Aubenas

History

Etymology

The root alb , indicating a height, is present in the name of the city (Latin Albenate , old Occitan Albenàs , occitan modern Aubenàs ). And indeed, this one is perched on a calcareous rock which dominates the average valley of the Ardèche, strategic station. To the foot of this headland the road of Montélimar passes to the Puy-en-Velay, the oldest axis of circulation between the valley of the the Rhone and the tops of the Auvergne. This privileged situation makes of it the crossroads obliged between the various types of agriculture, economy and lifestyles.

The Middle Ages

Date of foundation : as of Ve century, the hill is the object of a tough fight between the bishops of Puy and those of Viviers for the construction of a Fortified town. Finally the bishop of Puy leaves victorious this long conflict and in XIe century (1084) pledged this new possession to the baron de Montlaur, originating in the mountain ardéchoise, with the western limit of the current department of Ardeche.

This family reigns of 1084 with 1441 and built the keep, the wall enclosing and the two grosses round towers of the castle which is then surrounded by ditches. This is why one calls Aubenas “the city of Montlaur”, lords who were at the origin not only of the economic advancement of the city, but also of social development and material of his inhabitants. Their currency was: “Montlaur, with highest! ”.

Rebirth

The city converts with Protestantism. After the Third war of religion, it does not let the royal garrisons enter.

Administration

The Town of Aubenas forms today part of the Community of Communes of the Country of Aubenas Vals

Demography

Economy

Although private of the administrative attributes of Prefecture and Sub-prefecture, Aubenas offers today all the signs of urban vitality and proves to be the economic center of the south of the Ardèche , although the prefecture is placed at Privas and the sub-prefectures with Tournon and Largentière. Except its linked activity with the silk trade, all its old functions survived and often developed and diversified. The trade and the services remain the main activity of the city. The stores were modernized and often became agents of famous brands or local products worked out for customers less country than formerly.

Were also fixed new industrial plants, commercial, at the detriment of the agricultural and market-gardening appendix irrigated by the Ardèche which was formerly like fertile a Huerta. Industry albenassienne, of manufacturing tradition, diversified in SME and SME active and ambitious. Without equalizing Annonay, Aubenas became however the second industrial town of the Département of Ardeche.

The city also concentrates many colleges and colleges (of mainstream education, technique, professional and agricultural) towards which converge of the pupils coming from all southernmost Ardeche (coming from Vans, of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc). However, Aubenas suffers from a lack of offer of lesson post-baccalaureat, only some formations of the type BTS being proposed. This is why of many graduates the city and the department leave to enter to the university, mainly with Valence, Grenoble (Aubenas belonging to the academy of Grenoble), Montpellier and Lyon.

Aubenas is the seat of the Chamber of commerce and Southernmost Ardèche industry. It manages CFA and the aerodrome.

The city

The Place of the Hotel-of-City located in the middle of the city is served by a maze of paved streets. This place occupies the highest point of the city. It gives on the feudal castle which dominates the valley of Ardeche.

The city was served until 1969 by the rail for the travellers and 1988 for the goods on the line Vogüé - Lalevade-in Ardèche. The old station always exists and is used as billetery for the SNCF but no train passes in front.

Places and monuments

the Castle of Aubenas of the 17th century, classified historic building, it shelters the town hall today. Originally it was a castle-extremely of the 14th century, altered in elegant residence with XVIIe and XVIIIe centuries. It introduces a rich person collection of paintings, sculptures and engravings. Since the Donjon it offers an exceptional panorama.
the house with the waste-gas mains of the 16th century
the composite St-Laurent church.
the Dome St-Benoit of the 18th century

Personalities related to the commune

Franck Sauzée, footballer.
Leonce Verny, engineer.
Rémy Martin, rugby player.
Jean Charay, priest and historian.
Dominique Guillo, actor and realizer.
Carole Bush, aeronautical ingénieure.

Twinnings

- (pact of friendship)

See too

Cultural events

Meetings of the Cinemas of Europe. Cinema festival which accommodates each year of the directors and Européens actors, and which proceeds traditionally the 3rd week of November.
the First Crossroads of the 9th Art and the Image (from June 14th to 17th 2007). Festival of Cartoon whose artistic director is Claude Moliterni.

External bonds

Town hall of Aubenas
Tourist office of the Country of Aubenas-Valleys
Circuits discovered around Aubenas and of Valley-the-Baths
Aubenas on the chart of Ardeche
Meetings of the Cinemas of Europe
First Crossroads of the 9 {{E}} Art and of the Image

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