Pays d'Aubenas
Pays d'Aubenas – gateway to south Ardèche
The Pays d’Aubenas-Vals-Antraïgues, gateway to south Ardèche, is ideally situated between the Cévennes and the mountains of the Ardèche. It is an area of chestnut woods and rivers dotted with character villages, plenty of activities, unusual architecture and delicious local specialities, perfect for a delightful, active holiday.
The first town to explore is Aubenas, capital of south Ardèche. Perched on a rocky spur, the town overlooks the Ardèche Valley and has spectacular views. The history of the town can be discovered through its rich heritage and architectural gems. These include the Château d’Aubenas castle, a listed historic monument since 1943, and the finest illustration of civil architecture in Ardèche ; the Dôme Saint Benoît, also a listed monument, which houses many religious objets d’art, plus lots of churches and chapels which all play a part in the historic make-up of the town. In the historic centre, you will see fountains built in the 19th century when Aubenas perched on the top of a hill was known as the « town with no water ». As you stroll around the town, don’t forget to try some ‘crème de marrons ardéchoise’ (chestnut cream), made by local sweet-makers. Other local produce to tickle your taste buds can be found at the market.
Next, visit Antraïgues-sur-Volane, a village built on a basalt hill, situated at the heart of the Ardèche mountains. Stroll through the historic cobbled streets of the character village decorated with 70 lavastone sculptures and up to the volcanic neck or the Chapelle Saint Roch. Like Jean Ferrat, you will be won over by the beauty of the surrounding mountains. « La Maison Jean Ferrat » retraces the works by the singer who adored the area. Close to Antraïgues-sur-Volane, the Volcan de Crau offers wonderful views of the Hautes Cévennes Ardéchoises.
Taking the waters in Ardèche
Our final stop is at Vals-les-Bains which also has a rich architectural heritage including a Neo-Gothic church, a calvary dating from 1732 and a historic centre whose streets take you back to medieval times. The orientation table at Rocher des Combes has magnificent views as far as Coiron on fine days. After a walk, relax in the park where you can watch the famous spring bubbling up intermittently or maybe go to the casino, theatre or cinema. But above all Vals-les-Bains is THE place to come to get back into shape ! The town is a health resort offering treatment particularly for diabetes, liver, stomach and intestinal disorders. A genuine spa town, it has 145 different mineral springs whose medicinal virtues were discovered by a fisherman in 1602. After a flood, he unknowingly drank water from a new spring and was cured of Munchmeyer disease.
Ardèche is an ideal place for a spa break. As well as Vals-les-Bains, the region has two other health resorts : Neyrac and Saint-Laurent-les-Bains. Neyrac, situated at the heart of the area known as Pays des Jeunes Volcans, specialises in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatism and skin diseases. Saint-Laurent-les-Bains, between the Massif Central and the Midi on the drainage divide between the waters of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, also specialises in rheumatic disorders. This mountain village is also a paradise for walking enthusiasts.
« When it’s hot I love to swim upstream along the Ardèche from the Pont du Diable between the cliffs and then rest on the sandbanks. A wonderful way to cool down in beautiful surroundings ». (Pierre-Jean Pluvy, Gîtes de France Ardèche property owner)
How to get to Aubenas :
St-Etienne – Aubenas : 2½ hours via N88 then D roads
Marseille – Aubenas : 2½ hours via autoroute A7, exit Montélimar Sud, then D roads
Lyon – Aubenas : 2¼ hours via autoroute A7, exit Loriol, then D roads
Valence – Aubenas : 1 hour via autoroute A7, exit Loriol, then D roads"
