CASTANEA

Since the Middle Ages, chestnut trees have been grown on the slopes of the Ardèche. And an inseparable link was forged between the people of the Ardèche and this fruit which became the basis of their diet. Over the centuries, the chestnut tree has shaped the economic, social and cultural history of the Ardèche. Today, the Ardèche provides half of the national production of chestnuts. To pay tribute to this, the old chestnut museum in Joyeuse has been given a makeover. This space dedicated to the Ardèche chestnut, inaugurated in 2018, is installed in a former 17th century college in the heart of the medieval town of Joyeuse, and invites you to discover the breadfruit tree, the evolution through the ages of the techniques of exploitation and use of the chestnut grove and its fruits. In the past, from the coffin to the cradle, everything was made of chestnut wood. What's new compared to the old museum? Renovated premises and a new exhibition. You will learn all about the history of chestnut growing, which has fed generations of Ardéchois. As a bonus, there is a beautiful shop with the "Goûtez l'Ardèche" label, where you can stock up on local and artisanal products. Of course the PDO chestnut of Ardèche is honoured. And you, how do you like chestnuts? Roasted, in marron glacé, in jam or cream, in flour for pastries or in the juice of the turkey? You can also stock up on other gourmet products from farm producers, often organic.