Saint-Ruf Temple in Valence

The Saint-Ruf temple, a Protestant place of worship in Valence

The Saint-Ruf temple of Valence is today dedicated to Protestant worship. Originally, this building was an abbey chapel, which became Saint-James church. The Valence audio-guided tour stops here to evoke the place of Protestantism in the city and the long history of this religious building.

From an abbey chapel to Protestant worship

A former abbey chapel, the building was assigned to Protestant worship in 1801. Its name, Saint-Ruf, refers to one of the first founders of the Christian community of Avignon and to the order of the same name. A major religious building of Valence, the temple testifies to Protestant vitality in the city, in a region marked by the history of the Reformation.

What to see

The temple appeals through its plainness and its singular history, at the crossroads of the abbatial past and Protestant worship. Located on Rue Saint-James, in the heart of old Valence, it fits into an area rich in heritage. It is a stop that sheds light on the religious diversity of the city, often overlooked by visitors.

Practical information

The Saint-Ruf temple lies on Rue Saint-James, in the historic centre of Valence, reachable on foot. A working Protestant place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; opening hours vary with celebrations and the season, to be checked before coming. The façade can be freely seen from the street.

To which worship is the Saint-Ruf temple dedicated?

It is today dedicated to Protestant worship, since its assignment in 1801, after having been an abbey chapel and then Saint-James church.

Where does the name Saint-Ruf come from?

It refers to one of the first founders of the Christian community of Avignon and to the order of Saint-Ruf, linked to the religious history of the region.