Joyeuse (river)

The Joyeuse (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 long.

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