Renowned for its ancient quarries and ancestral stone-cutting expertise, the village of Junas, near Sommières, is known for its famous jazz festival and... its Rencontres de la Pierre (Stone Festival).
A former fortress, Junas retains traces of its past in the architecture of its medieval center.
More than 2,000 years of rock extraction using a manual method that remained unchanged from the Gallo-Roman era until the mid-20th century, when quarrying ceased, have left a lasting mark on Junas.
The village and its quarries are dotted with works by stonemasons, sculptors, and mosaic artists.
The quarries ceased operation in the mid-20th century after 2,000 years of extraction.
During the summer season, they are transformed into a magnificent setting for the internationally renowned Jazz Festival and the Rencontres de la Pierre, which brings together stonemasons from all over Europe.
Works created by stonemasons, sculptors, mosaic artists, and blacksmiths from around the world are scattered throughout the quarries and the village.
The kiosk, whose arches represent the five continents, is the result of ten years of fabulous work by stonemasons, mosaic artists, stone cutters, and sculptors.
Finally, a trail built on the old railway line connecting Nîmes to Sommières offers the possibility of green walks...
Junas Town Hall
1,0 place de l'Avenir, 30250 Junas
Tel.: 04 66 80 05 05
Translated with DeepL.com
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