The Étangs de Bonfol et de Vendlincourt lie between Bonfol and Vendlincourt and form a cantonal nature reserve that encompasses both municipalities. Local heritage also includes the Église de Vendlincourt and the Sentier des arbres «vénérables». The municipality thus brings together landscapes, church architecture and a tree trail described in historical accounts.

Location and landscape

Vendlincourt is a political municipality in the Porrentruy district of the Canton of Jura in Switzerland. The clustered village lies in a hollow in the Vendline stream’s headwaters, in the Ajoie region, known in German as Elsgau. It is at an elevation of 448 m above sea level, 7 km as the crow flies northeast of Porrentruy.

The municipal area encompasses the low-lying valley in the Vendline’s headwaters and the open, gently rolling Jura plateau of the Ajoie between the Coeuvatte and the Vendline. It also includes the extensive forests of Le Chêtre and, to the south, the heights of Bois Juré. Vendlincourt’s highest point is at 541 m above sea level; Sur la Charmille reaches 522 m above sea level. These figures refer to different points: the elevation of the village and two elevations within the municipal area. Along the Chemin du Jura, fields, pastures and wooded areas alternate until Vendlincourt comes into view.

The cantonal designation as a nature reserve may be revised. If the protected status is important for your plans, check the current designation.

The Sentier des arbres «vénérables»

A report dated 25 July 2012 described the 2.5-kilometre Sentier des arbres «vénérables», running from the Cabane forestière des Grisettes in Vendlincourt along the edge of the forest towards Miécourt; the route then followed the French-Swiss border. The report mentions 25 selected trees, each marked with a post and a number so that hikers could identify them easily.

The engravings on beeches and oaks also form part of this historical perspective: they were carved with knives over the course of the 20th century. Those named in the report as having made them include soldiers from the Second World War, passing lovers and former forest wardens. The tree trail is therefore characterised not only by its described route, but also by the different stories behind the engravings. Check current trail conditions and markers before visiting.

Church architecture and art

The Église de Vendlincourt was completely rebuilt in 1817. In the entrance area, a stained-glass window by Jean-Claude Guélat forms the main feature of the wall. There is also a note about the provenance of part of the church treasury: it comes from Bellelay Abbey. These three details offer different insights into the church—its building history, the design of the entrance area and the provenance of part of its collection.

Practical information

The Vendlincourt Gare P+Rail car park is located at 2943 Vendlincourt. It is accessible around the clock, seven days a week, and is free of charge. As opening hours and fees may change, check the current parking conditions before travelling.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Coeuve, Asuel, Chevenez, Ocourt, Rocourt Ju, Lugnez, Courgenay Ju, Porrentruy.

For the overview of the wider area: Porrentruy.