Skip to main content

The Ardeche and Chestnuts – a love affair since the beginning of time (or almost…)

A lot more than just a Chestnut Museum!

Chestnuts are the flagship fruit of the Ardèche!
As you move through the various exhibition areas, you can follow the long and poignant history of the Ardeche people and chestnuts.

And chestnuts still have a promising future in the Ardeche today:
Lend an ear and listen to the accounts of enthusiastic chestnut growers.

Feel like a little taste of the Ardeche?

The tour has been carefully concocted for children and adults alike, with a generous dose of imagination, inventiveness, and, of course, a few tasty treats…A tube of locally-produced chestnut cream is offered free with each paying ticket! (Excluding special Group tickets)

Castanea showcases the knowledge and experience of local producers and processors so that you’ll appreciate chestnuts even more. Chestnuts are our pride and joy, and now part of our gastronomic heritage.
Welcome the world of Ardeche chestnut production!

The Site

Castanea - Espace découverte de la Châtaigne d'Ardèche (the Ardèche Chestnut Discovery Exhibition Area) is located in the medieval town of Joyeuse in a stunning building that dates back to the 17th century. Because of its layout on two floors at the top of the town of Joyeuse, the site is difficult to access for people with reduced mobility.

Pets not allowedchiensnonadmis

 

100% local

The Producers’ Boutique

You’ll find a wide variety of top-quality produce made with Ardeche chestnuts by local chestnut producers: various plain and flavoured chestnut creams and jams, chestnut gingerbread, chestnut honey, waffles and biscuits made with chestnut flour, vegetable pâtés, sweets, chestnut honey lollies, flour, pre-prepared mixes for pancakes, syrups, and much more.

You’ll also find gifts and souvenirs: handcrafted items, recipe books, postcards, etc.

The boutique is open during museum opening hours

Plan your visit

  • April -May -June

    Tuesdays to Sundays 2pm-6pm + 10/04

  • July & August

    Mondays to Fridays 10am-6pm
    Saturday and Sunday, 14th July and 15th August 2pm-6pm

  • September - October and Autumn Half-Term
    Tuesdays to Sundays 2pm-6pm

Latest admission to the museum is 1 hour before closing time
Closed on Mondays (except in July and August)

Method of payment accepted:  Payment card | Cash and Checks

Individual Ticket Prices

Self-Guided Tour

 

Adult Full Price

6.50 €

Adult Discount Price * 5.50 €

Young Person (6-17)

4.00 €

Free for children under 6.

 

* Discount Price : Carte Cezam/Guide du Routard Drôme-Ardèche /Loisirs Plus Gîtes de France/Clévacances/Pass Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche

Bonus! A tube of locally-produced chestnut cream Spécial Castanea FREE with every paying ticket (individual tickets)