Albenc could be an alteration of the word Alpenc which is from the Alps whose name came from the 1st century BC and which came from a Celtic or pre-Celtic root alp designating a height or a mountain. The alternation between B and P is fairly common, Alpenc would then become Albenc. The suffix -enc is of Ligurian origin and designates proximity or membership. So the construction Alb-enc would literally say "near the mountain". A second hypothesis refers to the Occitan albenc meaning "incandescent" or "shining white" from the Latin albus meaning "white". This would be after the colour of snow which at the time could cover the surrounding mountains or alternatively the sand which is the foundation of the village. Most likely the shade of the white poplars (alba in Occitan) on the banks of the Isere. Heraldry Administration List of Successive Mayors of L'Albenc Population Sites and Monuments The Château de l'Alba (or Albe or Montravel) (15th century) has been classed as a historical monument since 28 December 1978. Built on a rocky outcrop and exposed on the south side, this 15th century building, renovated and rebuilt in the 18th century was listed as a historical monument due to its façades and roofs, terraces with their retaining walls, a dining room with a fountain, the cellar-level kitchen, the large living room on the ground floor, and the northwest room. It reflects the architecture used for the construction of these noble houses flanked by corner towers as there are many in Isère. The chateau was built by the Châtelet family in 1578, who were the owners of the fortified chateau of Poliénas, thanks to 60,000 gold florins that they received as compensation for the dismantling of that castle ordered by Gordes since it posed a threat to the region as it was susceptible to attack by the Protestants. The chateau still belongs to the descendants of this family - the Annoux family. The Châteauneuf de l'Albenc was razed in 1578 by the Catholics during the Wars of religion to subdue this region which had a Protestant majority. There remains today only a few observable traces. The Chateau of Peccatière was destroyed in the 1970s. The Old Courthouse Medieval houses The Church contains a Bronze Bell (1511) which is registered as an historical object. Transport The town is accessible by the D1092 road that connects the towns of Romans-sur-Isère and