An accessible section of the Roman road, a village church first mentioned in 884, and hiking options with clearly different time requirements give Péry several concrete points of interest for a stay. The village lies at 635 m above sea level in the Vallon de Saint-Imier, drained by the Schüss River, known in French as the Suze, at the southern foot of the Montoz range of the Jura Mountains, above the Rondchâtel gorge. The wider area of Péry includes the Terbez Valley, situated between two Jura ranges, and extends to the Montoz ridge. The highest point in this wider area is at 1,312 m above sea level.

Archaeology and Nature Trail

A section of the Roman road is accessible today at the Toise de Saint-Martin. The exposed road, cut into the rock, has two pairs of grooves about 107 cm apart. The archaeological site is a 15-minute walk from Frinvillier.

The Toise de Saint-Martin is one of three stops on the archaeological trail, which starts in Péry or La Heutte. It is about 3 km long and takes approximately 40 minutes to walk. Along the trail, panels provide information about nature, the region and its distinctive features. The trail is particularly suitable for families and anyone looking for an easy hike.

Village Church and Earlier History of the Lordship

The village church in Péry was first mentioned in 884. After Péry adopted the Reformation in 1530, it became a Reformed church. The present village church was built in 1706 around the core of an older Gothic building. A Roman Catholic chapel was also built in Péry in 1906.

Châtillon Castle, from which the lords of Péry ruled, is now a ruin. The remains of a valley-side watchtower survive from the former residence of the ministeriales of Péry.

Biodiversity Promenade

The “Péry-La Heutte” Biodiversity Promenade can be walked in either direction. It follows a forest path with eight independent themed stops; introductory stops are located at Reuchenette-Péry and La Heutte railway stations. The promenade also has a picnic area. Those who want to focus on nature rather than archaeological history will find a walk here with a different emphasis.

Hiking Options for Different Time Commitments

A longer option is the route “Romont – Montagne de Romont – Plagne – Châtillon – Reuchenette-Péry,” classified as moderately difficult. It is 10.2 km long, takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, and ends at Reuchenette-Péry railway station. Compared with the approximately 3 km nature trail, which takes about 40 minutes to walk, it requires considerably more hiking time; unlike the easy nature trail, it is rated as moderately difficult.

Dining in Péry

The Bergerie du Pré-La-Patte in Péry serves fondue, country-style menus and brunch. The establishment also sells farm products such as baby beef, dried beef, dried beef sausages, bread and plaited bread.

Discover more destinations: St-Imier, Sonvilier, Renan, Orvin, Plagne, Cortébert, Villeret Be, La Ferrière Be.

For the overview of the wider region: Courtelary.