Chevenez lies at 491 m above sea level in a valley basin in the western Ajoie, at the northern foot of the Jura mountain range. It is about six kilometres west-southwest of Porrentruy (Pruntrut). This situates the village within the Ajoie, while the landscape stretches from the valley to the Jura ridges. Cultural points of interest include the Église de Chevenez and Espace Courant d’Art, as well as the landscape and horse-riding activities. The differences become particularly clear when you consider the village in the valley separately from the larger former municipal area to its south.
Valley and Jura Ridge
In the central part of the former municipal area lies the 300–500 m-wide depression of the dry valley of Chevenez. It opens eastwards towards the Allaine. Halfway to Porrentruy, in the dry valley, is the karst spring of Creux-Genat, which flows only intermittently. The valley depression and the spring represent different landscape features: the width and direction of the valley on the one hand, and a single karst spring with intermittent flow on the other.
In the southern part of the former municipal area, the land extends up to the Jura ridge of the Lomont range. The border between Switzerland and France runs along the ridge; Chevenez’s highest point is at 923 m above sea level. The northern slope of the Lomont range is densely wooded and has several small valleys, most of which have no flowing watercourse. The landscape therefore includes the broad valley depression, the wooded slope and the border ridge. Some of these geographical details refer to the former municipal area, not just to the village in the valley.
Church, Art and Culture
The Église de Chevenez was built in 1632. The nave and entrance tower were reconstructed in 1841–1842. The dates therefore refer to different building phases: you can distinguish the older church building from the later reconstruction of these two parts, rather than reducing everything to a single construction date.
Chevenez is also home to Espace Courant d’Art, an art gallery and cultural centre. These are two distinct cultural points of interest: the church’s architectural history, and the art gallery and cultural centre. When choosing cultural activities for your stay, you can consider these aspects separately or include both in your plans.
Getting There and Horse-Riding Activities
A PostBus service runs from Porrentruy via Courtedoux and Chevenez to Grandfontaine. If you plan to use this service to get there, check the current timetable before travelling; routes and schedules may change.
Ecurie de la Louvière is located on Route 14 of the Ajoie-Ouest horse-riding trail network. It offers guided rides lasting a few hours, as well as rides and horse treks lasting one or more days. Duration is a practical distinction when planning: the key question is whether you are looking for a ride lasting a few hours or a tour of at least one day. Confirm the availability of the activities in advance; details of the trail network may also change.
This is distinct from the “Ajoie, Chevenez” route, which leads to the French-Swiss border. It refers to a border point, whereas Route 14 places the Ecurie within a horse-riding trail network. The two routes therefore raise different questions: where does the “Ajoie, Chevenez” route lead, and how long do the horse-riding activities in Chevenez last?
Discover more destinations: Vendlincourt, Beurnevésin, Ocourt, Asuel, Pruntrut, Seleute, Saint-Ursanne, Courchavon.
For the wider travel overview: Porrentruy.
