Quarries of Junas
Junas is known for its ancient quarries in the Garrigues and the know-hows connected to stone cutting.
The quarries "Carrières du Bon Temps"
More than 2000 years of stone extraction depending on a manual method, unchanged from the Gallo-Roman period to the middle of the 20th century; when the exploitation of the quarries ended.
Patiently, since the Medieval times, the quarrymen dug the stones to extract the material needed to build their houses. Because of the breaches in the rock, they finally gave up some “Laisses” which look like tapers at the centre of the quarries. It gives a magnificent setting to the different shows offered during summer season, including the Rencontre de la Pierre, which reunites stone cutters from all Europe and a Jazz festival known internationally.
To do : The interpretive Trail “Living stone”.
Junas stone
Built on a rocky mound, Junas was a small fortress closed with 2 porches still visible today. Its medieval centre preserves the tracks of that time: chicane alleys, vaulted passages…
Artworks realized by stone cutters, carvers, mosaicists, and blacksmiths coming from all around the world are spread inside the quarries and the village, including the famous kiosk.
To be seen : The street plates with jazzmen names, referring to the Jazz festival.