Lugnez combines a landscape along the Coeuvatte with a remarkable chapel history and seasonal nature observations. The village is part of the municipality of Damphreux-Lugnez, in the Porrentruy district of the canton of Jura in Switzerland. Lugnez lies around 8 kilometres as the crow flies north of Porrentruy; its altitude is about 411 metres. The landscape, the “Le plat pays” day hike and the Saint-Imier Chapel provide useful points of reference for planning your trip.
Landscape and nature in Lugnez
Lugnez lies in the Coeuvatte valley basin and on the adjoining slopes in northern Ajoie, near the French border. The broader area around Lugnez includes the open, gently rolling tableland of the Ajoie Jura, crossed by the Coeuvatte valley. To the east, it extends to the La Voivre forest; to the north, the border mountain Le Mont marks the boundary. The area around Lugnez drains via the Coeuvatte into the Allaine.
At the level of the municipality of Damphreux-Lugnez, green hills and gently rolling landscapes shape the rural, peaceful character of the area. The municipality’s architecture is considered typical of the region and includes stone houses with red tiled roofs. These features apply to Damphreux-Lugnez as a whole and complement the more precise geographical orientation around Lugnez.
Tree frogs can be heard at the Sous la Voivre pond at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. This seasonal nature experience is limited to this period; conditions may vary from year to year. If you would like to include such observations in your trip plans, the time of year is therefore an important point of reference.
The Saint-Imier Chapel and its history
The Saint-Imier Chapel was built in 1697, later rebuilt and extended several times, and restored in 1830. Its most recent renovation took place in 1970. According to tradition, Saint-Imier built an oratory at the site of the chapel; Saint-Imier is considered the only saint born in the Jura. On 19 March 2002, the chapel was classified as a historic monument.
Celebrations are regularly held in the chapel in summer, and their dates may vary. If you would like to attend a celebration, check the date in advance. Historically, the Feast of Saint Imier on 12 November was a meeting place for thousands of pilgrims. This historical significance does not imply that the feast is held today.
Hiking and activities around Lugnez
The “Le plat pays” day hike leads from Coeuve across fields and along forest edges to Damphreux, then on to Lugnez. In Lugnez, the route passes the Saint-Imier Chapel and continues towards Beurnevésin. Trail conditions may change; check the current route before setting out.
Another nature destination is the Cabane du Lugnez, set in a well-preserved natural Jura forest. The rustic hut has hiking trails nearby. The Cabane du Lugnez is therefore a separate point of reference from the “Le plat pays” route.
At “Découverte à la ferme” in the centre of Lugnez, children and families are offered a farm visit, pony rides or horseback rides, as well as activities to get to know horses. The Noirjean family also organises children’s birthday parties and takes part in the “School on the Farm” programme for class outings. As offers and programmes may change, check the latest details when making specific plans.
A brief history of the village
Lugnez was first mentioned between 501 and 600 as Lugduniaco; in 1225, the name appears again as Lunigie. The village is also associated with more recent cultural history: the artist Franzueli Rechsteiner (1949–2015) lived and worked in Lugnez during the last 18 years of his life. Together with the history of the chapel, these details provide a historical context for a visit, while the hiking route and seasonal tree frogs reveal other sides of the village.
Discover more destinations: Coeuve, Ocourt, Rocourt Ju, Saint-Ursanne, Courgenay Ju, Vendlincourt, Seleute, Asuel.
For the broader travel overview: Porrentruy.
