Aouste-sur-Sye: History and Landscapes

Aouste-sur-Sye combines local history with landscapes and outdoor activities. When looking for a hotel for a stay in the town, you can plan your trip around the topics that interest you most: a walk through the old centre, traces of the paper industry, or activities on the water and by bike. The historic walking tour takes about two hours and includes 28 explanatory panels. It leads through the old centre, providing a clearly defined focus for exploring the town. You can start in front of the town hall, near the Pont de Drôme; the route ends on Rue des Moulins. Ground markings bearing the image of the Roman Emperor Augustus indicate the route.

Roman traces and religious buildings

The Roman mausoleum dates from the 2nd century. Two parts are in Aouste-sur-Sye, and another is in the Musée Calvet in Avignon. The Fresque d’Auguste adds another kind of Roman trace: this trompe-l’œil mural was painted in 2010 and recalls Emperor Augustus’s passage through Augusta. Archaeological remains and a modern mural with a historical connection thus come together in the town.

The present-day church of Aouste-sur-Sye was built between 1862 and 1879 under the direction of architects Rey and Bossan. Its features include the apse with its woodwork, the pulpit and the large Stations of the Cross. The church can be visited in summer. The present-day Temple d’Aouste is also part of the town’s religious heritage: it was built beside a road in the 19th century.

Paper-making history and the mill system

The Fresque sur ancienne usine covers 200 m² across three façades of the former Lembacel factory. It recalls the paper industry and the human history of Aouste-sur-Sye from 1850 to 2010. The Papeterie Sacna-Lembacel-Mondi represents the town’s paper production from 1685 to 2011; paper bags were made there, with 30 million produced in 1991. These time periods offer two different insights: the mural recalls the history of the industry and the town, while the figure gives the production total for a single year.

The Canal des moulins, also known as the Canal de Gervanne, was part of the water-powered industrial system and supplied, among other things, a silk-twisting mill and a paper factory. Water intakes, sluices and drops are still visible along the system. Together with the paper mill, these waterworks tell the story of the industrial use of water in Aouste-sur-Sye.

Landscapes and outdoor activities

The Drôme gives rise to rich biodiversity and varied landscapes in Aouste-sur-Sye and throughout the Drômetal all year round. Nature-based activities in Aouste-sur-Sye and the Drômetal more broadly include hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, canoeing, swimming, climbing and fishing. One distinctive natural feature is the Cascade du Pas de Lauzens: there, the Lauzens flows through a narrow gorge and plunges over a rock ledge beside the D 70.

Canoë Drôme offers canoe trips on the Drôme from Sainte-Croix to Aouste-sur-Sye. The routes are 11 to 34 km long and suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced paddlers. To take part, you must be able to swim and submerge yourself; there must also be no medical contraindication. Children aged six and over are permitted. As information about the provider may change, check the current route options and participation requirements before planning your trip.

For cyclists, the Vélodrôme is another option: this 52 km road cycling route runs between the Alps and Provence, close to the Drôme, and connects to the ViaRhôna at the footbridge over the river. The two options described therefore differ chiefly in how you travel: canoeing on the Drôme or following a regional road cycling route.

Market and practical information

The Sunday market takes place at Place de la Poste, 26400 Aouste-sur-Sye. Local produce and goods include cheese, bread, fruit and vegetables, meat, wine and juices, honey, and natural cosmetics. Prepared specialities such as Défarde, walnut paste and jams are also part of the selection.

Aouste-sur-Sye offers free visits, as well as a picnic area, public toilets and parking. Check that these facilities are currently available before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Pantaléon-Les-Vignes, Bathernay, Salles-Sous-Bois, La Motte-Chalancon, Les Pilles, Saint-Maurice-Sur-Eygues, Pierrelongue, Clansayes.

For the main travel overview: Drôme.