Albon: Medieval History, Golf and Cycling Routes

The attractions differ in their history, route format and golf profile. The facts below will help you identify the focus that best suits you.

Tour d’Albon: Ruins and Archaeological History

The ruins of the former Tour d’Albon castle were listed by decree on 8 March 1982. On 11 June 2012, the ensemble of archaeological remains was classified. It includes the tower, the remains of the former chapel and aula, the motte, walls, other masonry features, and the associated land. The two decrees refer to different stages of protection: the listing of the ruins and the later classification of the ensemble.

Excavations uncovered a medieval complex with a chapel, a palace building and outbuildings. The archaeological site therefore encompasses more than just the tower: the building remains and fortifications mentioned above are also part of the site. If you are interested in the history of the Counts of Albon, the “La tour du Dauphin” trail loops around the castle complex through the landscape and botanical surroundings. Information panels tell the story of the counts.

Access to the Tour d’Albon is free year-round. Paid group tours are available on request. The general access to the site and the additional guided-tour option therefore have different terms.

Trails, Cycling and Views

Marked mountain bike loop No. 7, “Autour de la Tour d’Albon,” is 18.98 kilometres long and starts and ends in Albon. On the way to the medieval tower, it passes through orchards and forests. Its loop format and stated length give you a clear basis for planning cycling as a focus of your stay.

The ridge trail to the Tour d’Albon offers panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and the foothills of the Ardèche, the Pilat and the Vercors. The views described connect the trail with several clearly named landscape areas. They complement the historical connection to the Tour d’Albon with a landscape perspective.

The interactive game “Le tournoi du Dauphin de France” can be downloaded free of charge via the “Baludik” app. It features a one-kilometre trail that takes about an hour and is suitable for children aged five and over. The starting point is the car park at the junction of the D301 and Route des Bourgeons in 26140 Albon. Compared with the 18.98-kilometre MTB loop, the game is a differently scaled activity, covering around one kilometre and taking about an hour.

Golf at Les Seigneurs

Domaine Golf d’Albon is located at 410 Route de Senaud, 26140 Albon. From Lyon or Valence, it can be reached via the A7, exit 12. The “Les Seigneurs” course has 18 holes, a par of 72, a length of 6,000 metres and five water hazards.

The course is suitable for beginners and experienced golfers; the maximum stated handicap index is 54. The details on holes, par, length and water hazards give the golf offering a specific profile, while the handicap figure indicates the stated range of players. If golf is your main focus, you can take these features into account when choosing your stay in Albon.

Discover more destinations: Sauzet, Mévouillon, Pont-De-L'isère, Saint-Marcel-Lès-Sauzet, Mollans-Sur-Ouveze, Cliousclat, Valouse, Eygluy-Escoulin.

For the overview of the wider region: Drôme.