This is based on the history of the chateau and on the fight for freedom: the anniversary of the death of Toussaint Louverture, the abolition of slavery, exhibitions, readings and artistic residences, new plays and theatrical productions, concerts, night-time visits, treasure hunts, cultural heritage visits, historical re-enactments… and also a few events that combine sport and heritage in this magnificent setting.
The chateau de Joux enjoys a rich and diverse programme of artistic and cultural events.
April 1st to November 15th 2023
Exhibition "Toussaint Louverture, precursor of the liberation of the Haitian people, prisoner at the Château de Joux"
Through 10 panels set up around the Château de Joux plan-relief, the exhibition retraces the major stages of the Haitian Revolution, the first abolition of slavery, Toussaint Louverture’s political and military action, his arrest, imprisonment and conditions of detention at the Château de Joux, and his memory in 2023.
Exhibition in French. Every day during Château opening hours: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5:30pm.
This summer
Thematic visit "In the footsteps of Toussaint Louverture"
Sundays 23 and 30 July, 6, 13 and 20 August at 2pm (duration: 1h30) – Visit in French only.
Toussaint Louverture, slave-turned-general, governor of Saint-Domingue and precursor of Haitian independence, was imprisoned and died at Château de Joux on April 7, 1803. Take a tour of the major stages in Toussaint Louverture’s life, share in his struggle to free the slaves and relive his last moments at Château de Joux!
From age 10, booking recommended. All year round for groups of 15 to 50 people, booking at least 14 days in advance.
From July 11th to August 24th
Unusual, theatrical "Lady Cactus" night tours
- Ambulatory comedy for all audiences by Mathilde Martinage, in collaboration with CAHD
- Every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30pm (attention: exceptionally, the July 13 performance has been moved to Wednesday, July 19).
- Running time: 1h15 to 1h30
- Reservations required
- Only in French
- In the event of inclement weather, the show will be cancelled.
Two real-fake historians take on the most unexpected roles to take us on a journey with the forgotten women of Joux. They set off in search of the castle’s women, sometimes heiresses, sometimes prisoners, but never insignificant. Ghosts resurface, stories are told!
And then, sometimes, our two acolytes get lost and let themselves be carried away by the whirlwind of their imagination! Follow them, and don’t be afraid of ghosts!
From July 28th to August 12th
The "Nuits de Joux" Festival
Every summer (from late July to mid-August), the association “Le Centre d’animation du Haut-Doubs” organizes the Festival des Nuits de Joux, combining theater, dance and music in the setting of the cour d’honneur, at the foot of the keep – and also in the streets and concert halls of Pontarlier.
European Heritage Days
Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September 2023
- From 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6 pm
- Last entrance at 11:45 am and 5:15 pm
- Free admission, no reservation required
Heritage, archaeology and architecture are the focus of this year’s European Heritage Days!
With its 2 hectares of buildings and 250 rooms all listed as historic monuments, the Château de Joux benefits from daily care and attention. From maintenance and restoration work to scientific research and archaeological excavations, specialists are busy preserving and enhancing this remarkable Haut-Doubs heritage.
Spend a weekend with the whole family discovering projects around the monument and heritage professions.
Ask for the programme!
Our events are very popular, so don’t wait to book!
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