Joyeuse (river)

Joyeuse
Show map of France Show map of Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Location
Country	France
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Iholdy
Mouth
• location	Bidouze
• coordinates	43°21′13″N 1°1′34″W
Length	27 km (17 mi)
Basin features
Progression	Bidouze→ Adour→ Atlantic Ocean

The Joyeuse (French pronunciation: [ʒwajøz] ^ⓘ; Basque: Iholdiko erreka) is a left tributary of the Bidouze, in the French Basque Country (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), in the Southwest of France. It is 26.7 km (16.6 mi) long.^[1]

Name

Its name Joyeuse, that applies also to the Aran and one of its tributaries, is in legend the name of the sword of Charlemagne. It was attributed after the battle of Roncevaux. At this time, many breaches or narrow passes in the Pyrenees were renamed in reference to Roland.

Geography

The Joyeuse rises in Iholdy and flows into the Bidouze in Saint-Palais.

Départements and towns

• Pyrénées-Atlantiques: Iholdy, Orsanco, Beyrie-sur-Joyeuse, Saint-Palais.

Main tributaries

• Azkonbegiko erreka

References

1. Sandre. "Fiche cours d'eau - La Joyeuse (Q81-0400)".