Staying in South Ardèche? Direction the symbol of the region with our selection of incontours to visit Aubenas!
Overlooking the Ardèche Valley, Aubenas is a city with a rich historical heritage. It has indeed preserved many vestiges of its past and eight of its buildings are listed as historical monuments. Visiting Aubenas is taking advantage of its exceptional location, at the gates of the Regional Natural Park of the Ardèche Mountains. Ville-carrefour, it is an excellent starting point to explore the surrounding area. Its castle, its historic centre, its weekly market and sunny terraces deserve to stay in the city of Montlaur. Flâner and enjoy the sweetness of living in Ardéchois territory, this is what awaits you in Aubenas and its surroundings!
You don't know where to start? Follow our selection of must-see places in the commune.
1. Historic Centre
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Julia700702
The city of Aubenas still has many architectural treasures, like the eight listed monuments of the town. To visit Aubenas at random from the streets, go first to the tourist office located in Place de l’Airette. The leaflets provided will allow you to make a journey to meet the old Albenasian houses.
It is also a good starting point to take height, thanks to the viewpoint and its orientation table located in front of the tourist office. The circuit of the historic centre will lead you to a pretty staircase in the courtyard of the house of Castrevieille. You will also see beautiful facades of hotels rue Jourdan, and old arches in Delichères Street. If you only know what to do in Aubenas with children, a board: take the treasure map proposed by the city and let them discover its historical part in a playful way.
2. Château d’Aubenas
Photo credit: Shutterstock – haraldmuc
The Château d’Aubenas testifies to the vocation of the city’s watch. Indeed, the construction of the dungeon dates back to the 12th century. Belonging to the city of Aubenas since 1810, the castle has been listed as a historic monument since 1943. It is considered the best example of Ardèche’s civil architecture. Its varnished and coloured tiles, its shiny windows, its binocular doors, its turrets, or its Renaissance-style courtyard are the fruit of the multiple layouts over the centuries. Renamed paintings, engravings and sculptures reinforce the interest of the place.
You will certainly hear of the Château des Montlaur: this is the other name of the historic site, named after the seigneurs of Aubenas.
3. Mercurart Gallery of Contemporary Art and Garden
Photo credit: Facebook – Galerie & Jardin Mercurart
What to do in Aubenas when you are an art lover? At the gates of the city, Mercurart offers you the opportunity to discover contemporary works of important artists.
The gallery presents visual artists working in the region. Its garden is also worth visiting, with its 300 roses, Mediterranean plants and rare species. Do not miss the forge of the nineteenth century nestled in the outer space.
4. House Delichères
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Akial
This 15th century house is one of the richest Albenasian houses in the city. The building was listed in historical monuments in 1927.
Raise your head to admire its Gothic architecture and its gargoyles. Representing men and animals with strange shapes, they were cut into the sandstones, today blackened by the years. The building rises over four levels, and is covered with an octagonal turret. On the other hand, the facades have several benign windows.
5. Aubenas Market
Photo credit: Aubenas-Vals
From the gardens healing passers-by, from the families who walk, from the musicians to the coffee terraces, the sweetness of living from the South is at the Aubenas market! Every Saturday morning, alluring odors escape from the market to the pedestrian streets of the city. Fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers and fish... We find the good products of Provence. It is also one of the most beautiful weekly markets in the region.
On Wednesday evening in the season, place to local crafts during the night market. The opportunity to admire the work of local artisans. Leather, silk, pearls, candles, fabrics... You will certainly find what to bring back a fine and delicate local memory.
6. Aubenas Brown Cream
Photo credit: Facebook – Marrons Imbert
Visiting Aubenas has to taste its specialties! Among the good products of the terroir, maroon cream is distinguished by its artisanal manufacture based on ardéchoise chestnuts. Two of the great producers of this delicious sweet treat – Sabaton and Imbert – are in the commune.
Find the flavors of your childhood on a bread pie or a pancake. The country's know-how is also available in the AOP Ardèche iced browns.
7. Dôme Saint-Benoît
Photo credit: Aubenas -Vals
The Dôme St-Benoît is in good place historical sites to visit in Aubenas. An ancient chapel of a convent of Benedictines, it was built in the 17th century and then classified as a historic monument in 1944. In hexagonal form, it is noticed by its imposing dome and its varnished tiles. The ensemble houses the mausoleum of the marshal and the marshal of Ornano, known for having been owners of the Château d’Aubenas. During the Revolution the monument served as a grain hall.
Today we can admire books and liturgical objects, including a magnificent 18th century retable. In the summer season, the Dôme gardens host concerts. If you can, enjoy this atypical frame for an exceptional moment!
8. Saint-Laurent Church
Photo credit: Shutterstock – gkordus
Just like the castle of Montlaur, the church of Saint-Laurent d’Aubenas has undergone many works over the centuries. Built in the 13th century, it first served as a chapel to the Dominicans, before becoming the parish church. The church owes its name to the two Jesuit fathers killed in the wars of religion.
When entering the building, observe the central nave and the monumental set of three retables of carved wood. Outside, you will notice the neo-Roman style of the renovated late 19th century façade. A true contrast to the rest of the place! With a little luck, you will have the chance to listen to a recital programmed in Saint-Laurent. Ask the Tourist Office!
9. Oppidum de Jastres
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Jmerlant
Are you looking for a nice view on the outskirts of Aubenas? Go to the Oppidum of Jastres. This plateau offers a panorama covering the Bass Ardèche, the Albenassian Basin and the Coiron chain . This Gaulish oppidum first served as prehistoric habitat. The remains of the North Jastres Oppidum are impressive. Three ramparts, built in different epochs, block the spoon. The first of them still dates from the protohistoric era (II century BC)!
If you are not sensitive to historical vestiges, a pleasant two-hour walk on the edge of the plateau will allow you to enjoy the magnificent view.
10. Hôtel Goudard-Ruelle
This unique hotel in the heart of Aubenas is part of the culturally-oriented buildings in the city of Aubenas in 1963. François Goudard was owner in the 18th century. He made this elegant bourgeois building a place to welcome trades for weaving cotton fabrics and the shop for the sale of silk handkerchiefs.
More recently, since 1965 until 2007, the Goudard-Ruelle hotel has housed the municipal library. Today, the Friends of the Heritage of Aubenas want to make it a major cultural place in the city.
11. Chapelle des Cordeliers
It is one of the eight monuments listed in historical monuments that must be seen when visiting Aubenas. The private chapel of the Cordeliers belongs to the City and was built in 1642, just like the convent. The latter was used as a civilian hospital until the 1990s.
How do I get to Aubenas?
The Ardèche is a rural department, which does not have an airport. However, in renting a vehicle , it is possible for you to land in Lyon or Marseille (a side ticket, the best prices are to find on a comparison of flights as well Skyscanner ) and then travel a few hours to reach Aubenas. Practical if you come from afar! This is all the more true because the car is the mode of transport to be preferred if you want to visit Aubenas and its surroundings. The public transport network is fairly low, even if buses take you to the different municipalities.
In Aubenas, everything can be on foot. But you will certainly want to discover the surrounding villages or to take a tour in the Ardéchoise nature. To find a flight or car hire at the best price, the best thing is to go to an online comparison like Skyscanner to make your choice.
Where to stay in Aubenas?
When you are looking for what to do in Aubagne, you also think of its place of accommodation. You will find in the commune several types of accommodation according to your wishes and budget :
- Hotels : in Aubenas, they are affordable in winter and more expensive in summer : take care to compare the offers available online.
- Furniture for tourism : Airbnb is the reference platform to find an affordable and authentic place of stay.
- Holiday homes and campsites complete the list of places to sleep in Aubenas.
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