Aubenas

Visit Aubenas, Rhone-Alpes

Aubenas is located in the southern part of the Ardeche department. The town is located on a raised plateau with the town centre at the top of the plateau around the castle, which is also the main monument in Aubenas.

Exploring Aubenas

Start your visit in the square in front of the castle.

The Chateau d'Aubenas dates originally from the 14th century, when it played a defensive role. The castle we now see dates from the 17th century, when the castle was converted into more comfortable accommodation. The castle also features a collection of paintings and sculptures, and is currently also Aubenas Town Hall.

Not far from the castle in Place de l'Airette there is a viewpoint with far-reaching views (seen also from the castle donjon) - these views were very impressive even on the cloudy day when we visited, and on a sunny day would likely be a highlight of a visit to Aubenas.

Radiating off from the square in front of the castle are several streets many of which contain shops and cafes, and some interesting buildings - in particular note the House of Gargoyles (Maison Delichères) on the castle square, and Rue Valleton.

After descending the main street you will also come across the Saint-Benoit Dome, part of a benedictine convent that once stood here. The other important religious monument in Aubenas is the Church of Saint Laurent with a decorative 19th century facade, in the Place Jeanne d'Arc.

The weekly market in Aubenas is held on Saturday mornings.

Attractions nearby

In the immediate vicinity of the town there are several small villages to explore, with our favourites including Vesseaux, Ucel and Saint-Privat.

Aubenas is very well placed for exploring the Ardeche 'villages of character' - there are several that are located in this part of the Ardeche department (see main Ardeche page for details.

See Rhone-Alpes and Ardeche (the region and department for Aubenas) for more travel ideas...

Photos of Aubenas

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Suggested places to visit near Aubenas, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Meyras 12km; Balazuc 12km; Thueyts 15km; Alba-la-Romaine 18km; Joyeuse 20km; Labeaume 20km; Privas 21km; Vallon Pont d'Arc 24km; Gorges de l'Ardeche 24km; Pont d'Arc 27km; Saint-Montan 27km;

Aubenas tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Vals-les-Bains - recommended detour (5km) : Monts d'Ardeche - regional natural parc (13km) : Gorges du Gardon - grand site of france (15km) : Cascade du Ray-Pic - site of natural beauty (21km) : Gorges de l'Ardeche - grand site of france (25km) : Bois de Païolive - site of natural beauty (30km) : Abbatiale Sainte-Marie (Cruas) - religious monument (30km) : Aven d'Orgnac - grand site of france (34km) :

See more places and a map at places near Aubenas