Dominated by a former Templar commandery, listed as a historic heritage site, Joucas has experienced an unusual history, punctuated as much by the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem as by the settlement of the Waldensians of the Alps in the 15th century.
A bit of history...
In 1055, Castrum Joucas is mentioned in a charter of the Abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseille.
Property of the bishops of Apt, then of the Agoult-Simiane family, Joucas was, in the 13th century, passed to the military-religious order of the "Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem," which would become the "Order of Malta."
In the 16th century, the general persecution of the Waldensians affected the village, and crimes were committed on both sides. The Lord Commander was assassinated and his body thrown into a well. The majority of the Waldensian population then joined the Reformation and converted. Later, in 1663, the Château de la Commanderie, the remains at the top of the village, and the Temple (Notre-Dame church) were destroyed by the Catholics.
At the end of the 18th century, the priest, representing the Commander, had a new church built, despite financial difficulties.
A Typical Heritage of the Lubéron
Flower-filled nooks, beautiful stone houses, winding cobbled streets—everything invites silence and a stroll.
Joucas has preserved its oil mill, with its original instruments and its partly troglodyte construction. Also worth seeing is the beautiful windmill tower, the oil mill.
Located in the Notre-Dame district are impressive remains from the Gallo-Roman period. These indelible marks of the past bear witness to the ancient and rich history of this region. History and archaeology enthusiasts will be able to discover exceptionally well-preserved structures and relics, reflecting the grandeur of the Gallo-Roman era.
It's also worth mentioning the 18th-century Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, a gem of Italian art and a veritable museum of trompe l'oeil painting.
Today, the charm of the old stones of this hilltop village is enhanced by the Labyrinth of Art and its monumental sculptures that question humanity.
Other curiosities include the washhouse and fountains, scattered throughout the village.
Also worth seeing is the old Commandery, a place steeped in history, which was a refuge and a place of healing for travelers and pilgrims. One of the treasures of this commandery is its chapel, a true architectural masterpiece that bears witness to the religious past of the place.
Finally, we can't fail to mention the 43 Baume Brune rock shelters, 10 of which are adorned with rock paintings dating back to the Neolithic era.
Firmly south-facing and well sheltered from the Mistral wind, Joucas enjoys a unique view of the plain and the ochre hills, the magnificent surrounding landscapes, and the Luberon.
In Joucas, you can also take advantage of the hiking and horseback riding opportunities on the GR6, marked hiking trails, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and horseback riding at the equestrian farm.
Joucas Town Hall
84220 Joucas
Tel.: +33 4.90.05.78.00
http://luberon.fr/communes/joucas/
