Welcome to tha country of aubenas-vals

The Calvary, damaged during the French Revolution was rebuilt in 1863. From the Calvary the view over the town is spectacular. Around 1732, one Malmazet, a surgeon, vowed to convert to christianity after recovering from an illness and to build in the city a chapel and Stations of the Cross identical to those found in Jerusalem. The Way has just been renovated in a contemporary style by a talented mosaicist: Bernadette Soufflet and a new lighting has been installed to enhance the site.

The old town is to be found in the vicinity of the church. To get there, follow the paved ways and alleys lined with century old houses. Strolling along these fresh and winding streets, you will come across medieval remains (gates, wall, ruins) which give this area its charm.

The temple was built in 1830 to replace the one destroyed during the Revocation of Edict of Nantes. For a century and a half, protestants gathered, whenever they could, at hamlets in the Vals mountains. Simple and unornamented , reminiscent of the Calvinist sobriety , the dimensions of this building show that the followers were still numerous despite a century long period of imposed underground religious activity.

The Champanhet House, an imposing residence, tells the story of a family, a house, a town and its industries. The scale models, the settings on display, the film showings help you understand crafts and popular know-how of the region and give you a vision of farmers' life in the past. Through this artistic presentation of our local savoir-faire, we ensure the protection of our heritage. In this house, you can feel the true heart of the whole region vibrate.
Today it is also home to the Tourist Office. 7, Rue Jean Jaurès .

For opening times ph 04 75 37 81 60.

The Casino is situated at the entrance to the town. It was opened on XVIth June 1898. More than a gambling place (slot machines and roulette) it is a leisure centre featuring a restaurant, a bar and a jazz club. The Italian like theatre (seating 600) an exact replica of the Celestins Theatre in Lyon, the convention room, reception room and the two air-conditioned cinemas are part of a cultural centre to be reckoned with in the Ardèche.

Aubenas, Medieval city in the heart of Southern Ardèche.

Gateway to the Monts d';Ardèche Regional Park;

HERITAGE AND CULTURE

• The château - Historical monument

The most beautiful example of ardechoise architecture. Started in the XIIth century with the building of the main tower, it was slowly transformed through the influence of its different owners (the families of Montlaur, Maubec, Modene , d'Ornano, and Vogüé) who each modified the building according to the era.

You will discover its mullioned windows, its spiral staircase, turrets and varnished tiled roof. Heritage listed in 1943. Exhibitions are housed in the castle throughout the year.

The old historic town centre - 12 sites unveil their secrets
Duration of this tour is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes - Reservations are made at the château at: 04 75 87 81 11 - www.aubenas.fr

July and August: Monday-Friday at 5pm (except bank holiday)
September- June: reservation only.

• Dome Saint-Benoît

Jewel of the religious architecture in Aubenas. It is the old chapel of a Benedictine convent (XIIth century) and it is known for its six-sided tower capped with an imposing dome that dates back to the XVIIIth century. During the French Revolution, this building was used as a grain store. Heritage listed in 1944.

• Saint Laurent church

On this site stood the Sainte Dominique church of the XIIIth century. Destroyed during the Religious Wars , the building was reconstructed in 1612 with the aid of Maria de Medici. The interior features woodwork that dates to the XVIIIth century and the Saint Clair Chapel to the XVth century (Chapelle des martyrs). The façade is a XIXth century addition.

Situated in the commune of Genestelle, at an altitude of 650m, the site of the château de Craux overlooks the Volane and Sandron valleys. Found on the crater of an ancient volcano of the same name, its geographical location offers a magnificient and protected view of the Hautes-Cévennes mountain range and over a landscape of young volcanoes- this is an un-missable tourist stop.

This superb construction with its massive round towers, was originally used as a hunting lodge before it was renovated by the Ucel family. This building, the part of which constructed in the XIIth century, heritage listed in 1981, and currently under renovation (public access is unauthorised) is set in a majestic countryside and in the shade of age old chestnut trees.

If heritage is of interest for you; make a detour past the Sainte-Marie church, a part of which is heritage listed, visit the home of the Conchis family and the old wheat mill with its Sarrazin style chimney. Also worthy of note, the Cross at the hamle t's entrance.

The visitor can walk between 'faysses and chestnut trees' in the Sandron valley, but also at Bise and its surroundings by following the old 'béalières' ( ancient irrigation channels). In visiting the 'Montagne aux Ecluses', families will be enchanted by the water courses and stretch of water.

This borough, with its main street, paved laneways and ancient houses, was established around a priory dating back to the XIIIth century and is situated where the Sandron and Oise rivers converge. Found at the base of the Ardèche mountain, the village has a XVIIth century neo-roman church which houses listed frescoes.

A landscape of hiking trails , notably those linking Vals-les-Bains Genestelle and Saint-Joseph-des-Bancs.

Saint-Andéol-de-Vals offers the hiker trails allowing the discovery of the beautiful surroundings and buildings; notably the Figères bridge and its three arches that span the Sandron -perfect location for a picnic and swim. The basalt lava flow called 'the devil';s couch' near the hamlet of Nogier is evidence of a volcanic history.

Rentals for holidays, businesses and restaurant, the café-antique-shop l'Herminette and the creperie will all give you a very warm welcome.

Saint-Didier-sous-Aubenas is nestled in a curve of the slow- flowing river Ardèche. It lies between the Castle of Aubenas and the lofty Jastres cliff that secretes caves which each has their own tales (la Beaume Chambrière, la grotte de la soie, la grotte du figuier...)

The name Saint-Didier was first mentioned in 1080 when the Squire of Aubenas provided funds to help the Lavilledieu nuns set up a religious community.

The Saint-Didier commune, an agricultural land that provided vegetables for the inhabitants of Aubenas, is now more commerce and tourism orientated.

It benefits from its proximity to Aubenas, economic centre of southern Ardèche, and to the well known thermal spa resort of Vals-les-Bains. The inhabitants of Saint-Didier, the Saint Didiérois are also known as the 'planards' an allusion to the 276 hectare plain at the edge of the river.

A pleasant camp ground offers 109 well equipped sites on the banks of the river and in addition there are several gîtes available. The area is a perfect setting for taking walks; the time old trail 'pas du renard' will take the most adventurous walkers to the top of the cliff. There, on the plateau, a web of way marked paths and trails offers the possibility of hiking from the Roman Oppidum to Saint-Privat, Lussas, Lavilledieu and even Vogüé.

Located in the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Park, this village is the most elevated in the region. A few kilometers away the passes of La Fayolle and la Paille offer breathtaking views of the Ardèche and, weather permitting, of the Provence.

Saint-Joseph-des-Bancs is an unspoilt natural sports ground offering a wide range of activities: walks, tennis court, football field, volley ball, basket ball, outdoor swimming pool and shaded picnic grounds at the foot of the mountains. An ideal place for a short or long stay.

After visiting the remains of the ancient Roman roadway and the century old church, visitors can enjoy a meal and a stay in the commune.

The Mazel Hamlet and the mill of Raoul set on the Mazel brook are worth a visit as well as the Moulin de Pailhaire on the du Moulet brook at the hamlet of la Croze. These water powered mills were used to grind chestnuts and grains into flour.

And if it takes your fancy you can pay a visit to the 'Oréades' inn where an innovative chef serves regional cuisine.

Saint-Julien-du-Serre was named after a Roman orator who had come to convert Gaule to christianity. As of that time 99 villages in France have been dedicated to Saint-Julien; 7 of which are found in the Ardèche.

The Romanesque church officially classed as a historical monument is one of the best example of romanesque buidings in the department. Heritage enthusiasts won't fail to admire the great vaults,the grand porch made of pale grey granite, the carved capitals and the spire with ornamental apertures.

Although the population has doubled in 20 years (the youngest in the canton) Saint-Julien remains a verdant village perched atop a ridge between two pristine rivers. A good many hamlets are scattered around the main village, each home to beautiful residences . It is an outstanding area which fits well in the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Park and in the 'Community of Communes'.
You can swim in the many rivers and explore a web of way marked walks and hiking trails.
Limestone, sandstone, granite areas in the vicinity of Saint-Julien make it a perfect place for geologists and botanists. An unknown aquatic species has recently been discovered in the commune.

Rocher des Combes is the highest site at an altitude of 483m and from there, there is a panoramic view over the Cevenol countryside.

Saint Julien-du-Serre is 30 km away from the famous Chauvet Cave. It benefits from a mediterranean climate and is a perfect haven for nature lovers.

At the meeting of the rivers Ardèche and Luol, this village has always taken advantage of its water ressources.

From the XVIIth century Colonel d'Ornano, Squire of Aubenas, allowed the inhabitants of Saint-Privat to use the river to water their crops. This led to the building of a 2.7km canal. This canal was also used in the XIXth century to power the many mills installed on the banks of the river (silk mills).

Today, Saint-Privat, no longer an industrial centre, offers many services and visitors are welcome at the camping site.

Follow marked trails to discover the old village and the XIXth century church.

This commune stretches for 5 km along the river and harbours in its naturally picturesque setting time old remains of feudal Ardèche and of its industrial period, witness to the development of the silk industry and silk mills. There, in 1752, a Royal manufacture was established.

The commune comprises a dozen hamlets you can discover when walking trails that wind along the river or snake into the wooded hills.

Towering the village is the XVth century castle which was destroyed by the Comte de Toulouse. This building is among the oldest castles in Vivarais built probably prior to the Château d'Aubenas.

On 13th July enjoy the fireworks show which sets the ruins ablaze in memory of the terrible battles which led to its destruction.On leaving this village (heritage listed), round an alleyway, you will catch sight of the Hermitage (XVth century) gem of Ucel Heritage with its gothic chapel built on the very rock behind which, one finds the space, hermits have inhabited from the time it was built.

At Pont d'Ucel the chapelle des voyageurs (travellers' chapel) newly renovated will attract tourits' attention.
Swimmers won't be able to resist the « gours » found in the Ardèche and Sandron. They are fantastic natural pools (unsupervised).

If you prefer walking, paths will take you to the forest where you will behold magnificent Laricio pines and to sites offering panoramic views over Aubenas and the region (such as the Rocher de Combes (view point diagram).