Attractions and Places To See around Aulan - Top 20

Aulan is rich in history. The most prominent historical site is the Château d'Aulan, a 12th-century castle significantly redesigned in the 19th century, which offers guided tours. You can also explore the Église Saint-Jacques d'Aulan and the Église Saint-Pierre, which retains its Romanesque apse and features mural paintings. Additionally, the nearby village of Montbrun-les-Bains boasts ruins of a Renaissance castle, a belfry, and a 13th-century watchtower.

Yes, the region offers several scenic routes and viewpoints. The Col de Fontaube - Scenic route is known for its smooth asphalt and views of Mont Ventoux. The Col de l'Homme Mort provides a steady climb on a quiet road with a rewarding descent towards Sederon. The Macuègne Pass also offers beautiful views on the northern slopes of Mont Ventoux.

Aulan is nestled in a region of significant natural beauty, characterized by its mountainous terrain and valleys. The Château d'Aulan overlooks the scenic Toulourenc Valley. The commune also encompasses several mountain passes and peaks, including Col d'Aulan, Col des Arles, Col du Devès, Col du Puits, Montagne de la Bohémienne, Montagne de l'Ubac, Montagne du Buc, Peyreduc, and Rocher de Joumellet, all contributing to the rugged landscape.

The Aulan area is excellent for outdoor activities, particularly cycling and hiking. You can find various routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and hiking. For detailed routes and guides, explore the MTB Trails around Aulan, Gravel biking around Aulan, and Hiking around Aulan guides.

Yes, there are hiking trails for various skill levels. For example, you can find moderate hikes like the 'Les Tunes – Col des Tunnels loop from Le Poët-en-Percip' (6.4 km) or the 'Col d'Aulan – Mévouillon Rock loop from Aulan' (11.2 km). More challenging options include the 'Le Poët-en-Percip – Aulan Castle loop from Aulan' (19.9 km). You can find more details in the Hiking around Aulan guide.

Visitors particularly appreciate the smooth asphalt and scenic views of Mont Ventoux from the Col de Fontaube. The quiet roads and rewarding descents of mountain passes like Col de l'Homme Mort are also highly rated. The historical charm and picturesque setting of Montbrun-les-Bains, with its perched houses and castle ruins, are also a favorite.

Absolutely, Montbrun-les-Bains is a highly recommended stop. Built on a rock, it features tall houses, the ruins of a Renaissance castle, and a 13th-century watchtower. It has a rich history as a spa resort, known since Roman times for its sulphurous waters. It was a fashionable resort from the 16th century, with a spa establishment built in 1865, and thermal activity resuming in the 1970s and 80s.

Yes, the Château d'Aulan is a private residence but is open to visitors. It offers guided tours, allowing you to explore its history and view the Suarez d'Aulan family heirlooms, particularly those from the time of Napoleon III.

Yes, the region offers several challenging cycling routes, especially for gravel biking and mountain biking. For instance, the 'Madeleine Pass – Bédoin loop from Montbrun-les-Bains' is a difficult 101 km MTB route. For gravel biking, you can find difficult routes like the 'Col de l'Homme Mort – Mont Ventoux loop from Ferrassières' (99.8 km). Check the MTB Trails around Aulan and Gravel biking around Aulan guides for more options.

The Mont Ventoux Ascent from Sault is considered the easiest of the three access points to the Reynard Chalet. The climb to the summit is 25.5 km with an elevation gain of 1,145 meters and an average gradient of 4.49%. It's known for its good condition and relatively flat sections, often passing through forests, making it tolerable even in warmer temperatures.

Near the Macuègne Pass, you will find a large observatory known as the Cosmodrôme. This adds a unique scientific point of interest to the natural and historical attractions of the region.