In the Jura, dinosaur tracks are not confined to collections: DINOTEC in Porrentruy displays more than a hundred protected tracks in an outdoor area open to the public, including at night. On the “Sur les traces des géants” educational trail in Courtedoux, an approximately one-hour circular route with only a slight change in elevation leads to visible tracks made by herbivorous sauropods. They are 152 million years old. At Fouilles du Banné, families and students can gain practical insight into the work of a palaeontologist in an information pavilion and excavation area.
History on display in the towns
In Delémont, the Musée jurassien d’art et d’histoire stands on the walls of the old town. Its permanent exhibition presents events that have shaped the Jura region and its inhabitants; historical, artistic, archaeological and ethnographic collections offer further insights. The museum buildings are part of an architectural ensemble dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Château de Delémont also tells the story of several eras: the Baroque building was erected on the site of a medieval manor house and built between 1716 and 1721.
In Porrentruy, the Château was the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Basel from 1524 to 1792. Its courtyard and the Tour Réfous are freely accessible to the public every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; check the information before your trip. The Musée de l’Hôtel-Dieu is housed in a former hospital that served the sick of the town and the entire region from 1765 to 1956. The Jurassica Museum in Porrentruy has been closed since September 2025 for an extensive renovation and redesign project; the closure is expected to end in 2027. Check its reopening status before travelling.
Saint-Ursanne offers a different perspective on cultural heritage: the medieval town lies in a wooded valley on the Doubs. The Saint-Jean Bridge spans the river on four massive stone arches and leads into the medieval centre. You can reach the Ermitage de St-Ursanne by climbing about 200 steps. An Irish monk once settled there; suitable footwear is recommended for the climb.
Landscapes and outdoor discoveries
In summer, the Jura is known for its landscapes of ponds, forests and pastures. Near Les Coeudres, the restoration of the ponds has protected numerous plant, insect, amphibian, bird and mammal species. Two observation huts with information panels are located in the area. The Pichoux Gorges also bring together landscape and nature: they are listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments and are home to springs of particularly remarkable quality. The rare mayfly species Baetis nubecularis was discovered there in 2002. It is found only in the cold, oxygen-rich waters of the Jura Arc.
For a hike, the La Randoline loop runs from Saignelégier to Étang des Royes and Les Cerlatez. If you are interested in cycling routes, mountain bike route No. 3, Jura Bike, runs along the Doubs near Saint-Ursanne. A challenging 56-kilometre cycling tour through the landscapes of the Ajoie region combines history and prehistory; check the route conditions before setting off. The Chemins de fer du Jura operates 74 kilometres of narrow-gauge railway in the Franches-Montagnes and the Bernese Jura. Its network mainly serves the Franches-Montagnes plateau, as well as the Porrentruy–Bonfol line in the Ajoie region, and provides access to extensive recreational areas for hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers in winter. Check the timetable before your trip.
At the JURASSICA Botanical Garden, plant collections sit alongside a focus on species conservation: the garden’s mission is to preserve plant species, and it includes more than 3,000 recorded plant taxa. Visitors can see, among other things, iris varieties, cacti, tillandsias, orchids and carnivorous plants. In this way, the Jura offers a range of ways to experience nature, from botanical collections to observation huts beside restored ponds.
Traditions and regional products
Events also help shape the region’s character. The Marché-Concours national de chevaux has been held regularly every year since it began, except for three years during the First World War. Visitors can watch horse competitions, equestrian displays and rural races. The St. Martin’s festival takes place on the second weekend of November, followed by the “Revira” on the third. Restaurants in the region serve traditional St. Martin’s dishes; specific event dates and participating restaurants vary from year to year.
The Fromagerie des Franches-Montagnes introduces visitors to traditional cheese-making through interactive games in the production area. Outside, it offers cheese and other regional products for tasting; check visiting arrangements in advance. The Jura is also associated with TĂŞte de Moine, Damassine and other regional products, as well as restaurants. The region is predominantly French-speaking and shaped by Catholic traditions. Agritourism accommodation is also available.
Discover more destinations: Boncourt, Franches-Montagnes, Delémont, Porrentruy, Vaud, Bern, Uri, Schwyz.
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