Discover Boncourt: History, Nature and Hotels
Accommodation in Boncourt
Boncourt can be explored via three educational trails: “Patrimoine historique”, “Patrimoine industriel” and “Chemin de la liberté”. They trace 200 years of the village’s history and shed light on the rescue of several thousand children during the Second World War. Each trail is 2 km long; together, the three trails feature 38 information panels.
File:Die Allaine, Boncourt JU 20231012-jag9889.jpg
Photo: Jag9889 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Culture
Different eras are also reflected in the village’s appearance. Around twenty crosses made of stone, iron or wood from different periods stand within the municipality. The Chavon-Dessus and Chavon-Dessous neighbourhoods form the centre of the village and contain most of its architectural heritage. La Cour was the former residence of the de Staal family; the building was constructed in 1670 and renovated in 1703. Other buildings that attract visitors’ attention include the former administrative building of the FJ Burrus industrial company and the Salle du Pont. It was a former police post on the bridge over the Allaine.
The Tour de Milandre and the adjacent castle were built in the second half of the 13th century. The tower stands on a rocky promontory of the Jura range and overlooks the entrance to the Allaine Valley and the Trouée de Belfort. The Allaine winds through Boncourt’s floodplain and divides the village into two parts.
Historic Trails and Viewpoints
The Tour de Milandre was restored in 1988. The keep of the Tour de Milandre now serves as a tourist attraction. The top of the tower, with its viewing platform, is freely accessible to visitors; access via municipal roads to the former Ferme de Milandre and the washhouse is also unrestricted. The former village washhouse of Milandre has been completely renovated. The Milandre caves are currently not open to the public.
Nature
The Sentier des Faînes is a 5 km, one-hour circular trail in Boncourt, classified as family-friendly and easy. The trail offers opportunities to observe a diverse range of flora and fauna. One section features 50 wooden sculptures created with a chainsaw, depicting forest animals and well-known comic-book characters.
The Tour panoramique du Mont Renaud is located on the Mont Renaud pasture. Directly beside it are a forest hut, picnic areas and a play area.
Cycling
The Lötschberg–Jura cycling stage from Boncourt to Belfort is 25 km long, includes 150 m of ascent and is classified as easy in terms of physical requirements. The stage runs along waterways, through villages and forests, and mostly follows cycle paths. Shortly after leaving Boncourt, the route reaches the French border; signs indicate the route and the usual customs formalities.
Wildlife and Relaxation
Boncourt’s bison park covers 35 hectares of woodland and pasture and is home to around 60 bison. Paths offer views of the Vosges mountain range. The park can be visited without a reservation via a circular trail from which bison can be seen. By reservation, guided tours and tastings of bison meat are also offered in a tipi at the bison park.
Piscine & Wellness Les Hémionées offers families leisure facilities and a relaxation area in the village of Boncourt. The swimming facility includes a large pool and a small learning pool, both heated to 28.5°C, as well as a 34°C whirlpool. The wellness area includes a steam bath, sauna and relaxation room; massages can be booked.
To the main travel overview: Jura.
