Staying in Southern Ardèche? Head for the region’s symbol with our selection of must-see places to visit in Aubenas!
Overlooking the Ardèche valley, Aubenas is a town with a rich historical heritage. It has preserved many vestiges of its past, and eight of its buildings are listed as historic monuments. To visit Aubenas is to take advantage of its exceptional location, at the gateway to the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park. As a crossroads town, Aubenas is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area. Its castle, historic center, weekly market and sunny terraces are all well worth a visit. Stroll around and enjoy the gentle pace of life in the Ardèche region – that’s what awaits you in and around Aubenas!
Not sure where to start? Follow our selection of must-see places in the commune.
1. Historical center
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Julia700702
The town of Aubenas still boasts many architectural treasures, including eight listed monuments. To visit Aubenas by chance, start at the tourist office in Place de l’Airette. The brochures provided will take you on a tour of the old houses of Aubenas.
It’s also a good starting point for getting some height, thanks to the belvedere and orientation table opposite the tourist office. The tour of the historic center will take you to a pretty staircase turret in the courtyard of the Maison de Castrevieille. You’ll also see beautiful hotel facades on rue Jourdan, and old arches in rue Delichères. If you don’t know what to do in Aubenas with children, here’s a tip: take the town’s treasure map and let them discover its historic part in a playful way.
2. Aubenas Castle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – haraldmuc
The Château d’Aubenas bears witness to the town’s role as a watchtower. The keep dates back to the 12th century. Owned by the town of Aubenas since 1810, the château has been listed as a historic monument since 1943. It is considered one of the finest examples of civil architecture in the Ardèche. Its colorful glazed tiles, mullioned windows, twin doors with arched pediments, turrets and Renaissance-style courtyard are all the result of numerous alterations over the centuries. Renowned paintings, engravings and sculptures add to the interest of the site.
You’re sure to hear about the Château des Montlaur: the other name for this historic site, named after the lords of Aubenas.
3. Mercurart contemporary art gallery and garden
Photo credit: Facebook – Galerie & Jardin Mercurart
What can you do in Aubenas if you’re an art lover? On the outskirts of town, Mercurart offers you the chance to discover contemporary works by major artists.
The gallery showcases artists working in the region. The garden is also worth a visit, with its 300 rose bushes, Mediterranean plants and rare species. And don’t miss the 19th-century blacksmith’s shop nestled in the outdoor area.
4. Delichères House
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Akial
This 15th-century house is one of the town’s richest Albenassian residences. The building was listed as a historic monument in 1927.
Look up to admire its Gothic architecture and gargoyles. Representing strangely shaped men and animals, they were carved in sandstone, now blackened by the years. The four-storey building is topped by an octagonal turret. The facades feature several mullioned windows.
5. Aubenas market
Photo credit: Aubenas-Vals
Market gardeners hailing passers-by, families strolling along, musicians on café terraces – the gentle Southern way of life is to be found at the Aubenas market! Every Saturday morning, tantalizing smells waft from the market to the town’s pedestrian streets. Fruit, vegetables, spices, flowers and fish… you’ll find all the good things Provence has to offer. In fact, it’s one of the finest weekly markets in the region.
On Wednesday evenings in season, make way for local crafts at the night market. An opportunity to admire the work of local artisans. Leather, silk, pearls, candles, fabrics… You’re sure to find something to bring home as a fine, delicate local souvenir.
6. Aubenas chestnut cream
Photo credit: Facebook – Marrons Imbert
Visiting Aubenas means sampling its specialties! Among the finest local products, crème de marrons is distinguished by its artisanal production from Ardèche chestnuts. Two of the leading producers of this delicious sweet delicacy – Sabaton and Imbert – are based in the town.
Rediscover the flavors of your childhood on a slice of bread or a crêpe. The region’s savoir-faire is also evident in our AOP Ardèche marrons glacés.
7. Dôme Saint-Benoît
Photo credit: Aubenas -Vals
The Dôme St-Benoît is a must-see historic site in Aubenas. Formerly the chapel of a Benedictine convent, it was built in the 17th century and classified as a historic monument in 1944. Hexagonal in shape, it features an imposing dome and glazed tiles. The complex houses the mausoleum of the Maréchal and Maréchale d’Ornano, known for having owned the Château d’Aubenas. During the French Revolution, the monument was used as a grain market.
Today, you can admire books and liturgical objects, including a magnificent 18th-century altarpiece. During the summer season, the gardens of the Dome host concerts. If you can, take advantage of this atypical setting for an exceptional moment!
8. Saint-Laurent Church
Photo credit: Shutterstock – gkordus
Like the Château de Montlaur, the Saint-Laurent church in Aubenas has undergone extensive restoration work over the centuries. Built in the 13th century, it first served as a chapel for the Dominicans, before becoming the parish church. The church owes its name to the two Jesuit fathers killed during the Wars of Religion.
As you enter the building, take in the central nave and the monumental ensemble of three carved wooden altarpieces. Outside, you’ll notice the neo-Romanesque style of the facade, renovated in the late 19th century. A real contrast with the rest of the building! If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to hear a recital scheduled for Saint-Laurent. Ask at the tourist office!
9. Jastres Oppidum
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Jmerlant
Looking for a nice viewpoint on the outskirts of Aubenas? Head for the Oppidum de Jastres. This plateau offers a panoramic view of the Basse-Ardèche, the Albenassian basin and the Coiron mountain range. This Gallic oppidum first served as a prehistoric settlement. The remains of the Jastres Nord oppidum are impressive. Three ramparts, built at different times, line the spur. The first of them dates back to the protohistoric era (2nd century BC)!
If you’re not keen on historical relics, a pleasant, easy two-hour hike along the edge of the plateau will allow you to appreciate the magnificent panorama.
10. Hotel Goudard-Ruelle
Listed as a historic monument in 1963, this mansion in the heart of Aubenas is one of the town’s cultural buildings. François Goudard owned the property in the 18th century. He turned this elegant bourgeois building into a loom for weaving cotton fabrics and a store for selling silk handkerchiefs.
More recently, from 1965 to 2007, the Hôtel Goudard-Ruelle housed the municipal library. Today, the Friends of Aubenas Heritage wish to make it a major cultural venue for the town.
11. Cordeliers chapel
The chapel is one of eight listed monuments to be seen when visiting Aubenas. The Cordeliers private chapel belongs to the town and was built in 1642, as was the convent. The latter was used as a civil hospital until the 1990s.
How do I get to Aubenas?
The Ardèche is a very rural department, with no airport. However, if you rent a car, you can land in Lyon or Marseille (the best airfares can be found on a flight comparator like Skyscanner) and then drive a few hours to Aubenas. Convenient if you’re coming from far away! This is all the more true as the car is the preferred mode of transport if you want to visit Aubenas and the surrounding area. The public transport network is fairly poor, although there are buses to take you to the various towns.
In Aubenas, everything can be done on foot. But you’ll certainly want to explore the surrounding villages or take a walk in the Ardèche countryside. To find a flight or car rental at the best price, it’s best to use an online comparator like Skyscanner to make your choice.
Where to stay in Aubenas?
When you’re looking for something to do in Aubagne, you also have to think about where to stay. There are several types of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets:
- Hotels: in Aubenas, they are affordable in winter and more expensive in summer: take care to compare the offers available online.
- Furnished accommodation: Airbnb is the reference platform for finding an affordable and authentic place to stay.
- Gîtes and campsites complete the list of places to stay in Aubenas.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Aubenas,fr