Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban is a town in the Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 10 km north-east of Privas.
Its 10 km² territory ranges from 98 to nearly 700 m altitude, crossed by the Ouvèze valley, and is located between the granite massif of Saint-Cierge to the north and the limestone massif of Grads South.
The locality retains a rural and green character, covered by forests (51% of the land) and planted with vines on the hillsides. Moreover, Roman remains unearthed suggest that the soil was already favorable in Antiquity to viticulture. Nowadays, the plots exposed to the south dominating the village, drawing from a granite subsoil, produce red wines of the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation, made up of Syrah grape variety, very popular.
Historically, however, it was the textile industry with factories located in the valley that fueled the development of Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban in the 19th century.
Between Privas and the Rhône valley, to the east, the town has some 1,500 inhabitants and highlights its land, its heritage and its preserved environment.
In terms of heritage, it is the old parish church of Saint-Julien, also known as the Roberts' chapel (from the name of the district), to the west of the village, which turns out to be the jewel of the town and which gave it her name. It was built in the 12th century in a Romanesque style on the site of a Carolingian villa overlooking the road linking Auvergne to the Rhône valley via Privas. It has a single nave, vaulted semicircular, supported by buttresses. We notice its apse at the bottom of the oven and the bell tower rising to the level of the junction between the nave and the apse. The chapel is recognized as a "Cluniac site", having depended on the priory of Saint-Pierre de Rompon. Its history was agitated, transformed into a Protestant temple during the Reformation, from 1560 to 1634, then again in the 19th century until new buildings of more modest invoice were erected for Catholic and Protestant cults… Nowadays, listed in the Inventory, the old church hosts exhibitions and concerts. Information on +33 4 75 20 90 00.
In addition, the former seigneurial castle which had been erected on a rocky outcrop was destroyed during the Wars of Religion - the Reformation having been severely repressed at the beginning of the 17th century in Privas and its region -. Only a few vestiges remain in the village (some elements of the walls and a tower).
In a completely different register, the Payen spinning mill testifies at the entrance of the village (coming from Rompon) to the development of the textile industry in the 19th century.
Still in terms of heritage, finally, in the heart of the village, we will appreciate the charm of the place Jean Ferrat on which overlook the town hall and the school.
On the cultural side, activities are regularly offered at the library (info on +33 4 75 20 90 05) and shows are scheduled at the Bernaudoise room which can accommodate up to more than 300 spectators (inquire at +33 4 75 20 90 00).
In terms of "nature" sports and leisure activities, the Emile Planet municipal park, on the edge of the Ouvèze, lends itself to walking, in the shade of large trees, and also includes picnic areas, a bowling alley and children's play areas. Another playground is located rue Jules Ferry.
Accessible via an underground passage, from the large place Jean Ferrat (which avoids having to cross the departmental road), the sports area of La Cardinale includes a skate-park, a circuit for rollerblades, tennis courts, football and basketball courts. The site is open to visitors and tourists. Information on +33 4 75 20 90 00.
For hikers, in season, a 6 km long path along the valley and through wooded areas and vineyards is dedicated to "land art", that is to say that it is dotted with works of art composed with plant elements. Other loops, which can be taken throughout the year, allow you to enjoy the hilly landscapes, the banks of the Ouvèze, to discover the plots of vines or to join the Rhône valley and its potential. in terms of gentle routes (like the ViaRhôna, for cyclists or walkers, which follows the river connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean). Maps and information on +33 4 75 20 81 81.
