Joucas brings together a distinct artistic trail through the calades and the history of its buildings and village: works from the Labyrinthe d’Art line the calades, which lead to the shady garden of the artists’ studio. Also here are a former Templar commandery, partially protected as a historic monument, the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and views of the plain and the Petit Luberon. You can get to know the village from several different perspectives: art in the village, historic architecture and landscape.
Building history in Joucas
The former Templar commandery in Joucas is partially protected as a historic monument. The protection covers its façades and roofs and dates from a decree of 5 August 1976. A different period can be traced at the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste: it was built in the 18th century to replace Notre-Dame, which had been destroyed during the Wars of Religion. Inside, a trompe-l’œil design featuring pilasters and marble-effect arcades shapes the space. Trompe-l’œil refers to a painted design that makes architectural forms appear convincingly real; here, the pilasters and arcades create that effect. The former church and the later Saint-Jean-Baptiste thus represent different chapters in the village’s history. The former washhouse also offers a glimpse of everyday life: it is a preserved reminder of how the inhabitants once lived.
Art along the calades
The Labyrinthe d’Art places its works along the calades, which lead to the shady garden of the artists’ studio. The focus here is on works of art along a path, while the church’s trompe-l’œil decoration shapes its interior. If you are interested in art in the village, this offers a different perspective on Joucas from the history of the church or washhouse. The calades and the garden form the physical link between the works and the studio.
Location and views
Joucas lies on the foothills of the Monts de Vaucluse. From Joucas, views extend over the plain and the Petit Luberon. The location and the views offer different perspectives: one describes the village’s position by the mountain range, while the other takes in the plain and the Petit Luberon. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore consider whether you are particularly interested in architectural history, art in the village or the surrounding landscape.
Film and past exhibitions
Film is also part of Joucas’s cultural life. The January 2026 municipal bulletin states that the Festival du Cinéma d’Afrique shows a film each year at the Centre Culturel in Joucas. For 2026, the bulletin also lists screenings of La Strada on the first Thursday of each month; the programme may change. The information covers different time periods: the festival is recorded as an annual event, while La Strada’s monthly schedule applies to 2026. If you are planning around a screening, check the specific dates. Several exhibitions have also been held in the former oil mill, featuring artworks and historical information about the building.
Plan your journey and stay
From 1 September 2026, ZOU route 9901 runs from Joucas via Roussillon, Lioux, Murs, Gordes, Goult, Beaumettes, Saint-Pantaléon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Menerbes and Oppède, continuing to Taillades, Robion and Cabrières-d’Avignon. Check the timetable for your travel date, as schedules may change. The route is a practical planning consideration to weigh alongside your interests in local history, art, film and landscape. This can help you choose accommodation that suits the focus you want for your stay in Joucas.
Discover more destinations: Aurel, Beaumont-Du-Ventoux, Saint-Saturnin-Lès-Avignon, Saint-Trinit, Vaugines, Bollene, Courthézon, Beaumes De Venise.
For the wider travel overview: Vaucluse.
