Porrentruy (Pruntrut) is a small town and the centre of the Ajoie region. At the Circuit Secret Porrentruy, a digital key opens the way to several unusual places in the Château and the Old Town. Some stops feature sound and light displays; there is also a gourmet version. This lets you focus on historic sites, immersive stops or the culinary aspect.
Château and Old Town
The Château de Porrentruy was the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Basel from 1524 to 1792. Its architecture spans the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. Those interested in architectural history will encounter several periods here, rather than just one building phase. The Château includes the castle courtyard and the Réfous Tower; both are freely accessible to the public. Check current access arrangements before your visit.
The Old Town can also be explored on foot. Its cobbled streets pass Baroque townhouses. The townscape thus offers a distinct contrast to the Château’s long architectural history. The Circuit Secret Porrentruy includes places in both areas and offers another way to explore Porrentruy’s historical heritage.
History at the Hôtel-Dieu
The Hôtel-Dieu served as a hospital from 1765 to 1956. Visitors can see the treasury of Saint-Pierre Church and the stained-glass windows of Saint-Germain. The building’s furnishings have their own history too: the Hôtel-Dieu pharmacy was fitted out in 1846 by cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Carraz. The history of a hospital, sacred art and craftsmanship come together here in one place.
Botany and dinosaur tracks
The JURASSICA Botanical Garden offers a different focus. More than 3,000 plant taxa are catalogued there; botanical collections are presented in themed greenhouses that recreate different environments. The park also has an educational apiary and an Apiary Trail. These attractions turn the spotlight on plants and bees, while Dinotec in Porrentruy displays palaeontological traces.
At least 100 dinosaur tracks can be seen at Dinotec. Prepared sauropod and theropod tracks are displayed in the building’s courtyard. The JURASSICA Museum in Porrentruy is currently closed to the public for an extensive renovation and redesign project. The closure is scheduled to run from September 2025 until 2027, provisionally. Check the latest information before travelling if you are planning a museum visit.
A culinary complement
Ô Vergers d’Ajoie traces the journey of a fruit brandy, syrup or jam from the blossoming orchards to the consumer’s palate. Guided tours with tastings are available by advance reservation. This offers a distinct focus alongside the historical and natural history themes. The Circuit Secret Porrentruy is also available in a gourmet version.
Getting there and planning your visit
For road directions: from Switzerland, Porrentruy is accessible via the A16 motorway, which connects to the Swiss national road network and the French motorway network. The main road runs from Delémont via the Boncourt border crossing to Belfort in France; a secondary road leads directly to Montbéliard.
The JURASSICA Museum and Botanical Garden are served by CarPostal route 75; the stop is called JURASSICA Museum. Check the timetable before travelling. When planning your visit, it is also worth taking into account the museum closure and the tours at Ô Vergers d’Ajoie, which require advance reservations. This makes it possible to tailor your plans to your interests in architecture, collections, botany, dinosaur tracks and the history of regional products.
Discover more destinations: Seleute, Lugnez, Beurnevésin, Vendlincourt, Chevenez, Coeuve, Saint-Ursanne, Ocourt
For the main travel overview: Porrentruy.
