Rocourt Ju is a municipality in the Porrentruy district of the Canton of Jura, Switzerland. Local history and architecture come together here with specific route connections: the parish church houses several works of art from different centuries, while cycling and hiking trails place Rocourt on named routes. The historic salt road adds an earlier connection between two places to these themes. When planning, you can choose between cultural history, cycling and hiking.
Church and Architecture in Haute-Ajoie
The parish church of Saint-François-Xavier was built in 1857–1859; the bell tower porch dates from 1896. The dates distinguish two phases of construction. The church also contains stained-glass windows by Inès Vandeghinste from 1984 and 1987, as well as a Pietà from the early 16th century. It comes from Rocourt’s former aristocratic chapel. The church thus brings together 19th-century construction, later stained glass and a significantly older work of art.
Another architectural landmark is the house at Bas du village 29. It is considered a typical high house of Haute-Ajoie and is partly separated from its imposing farm building. Unlike the church’s works of art, what makes this house distinctive is the relationship between the residence and the agricultural building. Together, the church and the house offer two different perspectives on the architectural history of the village.
Historic Connection and Cycling Route
The historic salt road passed through Rocourt, connecting Arc-et-Senans with Porrentruy. It links the village to a route between different places, while today’s cycling and hiking trails have their own route connections. The Chevenez–Rocourt–Réclère cycling connection is one of the tourist circuits between Porrentruy and Belfort established as part of FrancoVéloSuisse. It also shares its route with Swiss Cycle Route 647, “In the Footsteps of the Dinosaurs.” For navigation, both the local connection and the names of the wider routes are relevant. As infrastructure details can change, check the latest route information before setting out on a cycling trip.
Hiking and Local Trails
The La Faux d’Enson hiking route passes through Roche d’Or on its way to Rocourt and an observation tower that offers a beautiful viewpoint. One possible way to access the route starts at Porrentruy railway station and follows the Allaine through Porrentruy. The route description therefore includes both the stretch via Roche d’Or and an approach from Porrentruy. Rocourt also has an educational nature trail.
A smartphone app for the Sentier Rocourt is available to download from Google Play. If you plan to use the app, check in advance that it is still available. The cycling connection and hiking route offer different ways to explore the area; which one you choose depends on whether you want to focus on a cycling trip or a hike.
Regional Tradition and Damassine
Haute-Ajoie also offers a seasonal attraction: the Saint-Martin folk festival is celebrated there on the second weekend in November and is considered a living tradition. The date may be relevant when planning a stay in the region. This information applies to Haute-Ajoie as a whole.
Another specific local connection is the production of Damassine: in Rocourt, Damassine eau-de-vie is processed into AOP Damassine nectar. Regional production and processing thus complement the architectural history and route themes. When planning, you can consider these different interests separately: the church and house represent architecture and art, the routes offer activities on foot or by bike, and Saint-Martin is a regional event in November.
Discover more destinations: Coeuve, Courchavon, Beurnevésin, Bonfol, Chevenez, Seleute, Asuel, Ocourt.
Go to the main travel overview: Porrentruy.
