Joucas
Last update on
Aug 19, 2026
21km North east of Cavaillon, take the D2 road, then 3km past Gordes take the D102.
Discover the charming village of Joucas, near Gordes in the Luberon
Joucas is perched on a hill in the Vaucluse Mountains, between Gordes and Roussillon, but without the crowds.
Where to stay
This charming hilltop village in the Luberon has about 350 residents. You climb up to it via the “calades”—cobblestone streets laid out in steps and hand-carved from local stone.
At the top, the ruins of the former Commandery of the Knights Hospitaller stand. Along the way, the sculptures of the Art Labyrinth invite you to pause between two fountains and a small shaded plaza.
Before you lie the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, followed by the blue silhouette of the Luberon Mountains. Joucas remains untouched by the hustle and bustle of tourism. Here, you’ll find excellent restaurants and hotels with swimming pools, right in the heart of the Apt-Luberon region.
An ancient village, typical of the Vaucluse region.
Joucas features charming, picturesque, winding little streets, traditionally paved with stepped cobblestones, where you can take a leisurely stroll. You’ll pass beautiful stone houses and wander through flower-filled nooks as you discover all the village’s charms and its many architectural details.
A stunning church
You won’t be able to miss the Church of Saint John the Baptist, which may seem rather ordinary from the outside (rebuilt in 1766) but which, in fact, turns out to be a veritable museum of Italian trompe l’oeil painting on the inside. It’s stunning! You’ve been warned!
A pretty windmill
Joucas is also home to a charming 19th-century windmill. The mill and its mechanism were recently restored, bringing back its old-world charm from the days when it ground flour for the village every day.
The sculptures of the Art Labyrinth
Stunning human sculptures created by artists Mieke Heybroek and Ulysse Plaud can be found in the Art Labyrinth in the heart of the village. Though both artists have since passed away, they left a profound mark on the village’s artistic life.
Numerous hikes through the ochre cliffs
You can take advantage of the marked hiking trails to discover the beauty of the natural surroundings of Joucas. Those who prefer not to venture far can enjoy the magnificent views of the ochre cliffs visible from the village.
Our map of the town of Joucas
To find your way around the town, you can use our interactive map of the village of Joucas, which even works on mobile devices. We’ve marked all the village’s points of interest on it, along with our recommended accommodations. This way, you can locate them before booking your vacation in Joucas.
What to see
The village and its rues calade streets.
18th century church St Jean Baptiste.
Things to do
Hiking and horse-riding.
Tourist trails.
Ballooning.
Tennis and playground.
Festival held during the last weekend in August.
Hotels
Le Jas de Joucas
★★★★
A superb hotel, with beautiful views and a lovely pool. Top-quality restaurant and impeccable welcome. You'll love this hotel in Joucas, close to the village of Gordes.
Bed and breakfast
The place is magnificent, and the location is perfect, just a few minutes from all the little Provence villages to visit. The welcome is very warm. The pool is splendid... in short, a beautiful B&B in Joucas!
Airbnb
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Accommodation
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Your questions about the village of Joucas
You have sent us several questions about the village of Joucas by email. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
What is Joucas?
Joucas is a small village in Provence, in the Vaucluse, halfway between Gordes and Roussillon. It has 348 residents and spreads across a hillside in the Monts de Vaucluse. Its architecture comes down to three things: dry-stone walls, calades and honey-colored facades. The village first appears on record in 1071, under the name Jocadae. Art has taken on an unexpected role here since monumental sculptures were installed right in the heart of the village.
How do you visit Joucas?
Joucas is explored on foot, and only on foot. You leave the car at the bottom, then make your way up at your own pace. Allow about an hour to walk the whole village. The Pays d'Apt Luberon tourist office provides maps and brochures. Our interactive map works as your guide on site: it pinpoints things to do, places to stay and every point of interest before you arrive.
What are the main sights to see?
The village packs its monuments into a few hundred yards. The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, built in the late 18th century, holds trompe-l'oeil paintings and an arched bell tower. At the top of the village, the former commandery of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem has left its ruins behind. The estate is now private property, so you admire it from the street. The Labyrinthe d'Art is the village's other draw. Sculptures by Marion Heybroek and Ulysse Plaud line the route, from the old mill up to the calades.
What is the history of Joucas?
The village first appears in written records in 1071. It became a fief of the Agoult family, one of Provence's leading noble houses, before passing to the Knights Hospitaller in the late 12th century. They set up a commandery here to manage their farms across the valley. In the 16th century, Waldensian families settled in the area and the village was caught up in the Wars of Religion. That past left its mark: ramparts, a castle destroyed and partly rebuilt, and streets that climb in steps. Today, artists and craftspeople carry the story forward. Their work plays off the old architecture.
Where is Joucas located?
Joucas sits in the Vaucluse, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, on the southern slope of the Monts de Vaucluse. The village looks straight out at the ocher cliffs of Roussillon, with the Luberon range behind them. Gordes is 2.5 miles away, Roussillon the same, and Apt about 9 miles. Avignon is roughly an hour's drive. Our interactive map shows the exact location of the village and its access roads.
What things to do in Joucas?
Outdoor activities lead the way here. Marked trails leave the village for the Monts de Vaucluse and the Luberon. Hiking and horseback riding remain the best way to take in the surrounding country. Culture has its place too. A visit through the village mixes contemporary art, historic buildings and slow wandering along the calades. The Provençal market runs on Monday mornings. Hot-air balloon flights, tennis and riding round out the options.
When is the best time to visit Joucas?
Spring and fall are the best seasons. Temperatures stay comfortable, the light is beautiful, and mass tourism still passes the village by. Summer works too, as long as you head out early in the morning. The average annual temperature hovers around 56°F, with highs near 72°F in July. Winter shows another side entirely. Since January 2024, France's statistics office has classed Joucas as a rural commune with scattered housing: off season, the calades are yours alone.
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