In Porrentruy, a digital key opens the way to hidden places in the Château, the Réservoir du Varieux and the Hôtel-Dieu. Sound and light animations bring the city’s history and Jura legends to life. Other discoveries range from dinosaur tracks and botanical collections to Bonfol’s pottery traditions.
Château, city history and museums
Porrentruy is the main town of the French-speaking Porrentruy District and is considered a historic town with architectural landmarks. The Château overlooks the old town and was the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Basel from 1524 to 1792. The courtyard and Tour Réfous are freely accessible to the public every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can use a digital key or book a guided tour for the Circuit Secret de Porrentruy.
The Circuit Horloger can also be explored independently, with an explanatory brochure to accompany the route. If you prefer a guided tour, it must be booked in advance through Jura Tourisme. The two circuits thus offer different ways to explore: one opens up hidden places with sound and light animations, while the other is explained in a brochure.
The Musée de l’Hôtel-Dieu is housed in a hospital building where patients from the town and the wider region were treated from 1765 to 1956. The collection includes Gothic goldsmithing: three masterpieces by Basel goldsmith Georges Schongauer date from the late 15th century. The collection is considered the most significant Gothic goldsmithing collection in the Jura. POPA adds to the museum scene with a permanent exhibition of optical art and a temporary exhibition shown twice a year, in spring and autumn. The specific exhibition dates vary.
Fossils, gardens and hiking trails
The JURASSICA Museum traces the history of the Jura’s natural heritage. Its themes include marine fossils, local wildlife and a mineralogical collection. At JURASSICA Dinotec, you can see at least 100 dinosaur tracks, including tracks made by the predatory theropod Allosaurus. The site is freely accessible around the clock. At the JURASSICA Botanical Garden, you can explore themed greenhouses and a Jura garden featuring plant species typical of the region; the garden is one of Switzerland’s oldest botanical gardens.
There are trails with different levels of difficulty to choose from. The Sentier du Km 0 is 7.5 kilometres long, flat and wooded; it leads to remnants of the French, Swiss and German front lines from the First World War. The Boucle de Porrentruy is a 14-kilometre circular trail suitable for families. The two routes therefore differ in both length and the trail features described. Current trail conditions may vary on the Sentier du Km 0; for the Boucle, check conditions and signage before setting out.
In Bonfol, the 13-kilometre Boucle au départ de Bonfol leads to the historic site of Le Largin. The Étangs de Bonfol also have three signposted walking trails with information panels about the forest, ponds, flora and fauna. If you plan to follow these trails, check the route details before your visit.
Bonfol clay and regional tastings
Bonfol’s naturally fire-resistant clay was used to make cooking pots and dishes for oven cooking. At the Musée de la Poterie, an exhibition room explains traditional and modern ceramic techniques, from local clay through shaping and decoration to firing. The museum thus showcases both artisanal and industrial activities involving the village’s clay.
Ô Vergers d’Ajoie is Switzerland’s museum of fruit and distillation. It offers interactive and multisensory activities for families, groups and professionals. Guided tours with tastings can be arranged by reservation. You can reach Ô Vergers d’Ajoie by public transport from Porrentruy railway station via the “Ô Verger d’Ajoie” stop. The Circuit Secret gourmand de Porrentruy adds five tastings of local drinks and products to the experience.
Discover more destinations: Chevenez, Vendlincourt, Courchavon, Beurnevésin, Courgenay Ju, Pruntrut, Saint-Ursanne, Rocourt Ju, Ocourt, Asuel, Seleute, Coeuve, Lugnez, Bonfol
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