JOYEUSE-AUBENAS-SOUTHERN ARDECHE

Joyeuse and Aubenas – Explore the Southern Ardèche from the Hotel de l’Europe

Discover Joyeuse, Aubenas, and the wonders of the Southern Ardèche. The Hotel de l’Europe is the ideal starting point for exploring this region with its exceptional landscapes.

At the foot of the Cévennes, the medieval village of Joyeuse proudly overlooks the Gorges of the Beaume. Awarded the Town of Arts and Crafts designation, Joyeuse captivates with its diverse crafts (glass, metal, wood, leather, fabric) and its famous Wednesday market, the largest in the Southern Ardèche with over 500 exhibitors.

The town's rich architectural heritage is evident throughout, from its charming alleyways and iconic Goulajous (narrow covered passageways), to its old shops that have become a haven for artists and artisans. Things to see and do: the Gothic church of Saint-Pierre, the Tour de la Recluse, the 14th-century Portes de Jalès and Sainte-Anne, the Renaissance château of the Dukes of Joyeuses, the Cardinal's Gate, the superb Montravel mansion...

The Chestnut Museum, housed in a former convent, is also worth a detour. In October, the Castagnades, the chestnut festival, brings the town to life with tastings and festive events.

The exceptional natural setting offers magnificent hikes to the Cévennes terraces and pleasant relaxing breaks on the banks of the Beaume at Petit Rocher. A 30-minute drive away, Aubenas will amaze you with its architectural treasures, including its eight listed monuments, as well as Vallon Pont-d'Arc with its arch and cavern. A little further on, the Ardèche Gorges reveal a magnificent 32-km-long canyon between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin d'Ardèche, ideal for canoeing or hiking. Chauvet Cave 2, a replica of the famous decorated cave, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and well worth a visit.

Joyeuse and the Ardèche promise a unique immersion in nature, history, and craftsmanship, in the heart of an authentic and unspoiled region.

Village of Joyeuse

The JOYEUSE market takes place every Wednesday morning all year round. In the summer season, there is also a night market every Sunday evening, and on Thursday evenings, a craft market (designers) from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. from July 1st to August 31st.

There is also the Chestnut Museum and the Caricature Museum.

For swimming: Petit Rocher Beach

Don't miss one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in southern Ardèche on July 14th, as well as the village festival and its ball.

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