Albon is a town in Drôme, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 20 km east of Annonay.
Its territory of 25 km² is located at the outlet of the small plain of Valloire, in the Bas Dauphiné, and on the left bank of the course of the Rhône from which it is only a few hundred meters away. Between the river and the lands of Albon, the route of the Nationale 7 stretches, which acts as a municipal limit, parallel to the A7 motorway which crosses the west of the locality.
The town now made up of the village of Saint-Romain-d'Albon and three hamlets, Saint-Martin-des-Rosiers, Creux-de-La-Thine and Saint-Philibert, was occupied from Antiquity by a vast Roman villa. From the 6th century, this area came under the church of Vienne and in the 10th century, the first parish then called Epaone where the eponymous council would have taken place was given to the abbey of Autun.
Built as a county, Albon passed from the 10th to the 13th century in the hands of different families then found a certain stability. A prosperous agriculture developed there, which is still the case today: arboriculture (fruit harvest), cereal production and cattle and sheep farming have remained strong.
With nearly 2000 inhabitants, Albon has preserved a heritage of interest and offers a range of leisure activities justifying a stopover.
The Tower of Albon is the oldest and most important heritage site in the town. It is first occupied by a vast Gallo-Roman villa. In the 9th century, a protective ditch was dug and then wooden buildings were erected. From the 12th century, the ensemble was replaced by a palace and a chapel, and in the following century, a castle mound surmounted by a stone keep ensures the protection of what quickly became a vast fortified town of two hectares. However, in the 16th century, this first village was abandoned in favor of the current village of Saint-Romain.
The site of the Tower having been the subject of archaeological excavations, a footbridge must be fitted out to walk along the remains with didactic panels. Free access.
Regarding the religious heritage, to see on Saint-Romain, the Romanesque-style church built in the 19th century but of which several elements (apse, apsidiole and bell tower) date from an earlier building (12th century). Note that the church was the subject of a major restoration campaign at the end of the 20th century.
On Saint-Philibert, the Romanesque-style church and its priory were built in the 11th century by monks from the Abbey of Tournus. Originally, it consisted of a nave with two bays, a semicircular apse and a porch and in the 13th century, it was enlarged by an additional bay, this time in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Preserving the heart of Saint Philibert, the site was then the subject of numerous pilgrimages but in the 16th century, during the wars of religion, the church was destroyed. Rebuilt in the 17th century, it did not regain its previous luster...
Finally, in Saint-Martin-des-Rosiers, the church, rebuilt in the 19th century, was badly damaged in 1977 after the choir vault collapsed. It was then decided to restrict the capacity of the building, limiting it to its nave. Thus, to separate the nave from the remains of the choir, a contemporary stained glass window of 60 m² signed Franco Borga was installed, which gives all its new character to the church.
Finally, this overview in terms of heritage can also include the Rosiers and Senaud castles (in a now hotel estate) and, within the very walls of the village of Saint-Romain, the Porte de Chanas, which dates from the 14th century.
In terms of sports and recreation then, the town has many strengths.
Within a hotel complex, the Golf d'Albon Senaud has two courses: that of the Lords, an 18-hole (par 72) traced in a green setting between wooded areas, rivers and body of water, and that of the Poets, a 9-hole (par 29) dedicated more specifically to learning or training. Note also that the golf course has a driving range, a putting green and approach greens for those who wish to improve their skills. Visitor rate: from 35 and 64 euros. Open all year. Information on +33 4 75 03 03 90.
On the locality again, are accessible playgrounds, a city stadium and tennis courts (reservations with the club of the municipality on +33 6 46 82 27 78).
For lovers of walking and hiking or mountain biking, in the town, there are gardens and flower beds planted and maintained by volunteers from an association (explanatory panels on the theme of "magical" and medicinal plants).
As for hiking, a 7 km course dedicated to the history and biodiversity of the town, "In the time of the counts of Albon", allows you to appreciate heritage sites and landscapes. It is also very easy from Albon to join the ViaRhôna track which follows the course of the Rhône connecting Lake Geneva to the Camargue (i.e. more than 815 km of secure path for two-wheelers and pedestrians). Maps and information on +33 4 75 82 19 26.
Finally, the town is home to the two runways and infrastructures of the Annonay aerodrome. The flying club offers first flights, sightseeing flights to enjoy remarkable views of the Rhône valley and the Dauphiné and Vivarais reliefs, and piloting lessons. Information on +33 9 52 26 19 29.
Adjacent to the aerodrome, the Aero-Retro museum presents dozens of old aircraft from various eras, which enthusiasts strive to restore to working order (demonstrations are regularly scheduled). The workshops and hangars are open to the public on Wednesdays and weekends. Information on +33 4 75 23 78 75.
