The village of Jaujac is situated about 20 kilometres west of Aubenas, the last seven kilometres along a quiet and very attractive valley between ancient volcanic peaks. The village is classified as an Ardeche 'village of character' and within the Parc Regional des Monts d'Ardeche.
Exploring Jaujac
Even as you approach the village you can see that it is in a very impressive location, with the Monts de l'Ardeche as a rocky backdrop to the medieval village below, surrounded by chestnut trees.
Jaujac is divided in two parts by the river Lignon that flows through the middle of the village, the two parts being separated by a deep rock gorge and joined by an old stone bridge.
To one side of the river the narrow tracks and alleys run up the hill between the ancient stone houses, while on the other side of the river there is an open square with shady plane trees and a couple of cafes, and some local commerces.
Each side of the village has its own particular appeal and charm, so you need to explore both! Although the individual monuments are not necessarily very important, the ensemble of ancient stone houses, mountain backdrop and the river make the village very charming.
Jaujac also features three chateaux - the 12th century Chateau de Castrevieille (housing the village hall and some gites); the 14th century Chateau du Bruget; and the Chateau de Rochemure, now a centre for the Regional Natural Parc of the Monts de l'Ardeche.
Attractions close to Jaujac
Along the river valley below Jaujac you can see unusual octagonal basalt columns caused when the volcanic lava that formed the landscape was cooling 11500 years ago.
Close to the village and very popular with both children and adults is a tree-top adventure park, where you can follow a series of rope bridges, absails and swings through the upper parts of the trees. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!
It is true that it doesn't take long to explore Jaujac unless you are off walking in the hills or exploring along the river valley, so you might like to combine your trip here with a visit to two other small villages nearby at Thueyts and Meyras.
You can find more travel ideas in the Ardeche guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.
Photos of Jaujac
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Map of Jaujac and places nearby
Visit near Jaujac with France This Way reviews
Meyras
Smaller than many of the Ardeche villages, you will see an ancient covered passageway and a couple of trompe l'oeil paintings in the centre of Meyras
Meyras guide
Thueyts
Thueyts is more 'renovated' than many of the Ardeche 'villages of character' and has lots of architectural highlights
Thueyts guide
Ailhon
The beauty of Ailhon is the chance to follow the footpaths through the forests between the separate hamlets
Ailhon guide
Aubenas
The Chateau d'Aubenas and the belvedere next to the castle are the highlight of your visit to the town of Aubenas
Aubenas guide
Antraigues-sur-Volane
Antraigues-sur-Volane is a small medieval perched village, with most activity centred around its central square at the top of the hill
Antraigues-sur-Volane guide
Vogue
Dominated by its castle, the beautiful village of Vogue is one of our favourite Ardeche villages
Vogue guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Ardeche
Address: Jaujac, Thueyts, Largentière, Rhone-Alpes, 7380, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.6378, longitude 4.25694
Plan your visit to Jaujac, Ardeche
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Monts d'Ardeche: regional natural parc (9 km)
- Vals-les-Bains: recommended detour (9 km)
- Gorges du Gardon: grand site of france (11 km)
- Tanargue: site of natural beauty (14 km)
- Cascade du Ray-Pic: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Vogue: most beautiful village (16 km)
- Balazuc: most beautiful village (17 km)
- Mont Gerbier de Jonc: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Bois de Païolive: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Gorges de l'Ardeche: grand site of france (28 km)
- La Garde-Guerin: most beautiful village (30 km)
- Pradelles: most beautiful village (33 km)
Market days in Jaujac, France
Regular market(s) are held in Jaujac each Tuesday & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Jaujac (Francais)