Saint-Auban-sur-l’Ouvèze lies on a rocky spur 650 metres above the confluence of the Ouvèze and Charuis rivers. The village combines historic buildings with hiking destinations in the landscape of the Baronnies provençales. Visits are possible year-round, either independently or in groups without a guide, with free access.
Village History and Architecture
The Église Saint-Pierre has had its present appearance since 1860. During work that year, it was extended by two bays and fitted with a bell-gable tower. The village has houses dating from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment, cobbled lanes and vaulted passageways known as soustets. The restored Porte Basse and the surviving towers of the former château are also among the historic remains.
In the 16th century, the lords of Pape-Saint-Auban transformed their château into a stronghold of Protestantism. The Protestant community’s cemetery contains around 150 graves and is associated with the period following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. The Clos d’Anguzon brand is also part of the local craft tradition: Saint-Auban is considered its place of origin, and it grew out of family and artisanal knowledge of herbs.
Hiking Trails and Viewpoints
The Chemin des Châtaigniers starts at Place Péquin in the upper village and leads into a former chestnut forest. The Haute Huche hike has a different starting point: it begins in the hamlet of Pouzet, is 12 kilometres long and takes around four hours. You can choose between a route with a stated duration and a trail defined by its former chestnut forest, depending on your interests.
The GRP Tour des Baronnies provençales also passes through Saint-Auban. Stage 3, from Vergol to Saint-Auban, ends at the Fontaine d’en Haut. Stage 4 heads east from Saint-Auban through marl and species-rich forests. The Sur les traces de l’ours circular trail follows the GR91 long-distance footpath to the Caverne de l’Ours, from where there are views across the Ouvèze Valley. The trail over the Serre de Rioms offers a viewpoint over the Gorges du Charruis.
One local tip is especially useful when planning a hike: some paths have disappeared following land consolidation. The municipal hiking advice therefore recommends taking a GPS device or a detailed map. Before setting out, also check local access and trail conditions.
Landscape and Seasonal Offerings
The landscape has a variety of features: the plains around Saint-Auban are dotted with lavender fields and cypress hedges, while chestnut trees grow on the mountain slopes in siliceous soils. The seasonal Marché estival in the town hall courtyard offers fruit, vegetables, honey, cheese, cured meats and refreshments. If you plan your stay around the market, check the dates for the relevant year.
LC 1802, formerly Le Chatelard 1802, makes and sells products with Provençal fragrances in Saint-Auban. These include soaps, candles, home fragrances, lavender and lavandin sachets, herbes de Provence and essential oils. There is no regular retail shop at the production site, only a stand for welcoming some customers. If you plan a visit, check in advance whether visits are possible.
Discover more destinations: Piégros-La-Clastre, Charols, Génissieux, Barret-de-Lioure, Chantemerle-Les-Blés, Saint-Restitut, Le Poët-Laval, Laborel.
For the main travel guide: Drôme.
