Joyeuse (Ardèche (07))

Named after the sword of Charlemagne this ancient fortified town was once known as the city of Charlemagne

The stone houses and cobbled alleyways are set high (180m) on the side of a hill.  The 16th century Renaissance castle which now serves as the town hall offers views over the newer, lower areas of the town, the River Baume winding through the valley and the hills beyond.

In the small streets of this historic town you can find restaurants, galleries and specialist shops; a silk printer, a jewelry designer, a carpenter a and leather worker.  There are also three very different museums; The History and Legends Centre, the Museum of Character and Humour and the Chestnut Grove Museum which shows how important the chestnut has been to the life and economy of the whole area.

In the busy high street and around the market square there are more shops, restaurants and pavement cafes.  There is a large and lively market on Wednesday and an additional one on Sunday evening in the summer. Joyeuse also hosts an Antiques fayre and a "Salon Gourmand" in the Autumn celebrating local food and produce.

A short stroll from the market is a bathing area created by making a small dam in the River Baume.

About the location

Public transport available

Joyeuse can be reached by public transport from Aubenas, Ales, Valence(TGV) and Montelimar.

Tourist information website

Tourist information contact email

Tourist information switch board number

Tourist information address

Local places of interest

The Gorges de l’Ardeche & Pont D’Arc (14.75 km)

The fantastic, natural limestone arch which spans the Ardeche river is a wonder of the natural world, a site of national interest and a “must” to see. read more...

Aven d'Orgnac caves (24.73 km)

The caves at Orgnac were only discovered in 1935 but since then thousands of visitors have marveled at the three fabulous chambers stretching for over 30,000m2 which allow the visitor to appreciate the richness and variety of the underground world. read more...

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