Porrentruy: Château, museums and routes through history and nature

Above Porrentruy’s old town stands the Château. Its courtyard and the Tour Réfous are freely accessible daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. From 1524 to 1792, the castle served as the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Basel. This landmark building and several centuries of the town’s history come together in this place.

Discover history and culture

The Circuit Secret de Porrentruy leads to hidden places in the Château, the Réservoir du Varieux and the Hôtel-Dieu. Sound and light displays bring the town’s history and the Jura’s legends to life. You can follow the route with a digital key or book a guided tour. The Circuit Horloger offers a different way to explore: an explanatory brochure lets you follow the route independently; advance reservations with Jura Tourisme are required for a guided tour. Check the reservation conditions before your trip.

The Chapelle de St-Fromond also tells the story of a religious tradition in the area. It was built in 1866 at the request of parish priest François-Joseph Jeanguenat, as devotion to the saint grew and increasing numbers of pilgrims came from the Jura and Alsace. The Musée de l'Hôtel-Dieu’s collection of Gothic goldsmithing includes three masterpieces by Basel goldsmith Georges Schongauer from the late 15th century. It is considered the most important collection of Gothic goldsmithing in the Jura. The museum is housed in a hospital building that cared for patients from the town and the entire region from 1765 to 1956.

POPA presents a permanent exhibition of optical art. A temporary exhibition is added twice a year, in spring and autumn; the specific exhibition dates vary.

Nature, fossils and ceramics

The JURASSICA Museum focuses on marine fossils, local wildlife and a mineralogical collection. The museum also traces the history of the Jura’s natural heritage. The JURASSICA Botanical Garden combines themed greenhouses with a Jura garden showcasing plant species typical of the region. It is one of Switzerland’s oldest botanical gardens. At JURASSICA Dinotec, you can discover at least 100 dinosaur tracks, including tracks made by the predatory theropod Allosaurus. The site is freely accessible around the clock.

Bonfol offers another glimpse of regional culture: the naturally fire-resistant clay found here was used for centuries to make ceramics, as well as cooking pots and oven dishes. The Musée de la Poterie showcases artisanal and industrial activities involving this clay. An exhibition room explains traditional and modern ceramic technologies—from local clay through shaping and decorating to firing.

Fruit and distillation are also among the region’s notable themes. Ô Vergers d'Ajoie is Switzerland’s museum of fruit and distillation and offers interactive, multisensory activities for families, groups and professionals. Guided tours with tastings can be arranged by reservation. From Porrentruy railway station, the museum can be reached by public transport via the “Ô Verger d'Ajoie” stop.

Routes with different focuses

For a hike with a historical focus, the Sentier du Km 0 follows a 7.5-kilometre, flat, wooded route past remnants of the French, Swiss and German front lines. During the First World War, these positions were occupied by soldiers from the respective countries. The Boucle de Porrentruy is longer, at 14 kilometres, and is considered a family-friendly circular route. It is also associated with Damassine and the Damassine tree. Legend has it that the wild tree originated in Damascus and was once introduced by Crusaders. The routes’ different lengths and terrain make for different hiking experiences; check current conditions and trail markers before setting out.

Another marked hike starts in Porrentruy, first heading to Mormont and then returning via Courchavon. At Bonfol, three marked walking trails around the Étangs de Bonfol invite you to learn more about the forest, ponds, flora and fauna from information panels. The 13-kilometre Boucle au départ de Bonfol leads to the historic site of Le Largin.

Porrentruy as a base

Porrentruy is the main town of the French-speaking Porrentruy District. The town is considered a historic site with architectural attractions. When planning your trip, you can choose from a range of focuses: the history of the Château, art and collections, natural history and botanical diversity, or routes leading to historic sites.

Discover more destinations

Seleute, Chevenez, Vendlincourt, Bonfol, Courchavon, Beurnevésin, Courgenay Ju, Pruntrut, Saint-Ursanne, Rocourt Ju, Asuel, Ocourt, Coeuve, Lugnez

For the broader travel overview: Jura.