Maison des Anciens Remèdes: A Journey Through Herbs and Traditions in Jovençan

The Maison des Anciens Remèdes (House of Ancient Remedies) in Jovençan, in the Aosta Valley, is a truly unique ethnographic museum. It is more than just an exhibition space—it is a treasure chest of knowledge and traditions, inviting visitors to discover the deep connection between humankind, nature, and well-being. Housed in an ancient rural home, the Maison tells the story of medicinal herbs and folk remedies that sustained Alpine communities for centuries.

The Setting of Ancient Wisdom

Located in the heart of Jovençan, the Maison occupies a traditional building that perfectly reflects the rural architecture typical of the Aosta Valley. Its mission is to preserve and pass on the intangible heritage linked to popular medicine and the knowledge of wild plants. In an age of modern medicine, the museum shines a light on the wisdom of the past, recalling how earlier generations cared for themselves and maintained their health using the natural resources of their land.

The Exhibition Path: Between Herbs, Stories, and Rituals

A visit to the Maison is a sensory and narrative journey, often guided, unfolding through a series of rooms that recreate the atmosphere of bygone times.

• The Herbs and Their History: The exhibition halls display dried samples of wild herbs that still grow on the mountains of the Aosta Valley. Informative panels and ancient books illustrate the healing properties of these plants, their names in patois (the local Franco-Provençal dialect), and their uses in traditional medicine.
• The Tools of the Trade: The museum features traditional tools used for harvesting, preparing, and storing herbs—pestles, mortars, distillation stills, and scales—each telling the story of the meticulous work of the healers and herbalists of the past.
• Stories and Superstitions: The Maison goes beyond herbal science, exploring the cultural and anthropological side of folk remedies. Visitors can listen to tales of ancient superstitions, rituals, and beliefs, gaining insight into the spirituality and everyday life of rural mountain communities.

Visitor Information

• Address: Fraz. Les Adam, 1, Jovençan (AO)
• Contacts:
  • Phone: 0165 921021
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours:
  • April to September: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • October to March: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Tickets:
  • Maison or Jardin only
    • Full price: €6.00
    • Reduced: €4.00 (for seniors over 65 and other eligible categories)
  • Combined Maison + Jardin ticket:
    • Full price: €10.00
    • Reduced: €6.00

The Maison des Anciens Remèdes is an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to rediscover the value of ancient traditions, popular wisdom, and the profound harmony between humanity and nature. It is a place of peace and reflection, offering a unique and enriching experience.

Cover photo credits: official website of Maison des Anciens Remèdes