Pontarlier: Heritage, Gardens and Walking Trails

Pontarlier can be explored through a wide range of themes: surviving traces of its fortifications, collections on the history of the town and region, a historic garden, and walking and themed routes. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether you want to focus primarily on heritage, gardens, family activities or routes in the surrounding area. The Porte Saint-Pierre, the Musée Municipal and the Parc Jeanine Dessay each offer their own focus.

Heritage and Art in Pontarlier

The Porte Saint-Pierre is one of the few surviving traces of Pontarlier’s original fortifications. Since 1970, it has been listed in France’s supplementary inventory of historic monuments. The Chapelle des Annonciades is also listed as a historic monument and is now set up as an exhibition space; this use may change. Since 1924, the Salon des Annonciades has been held there every year and is considered the oldest art salon in Franche-Comté. Dates and programmes may vary from one edition to another. If you are planning a visit around it, check the latest information.

The Musée Municipal was founded in 1977 after the acquisition of a former private residence and opened to the public in 1982. It displays archaeological collections spanning prehistory, protohistory and the early Middle Ages, French and foreign faience, and regional painting from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum also explores Pontarlier’s significant role in the history of absinthe. The collections therefore span the period from prehistory to more recent art history, with absinthe forming a distinct regional focus.

Gardens and Activities along the Doubs

In the centre of Pontarlier lies Parc Jeanine Dessay, a former 17th-century monastery garden. More than 1,100 plant species grow there across a geometric garden, an English garden and an alpine garden; there is also a small marsh and a pond. The garden’s layout may continue to evolve as restoration progresses.

Along the banks of the Doubs, there is a purpose-built promenade, opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, roller-ski and roller-skating tracks, and a bi-cross track. These facilities cater to different activities along the river. Availability may vary; check which ones are currently open when planning your visit.

Walks and Trails

Pontarlier à Pas Contés is a playful walk through the town centre for children aged 6 to 10, accompanied by their parents. It is 1.7 kilometres long, takes about 1.5 hours and includes games and puzzles along the way. Printed materials may change.

The Chemin du train offers a different kind of outing: this 17-kilometre family walk runs from Pontarlier to Gilley along a former railway line that has been converted into a trail. The two outings therefore differ significantly in length and format: one is a walk through the town centre, while the other is a linear route between two places. Check the surface and maintenance condition of the Chemin du train locally.

The Larmont area is connected to the Swiss trail network and the GTJ, and offers walks with views of the Alps. Visibility and seasonal activities may vary. The linear trail, playful town-centre walk and walks around Larmont thus offer different options for planning your visit without following the same format.

Absinthe History and Getting There

The annual Absinthiades put the “Green Fairy” centre stage and bring Pontarlier’s historic absinthe heritage to life through events, collections, exhibitions and tastings. Dates, venues and programmes may vary; check the latest information if you are planning your visit around the event. The Route de l’Absinthe also connects the theme with a wider regional perspective: it is a Franco-Swiss tourist route running from Pontarlier to Noiraigue in Switzerland. Along the route, visitors can discover around twenty noteworthy places, including distilleries, a drying shed and museums. Participating locations and route information may change.

Pontarlier station has a TER ticket machine, as well as bus services operated by Pontabus and bus and coach services operated by Montjura. Services and operating arrangements may change; check the latest information before travelling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lavans-Vuillafans, Châtelblanc, Malbuisson, Grandfontaine, Cléron, Corcelle-Mieslot, Jougne, Montenois.

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