Joannas is a commune in the Ardèche department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 24 km south-west of Aubenas (by road).
Its territory of nearly 12 km² ranges from 319 to 1207 m above sea level, dominated by the summit of the Cham du Cros to the north, which announces the mountain of Tanargue and the Massif Central...
Composed of he village and several hamlets, covered with forests (70% of its area), the locality was a stronghold of the Vivarais under the Old Regime and now belongs to the natural and cultural region of the Ardèche Cévennes.
The village developed after the year 1000 around a feudal castle and a Romanesque church then dedicated to Saint John (which gave its name to the parish). The population took refuge in the fortified enclosure during the troubles.
Nowadays, the ancient heritage has been preserved and enhanced, and the mid-mountain town (which has some 300 inhabitants) highlights its environment as its leisure offer. Enough to seduce lovers of green tourism!
The discovery of the heritage of the town can begin, in the village, by the parish church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, formerly dedicated to Saint John. Its Roman foundations date from the 12th century, but only the original nave remains. The building was indeed enlarged and restored in the 15th and 16th centuries (addition of the choir and side chapels) and later still, in the 19th century, the belfry-comb was replaced by a belfry-tower.
Still in the village of Joannas, the feudal castle, listed in the Inventory, was built in the 11th and 12th centuries. With a square base forming an interior courtyard, it was remodeled and embellished during the Renaissance (balcony, turrets), its keep being then preserved (square tower). The imposing fortress which allowed the inhabitants and peasants to protect themselves during the raids of mercenaries during the medieval wars then of Religion or other bandits was however rebuilt in the 17th century, on the orders of Richelieu. Nowadays, of more modest size, the monument has nevertheless retained a proud appearance and houses the town hall, an exhibition hall and hosts events and meetings of associations. Inquire on +33 4 75 88 32 20.
A few hectometres to the northeast is the old feudal castle of Logères: it was rebuilt in the 18th century on the foundations of a 14th century fortified house. The masters of the place owned the estate for several centuries, and the last Count of Fontaine de Logères resided there until 2010. With a 4-hectare park, the complex (castle and exteriors) was divided between several owners.. There is still an observatory orchard of old varieties of fruit (apples, pears, peaches, etc.), a vegetable garden cultivated according to traditional methods and a botanical garden of aromatic and medicinal plants. An association offers moped rides to discover the region (contact +33 6 41 56 65 63) and another offers courses dedicated to well-being...
As far as sports activities and "nature" leisure activities are concerned, please note first of all that the hilly and green territory of Joannas as well as its close surroundings turn out to be a real paradise for hikers. Some itineraries are dedicated to vast chestnut groves, others follow rivers and crops (fruit production), others are dotted with elements of small heritage (crossroads). The most experienced walkers can join from Joannas the tour of Tanargue circuit (60 km long with delicate passages in terms of relief). It is then necessary to plan bivouacs. Courses designed for mountain bikers are also available. Maps and information from the Val de Ligne tourist office on +33 4 75 89 33 30.
If you can enjoy the village of a pleasant petanque ground and along the various streams of the locality of fishing "spots" which will particularly appeal to trout lovers (find out about the regulations on +33 4 75 88 30 76), there is also a more spectacular way to admire the landscapes of the Ardèche Cévennes... On the heights of the town (road du Suchet), a paragliding club is indeed established. Initiation flights are obviously offered. Contact +33 6 56 68 42 14.
In July and August, nocturnal and open-air cinema screenings and concert evenings at the castle (town hall). Information on +33 4 75 88 32 20.
The last Sunday in July, communal festival with musical entertainment.
The second weekend of November, traditional Castagnades festival: market, tastings, workshops and musical entertainment on the theme of chestnuts.
