Bourrignon: Hiking, Village History and Landscapes

At an altitude of 785 m, Bourrignon lies well above the fog line of the plain. The village is situated on a terrace on the northern slope of the Rangiers chain; two gorges cut into it from the sides. This combination of elevation, terrace and incised slope gives the landscape a distinct outline. There are walking and hiking trails around Bourrignon, allowing you to explore the surrounding area on foot. The village also offers points of interest for culture enthusiasts: well-preserved buildings, some dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, the history of bluish limestone, and an archaeological coin hoard.

Architectural History and Archaeological Traces

Bourrignon’s agricultural character is preserved in its many well-preserved buildings. Some date from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Bourrignon quarry was known for its bluish limestone. The material was used for churches in the region, including the churches of Bourrignon and Pleigne, as well as for several houses. The local architectural history thus connects the use of the same stone in churches and homes.

Archaeology is also part of the village’s history: a hoard of 164 coins was discovered near the church of Saint-Sébastien. This find adds a different kind of historical trace to the architectural history: alongside preserved buildings and the use of local building materials, there is a specific coin hoard.

Hiking Trails and Events

The different trail features can help you choose a route. One hiking route passes through the Golatte Gorge and follows the Mettembert stream; another goes past the Refuge des Amis de la Nature and then reaches the Develier–Bourrignon cantonal road. A circular hike of 11 km starts at La Ventolière, a post bus stop near Bourrignon. While the first two routes are described using named landscape and navigation points, the circular hike also gives a specific distance. For this route, both the distance and starting point are clearly stated. Check the route details again before making plans.

An orienteering race and an MTB brevet are held in Bourrignon every year. If your travel dates depend on an event, check the specific dates in advance. Bourrignon is served by a post bus line and the Noctambus night service. For specific journeys, it is worth checking the current timetables.

Local Products and Panoramic Views

A dairy with a grocery store, as well as local specialities and regional delicatessen products, are available in Bourrignon. If you’re planning a visit, check the opening hours in advance.

Les Ordons is a summit near the Col des Rangiers. At 995 m, it is 210 m higher than Bourrignon, which lies at an altitude of 785 m. From there, the views extend to the Bernese Alps, the Delémont Valley, the Basel region and the Mulhouse region. The panorama thus combines views of the Alps with a valley and several named regions.

Discover more destinations: Soyhières, Glovelier, Courroux, Courfaivre, Vermes, Delémont, Undervelier, Saulcy

Return to the main travel overview: Delémont.