Joyeuse is a large village on a hill above the picturesque Baume River in the south-eastern Ardeche department (region Rhone Alps), about 25 kilometres south of Aubenas and to the north-east of Les Vans (see Naves). The village falls within the Natural Regional Park of the Monts d'Ardeche.
According to legend, the town was founded by Charlemagne in 802 after he lost his sword while hunting nearby - his sword, called Joyeuse, was found and in celebration Charlemagne gave the territory to the knight who had found the sword. The knight developed his property here and the town later developed around the site.
Explore Joyeuse
Your visit to Joyeuse will focus around the medieval city, which in turn developed around the castle at Joyeuse which still dominates the town.
There is much to enjoy as you explore the narrow medieval streets, some of them cobbled, and passing under vaulted buildings, passing many interesting old buildings and culminating in the Recluse Tower.
There are also quite a few shops and cafes etc around the market square in the centre of the village.
Joyeuse castle itself is a 16th century reconstruction of the much earlier castle that originally stood in the same location. By the time the castle was rebuilt the need for a defensive castle had passed and the emphasis was more on comfortable living than on defensive capabilities. The castle now acts as the town hall for Joyeuse.
Other notable highlights to discover here in Joyeuse include the gothic style Church of Saint Peter (17th century); the 'Hotel de Montravel' (a building dating from the 14th century, but with a facade rebuilt in the 18th century); and the College of the Oratoriens (17th century).
Significant parts of the original town fortifications can also be seen around Joyeuse medieval centre, dating from the 14th century.
Market day in Joyeuse is a Wednesday.
Attractions nearby
River bathing in the Ardeche river is a popular activity with visitors in the region around Joyeuse, especially those with children on a hot summer day!
There are also many interesting historical villages to explore in the region around Joyeuse. You can see details of some of these at 'Ardeche villages of character'. The villages of Labeaume and Balazuc are among our personal favourites.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Ardeche guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.
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Hotels in Joyeuse
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Map of Joyeuse and places nearby
Visit near Joyeuse with France This Way reviews
Labeaume
Both the medieval village and the river beach combine to make Labeaume very rewarding to visit
Labeaume guide
Naves
Stroll through the pretty village of Naves and you will see progressively more ancient houses disappearing back into the landscape
Naves guide
Banne
The exceptional views from Banne are the highlight, and the streets of the small village and castle ruins are also highlights
Banne guide
Vallon Pont d'Arc
Because of the proximity to the Gorges de l'Ardeche and the lively holiday atmosphere Vallon Pont d'Arc is a good base for exploring
Vallon Pont d'Arc guide
Ailhon
The beauty of Ailhon is the chance to follow the footpaths through the forests between the separate hamlets
Ailhon guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Ardeche
Address: Joyeuse, Largentière, Rhone-Alpes, 7260, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.480278, longitude 4.238611
Plan your visit to Joyeuse, Ardeche
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Gorges du Gardon: grand site of france (6 km)
- Bois de Païolive: site of natural beauty (11 km)
- Balazuc: most beautiful village (11 km)
- Gorges de l'Ardeche: grand site of france (15 km)
- Vogue: most beautiful village (16 km)
- Tanargue: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Grotte de la Cocaliere: site of natural beauty (21 km)
- Jardin du mas de l'Abri: remarkable garden (23 km)
- Vals-les-Bains: recommended detour (23 km)
- Aven d'Orgnac: grand site of france (24 km)
- Réserve naturelle nationale des Gorges de l'Ardèche: site of natural beauty (24 km)
- Jardin du Tomple: remarkable garden (26 km)
Market days in Joyeuse, France
Regular market(s) are held in Joyeuse each Wednesday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Joyeuse (Francais)