Alba-la-Romaine

Alba-la-Romaine is a commune in the Ardèche department (Massif central, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France).

Alba-la-Romaine is located some 5 km west of Montélimar, Drôme, on a mountain ridge overlooking the Rhône river valley.

Its origin dates back to Antiquity, of which it has preserved vestiges that can be discovered today on the archaeological site of the village.

The village has been ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, but is not certified to date.

Tourism and main attractions

Archaeological site

The ancient city, capital of the Helviens people covers 30 hectares. It includes a monumental centre, such monuments were mandatory ornaments of any Gallo-Roman capital in the political and administrative system of the Roman Empire. This monumental centre consists of a forum (still buried under vines), a basilica, two temples, a curia, a small local senate, and two enigmatic buildings as their architecture leaves no tangible indication as to their function. A hypothesis is that they could be used by corporations which were known to be rich and powerful in Alba. A covered market or “macellum” completes the ornaments of this monumental centre.

Religious architecture

Church of Saint-André in Alba-la-Romaine.
Church of Saint-Laurent in Alba-la-Romaine.
Saint-Martin Church of Alba-la-Romaine.
Saint-André chapel in Alba-la-Romaine.
Chapel of Saint-Martin de la Roche.

Civil architecture

Alba castle. Dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries, the Château of Alba had a military function as well as being a prestigious residence. It is listed in the inventory of Historic Monuments and is open to the public (exhibitions, events).
The Roman bridge over the Escoutay.