Saint-Didier-sous-Aubenas is a commune in the department of Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, south-east of Aubenas which it borders.
Its 2.7 km² territory is bordered from north-east to south-east by the course of the Ardèche, a tributary of the Rhône, which here forms a loop dominated by the Jastres cliff then the eponymous plateau.
The village appeared in the 11th century when the lord of Aubenas authorized nuns from Lavilledieu to settle on the site and granted them the income of the parish.
Over the centuries, however, Saint-Didier-sous-Aubenas and the surrounding plain retained an agricultural vocation, and was thus considered "the garden of Aubenas". Today, 43% of the municipal area is still occupied by agricultural areas and forests (14%).
However, since the last quarter of the 20th century, businesses and services have been established which also serve the neighboring town.
With 950 inhabitants, Saint-Didier-sous-Aubenas highlights its environment and its proximity to the tourist sites of the region. This is an ideal starting point for hikers while enjoying the proximity of Aubenas...
Two sites of the locality are to be mentioned in terms of heritage. The first is the parish church of Saint-Didier. Succeeding previous buildings which were destroyed during the Wars of Religion or which had become obsolete, the present church was erected during the Restoration, in the first third of the 19th century. In neo-Romanesque style, the simple nave was quickly completed by the addition of side chapels. The octagonal bell tower for its part was erected at the very beginning of the 20th century, also in a Romanesque style, as evidenced by its bay. It houses a bell from 1632 classified as an object.
In another register, the bridge over the Ardèche to the south-east of the locality was inaugurated in 1995. It also succeeded earlier works that had become obsolete: a bridge with a wooden deck then a second with arches in iron and with metal beams.
On the cultural side, activities, shows and associative events are regularly scheduled at the multipurpose hall: inquire at the town hall on +33 4 75 35 16 84.
As for "nature" leisure, walks are possible on the town itself, along the course of the river or the cultivated plots.
However, it is the site of Jastres, to the east of the territory, which is the most famous and appreciated by walkers. Via the draille (a path formerly taken by herds in transhumance) of the "Pas de Du Renard", one reaches the plateau and the oppidum (whose remains are nevertheless located in the neighboring town of Lussas).
Along the way, you can admire the caves dug into the cliff, which once served as reserves as their names suggest: the silk cave, the fig tree cave... During the route, magnificent viewpoints await walkers overlooking the Saint-Didier plain, the Ardèche valley or even Aubenas and its castle.
Once on the Jastres plateau, a network of trails is available to hikers leading to Saint-Privat, Lavilledieu and even Vogue.
To the north-west of the town, there are secure routes that allow walkers or cyclists to reach Aubenas or even Vals-les-Bains.
Maps and information on +33 4 75 89 02 03.
It is also possible to join local club outings: contact +33 7 77 69 76 10.
