Alba-la-Romaine
Alba-la-Romaine is situated about 30km east of Aubenas, and is classified as an Ardeche 'village of character'.
First impression when you arrive at Alba are not great - the parking is behind an estate of new-build houses, and when you pass through these you reach the main part of the village which is attractive enough but nothing out of the ordinary.
The main 'commercial centre' has a couple of interlinked squares where the market is held and there are various shops and cafes.
But continue on into the old part of the village, grouped around and below the castle, and you find an extremely attractive series of alleys and streets, all interlinked - often via vaulted passageways - and lined with very attractive ancient houses and overflowing with plants.
After a disappointing start, the village rapidly became one of my favourites among the Ardeche villages of character! There are numerous small features: balconies, small statues, carefully carved window surrounds, aging shutters...that further contribute to Alba's great appeal.
The castle itself was originally constructed for defensive purposes, although little is known of the original castle at Alba-la-Romaine.
From the Middle Ages until the 17th century numerous modifications and additions were made, the defensive purpose was lost, and there are now few traces of the original castle.
Gaining glimpses of the castle is not always easy - it seems to be always slightly out of sight behind a hedge or other building. Follow the small street called the Portail de la Trappe that emerges through the 13th century ramparts around the village to give the best view.
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The Alba-la-Romaine hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Alba-la-Romaine is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Rhone-Alpes gites for Alba-la-Romaine holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Rhone-Alpes Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: Places to Stay near Alba-la-Romaine VisitSee Visit Alba-la-Romaine for places to visit near Alba-la-Romaine including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Alba-la-Romaine in our Rhone-Alpes forum Airports near Alba-la-RomaineAvignon airport at 79 km Montpellier airport at 128 km Nimes airport at 90 km Alba-la-Romaine property for saleSee Rhone-Alpes property for sale
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Places to visit near Alba-la-Romaine, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Alba-la-Romaine.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
32 km: Antraigues-sur-Volane (village of character) 24 km: Aubenas (town) 25 km: Balazuc (Most beautiful village) 28 km: Gorges de l'Ardeche (Magnificent Canyon) 30 km: Mirmande (Most beautiful village) 28 km: Pont d'Arc (scenic stone arch) 20 km: Privas (town in attractive location) 13 km: Saint-Montan (village of character) 28 km: Vallon Pont d'Arc (Attractive village) 13 km: Viviers (cathedral town) 20 km: Vogue (village of character)
See also Alba-la-Romaine (version Francais)
