Pleasant little village of Vaucluse, in the Comtat Venaissin, Aubignan takes place in the heart of Provence, between the famous Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. It is close to the most beautiful cities in the area, like Carpentras, Avignon and Orange.
Housed in a mixture of hills and ancient wetlands, the municipality of Aubignan has been occupied since the Paleolithic. It develops little by little, integrating the tenth century into a monastic ensemble. It passes into the hands of the Counts of Toulouse in the twelfth century before becoming property of the Comtat Venaissin and therefore the Vatican, until 1790. Fortified during the fourteenth century, the city then became seigneury and marquisate, before seeing its architecture radically transformed in the eighteenth century with the construction of mansions.
Aubignan continues to attract visitors to the region by its charm and architectural heritage of interest.
The Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation and St Victor Martyr was completely rebuilt in the first half of the 18th century. Partly damaged during the French Revolution, it saw its bell tower rebuilt in 1845 caromb stone. Listed in the supplementary inventory of Historical Monuments, it has the particularity of not being oriented. It is leaned against the ramparts and consists of a nave and two aisles. On the facade, it is possible to admire a very original ornament, a sort of gendarme hat with elongated wings. After its complete renovation, the building won the departmental award for Heritage Ribbons.
A fine example of Provençal Romanesque art, Saint-Sixte Chapel is now listed in the supplementary inventory of Historical Monuments. Mentioned in the eleventh century, it was sold as national property under the French Revolution before being transformed into a wine tasting cellar in the 1990s.
Built in the middle of the 18th century, Hôtel-Dieu came at the time to replace a hospital that had become too small. Inspired by the architecture of the mansions, the building has high windows and corner joints on its façade. It now hosts the Tourist Office of the town.
While strolling in the commune, do not miss to admire the town hall located in an old stone mansion of Caromb, or the portal Neuf, vestige always visible of the old fortifications. A large public fountain of the nineteenth and an old wash house are also visible.
To enjoy the landscapes, direction the Venaissia Way. Being transformed into a greenway, it is accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, people with reduced mobility or strollers. On the way, do not forget to admire the old train station accessible by a bridge-cage of thirty-eight meters high and which spans the Mede. The main building has three bays and a canopy covered with wood. Do not miss the wooden hall where goods were once unloaded thanks to a system of turntables.
If you want to walk in the open air and enjoy the sun, you can go to the banks of the pond of Moulin Neuf which allows the practice of fishing, or the Carpentras canal which waters 26 hectares of arable land with its 66 km of main pipe.
A Provencal market is held every Saturday morning. Every last Saturday in July, the town offers Aubi'Nocturne, a night market craft. A traditional Christmas market is also available on Sundays before Christmas.
Every year in mid-March, the association Fêt'Arts offers Aubiz'Art, an art show unveiling several contemporary works.
A festival of humor with different shows of all kinds is proposed the last weekend of October.
Aubignan is located 5 km from Carpentras, 3 km from Beaumes -de-Venise, 25 km from Orange and 28 km from Avignon.
A first circuit you will discover not only the vineyards but also charming villages often perched Beaumes -de-Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Sablet, Séguret, Vaison -la- Romaine, Crestet then return by road Laces of Montmirail through Suzette, Lafare, La Roque- Alric.
Another route takes in the mountains and fields of lavender : Le Barroux and its beautiful castle, Malaucčne offers easy access to Mont Ventoux. At about 1400 m you reach the ski resort of Mont Serein. In descending from the summit of Mont Ventoux, you will head to Sault. By the way, you have crossed the second ski resort " Chalet Reynard " and then return to Carpentras using the road Nesque with its beautiful vistas.
A circuit starting south you will discover Carpentras, Pernes -les- Fontaines, L'Isle -sur -la- Sorgue, Fontaine de Vaucluse, reassemble by Gordes, Abbey Sénanque Venasque, Carpentras.
For lovers of old stones : Avignon, Villeneuve -lès- Avignon, Châteauneuf -du -Pape, Orange, Vaison -la- Romaine.
Many walks or bike are listed. Possibility of climbing, rafting, karting, horse riding...
