in 1284 with a picturesque central square surrounded by houses with façades of Toulouse brick and Lomagne stone.
No, although the name is French, eau de cologne was invented in Cologne, Germany.
Eau de cologne was invented in 1709 by 24-year-old Italian Giovanni/Gian Paolo Feminis, who had moved to Cologne, Germany. It was originally a medicine called Aqua Mirabilis, or "amazing, wonderful and admirable water" in Latin, known for its healing qualities.
In the early 18th century, French was the official language of international trade, and only the rich could afford eau de cologne. The French name was used to appeal to wealthy buyers.
