Bourganeuf, Commune in Creuse, France.
This commune spans 122.54 square kilometers at an average elevation of 461 meters in the Creuse department, featuring medieval architecture and surrounded by rolling hills and forests along the Taurion river valley.
Founded in 1103 by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, Bourganeuf gained international recognition in the 15th century when it served as the prison for Ottoman Prince Djem Sultan in its medieval tower.
The electricity museum showcases the town's pioneering role as one of France's first communities to receive hydroelectric street lighting in 1886, thanks to engineer Marcel Deprez's innovative use of local waterfalls.
Located 34 kilometers south of Guéret and accessible via departmental roads D8, D912, D940, and D941, the commune offers traditional accommodations and guided tours for visitors exploring the region.
Bourganeuf holds the distinction of being the first rural French commune to implement public electric lighting using hydroelectric power generated from surrounding waterfalls and river systems.
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