Aubenas

Aubenas is a commune located in the Ardèche department (Massif central, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France).

It is the capital of the canton and is located in the south of the department.

Aside from its long-year commercial activity, it has a good strategic position on the tourist field, at crossroads of a regional natural park, the zone of the Ardèche river canyon and the start of mountains. The chestnut industry is one testimony of the intense agricultural activity earlier in time.

Tourism and main attractions

Religious heritage

The Saint-Laurent church has undergone numerous transformations during different periods of history: 17th century pulpit, woodwork, facades, baroque choir with three 18th century altarpieces. However, the Chapel of the Martyrs, built in the 15th century, remains in its entirety. The building was listed as a historic monument in 1977.
Chapel of Saint-Benoît in Aubenas. The building was classified as a historic monument in 1944.
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, in the Pont d’Aubenas district.

The Notre-Dame-des-Oliviers chapel, located in the “Oliviers” district, was opened for worship in 1974. It is an annex to the Saint-Laurent parish church.
Chapel of the Saint-Joseph de Montargues residence.
Chapel of the Saint-François-d’Assise school complex in Aubenas.
Chapel of the minor seminary of Aubenas.
Saint-Pierre Chapel of Saint-Pierre.

These two places of worship are attached to the Catholic parish of Saint-Benoit d’Aubenas.
The Cordeliers chapel, adjoining a monks’ convent, now destroyed. It contains ornaments and paintings from the 17th century, to be discovered by listening to the story of the monks of Saint-Antoine.
The Protestant temple, located on Allée de la Guinguette. Inaugurated in June 1890, it is a small neo-Gothic style building.

Civil heritage

The Aubenas castle is classified as a historic monument. Originally, it was a 14th century fortified castle, remodeled into an elegant residence in the 17th and 18th centuries. It presents a rich collection of paintings, sculptures and engravings. From the keep, it offers an exceptional panorama.
The house with gargoyles (Maison Delichères) is located opposite the castle; it is one of the richest residences of the 15th century, with Gothic architecture. It is decorated with gargoyles sculpted in the sandstone.

The Dome of Saint-Benoît from the 17th and 18th centuries is the former chapel of a Benedictine convent. Religious art objects were grouped there and the marble mausoleum of the marshal of Ornano (which was formerly located at the castle) was transferred.
The Goudard-Ruelle hotel, a former 18th century private mansion, which then became the municipal library until the construction of the media library.