Pontarlier combines historic sights with gardens and trails through the countryside. Cultural highlights include the Porte Saint-Pierre, the Musée Municipal and the Chapelle des Annonciades. For walks and activities, consider the Parc Jeanine Dessay, the banks of the Doubs and the Larmont area.
City History and Absinthe Heritage
The Porte Saint-Pierre is one of the few surviving remnants of Pontarlier’s original fortifications. Since 1970, it has been listed in France’s supplementary inventory of historic monuments. The Chapelle des Annonciades is also listed as a historic monument and is now used as an exhibition hall; its use for exhibitions may change.
The Musée Municipal was founded in 1977, following the acquisition of a former bourgeois residence. The museum opened to the public in 1982. Its collections span prehistory, protohistory and the early Middle Ages. They also include French and foreign faience, as well as regionally influenced paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Another key focus is Pontarlier’s significant role in the history of absinthe. The museum therefore offers different ways to explore local history, from archaeological periods and decorative arts to a cultural history that has shaped the region.
Since 1924, the Salon des Annonciades has been held every year in the chapel and is considered the oldest art salon in Franche-Comté. The annual Absinthiades also put Pontarlier’s absinthe heritage in the spotlight. Events, collections, exhibitions and tastings all celebrate the “green fairy.” Dates, venues and programs may vary; check the details for the relevant edition if you are planning your trip around it.
Gardens, Walks and Activities
In the heart of Pontarlier lies the Parc Jeanine Dessay, a former 17th-century monastery garden. Its grounds include a geometric garden, an English garden and an alpine garden. More than 1,100 plant species grow there; it also has a small bog and a pond. The garden’s design may change as further restoration work is carried out. The park offers a distinctive contrast to the city’s historic buildings and collections.
There are two different routes to suit different time budgets: the Chemin du train is a 17-kilometre family walk from Pontarlier to Gilley along a converted former railway line. Check the surface conditions and maintenance locally. The playful Pontarlier à Pas Contés trail runs for 1.7 kilometres through the town centre and takes about an hour and a half. It is designed for children aged six to ten accompanied by their parents; games and puzzles are part of the experience, and printed materials may change. Its length and approximate duration clearly distinguish this shorter trail from the longer walk.
The banks of the Doubs feature a developed promenade as well as opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. You will also find roller-ski and roller-skating tracks and a BMX track; the facilities’ availability may vary. In the Larmont area, the trail network connects to the Swiss trail network and the GTJ. Walks with views of the Alps are possible, although visibility and seasonal activities may vary.
Cross-Border Discoveries and Getting There
The Route de l’Absinthe is a French-Swiss tourist route from Pontarlier to Noiraigue in Switzerland. Along the way, you can discover around twenty notable sites, including distilleries, a drying shed and museums. Participating locations and route information may change. Together with the Absinthiades, the route offers another way to explore absinthe heritage, but it extends beyond Pontarlier into Switzerland.
Pontarlier station has a TER ticket machine, as well as bus services operated by Pontabus and bus and coach services operated by Montjura. If you are planning your journey using these services, check the latest timetables before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Loray, Les Fontenelles, Arc-sous-Cicon, Cléron, Malbuisson, Chamesol, Dampierre-les-Bois, La Grange.
For the broader travel overview: Doubs.
