Courchavon between architectural history and trails

Courchavon is in Ajoie, in the low-lying valley of the Allaine. Three specific points are useful when choosing this destination: the Église de Courchavon, with its layered architectural history; the ruins of Châtel-Vouhay; and the Sur le Chemin de Damas circular trail. This makes it easy to tailor a stay to different interests: church architecture, historical traces or a walk along a circular trail.

Getting there and the village setting

Courchavon is one of the smaller municipalities in the Canton of Jura; on 31 December 2024, it had a population of 323. It is located on main road 6, which runs from Porrentruy via the Boncourt border crossing to Belfort or Montbéliard in France. Since the opening of the A16 motorway section between Boncourt and Porrentruy, the village has been relieved of through traffic. At Courchavon railway station, the platform allows step-free boarding of trains. If you plan to travel by train, check the current timetable as part of your planning.

Church architecture and historical traces

The Église de Courchavon was built in 1844–1845 on the initiative of Abbé Augustin Schaller. The interior is designed in a late Neoclassical style and combines characteristic Tuscan, Ionic and Corinthian architectural elements with an elaborately articulated choir. If you are interested in architectural forms, you can look at the different column orders and the design of the choir as details in their own right: they bring the interior’s classical vocabulary to life. The late Gothic bell tower of the former parish church dates from 1628. It stands on a rise above the village, in the middle of the cemetery. On the east façade, the junction with the nave can still be seen; the nave was demolished in the mid-19th century. The different parts of the building make the successive periods of the church’s architectural history easy to follow.

Châtel-Vouhay and Notre-Dame de la Roche

The ruins of Châtel-Vouhay stand on a rocky promontory southwest of Courchavon. According to W. Meyer, the Bishop of Basel probably had the complex built towards the end of the 13th century; it served as the residence of a lord’s official. At the edge of Courchavon, the Notre-Dame de la Roche grotto is located on the Porrentruy–Boncourt road. Associated with the grotto is the original wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, dating from the 13th century; it is displayed in Courchavon parish church under strict supervision.

Exploring on foot

The 5 km Sur le Chemin de Damas circular trail starts and ends in Courchavon. A steep footpath leads from the village church to the ruins of Châtel-Vouhay. Two different features can therefore guide your day’s planning: the length of the circular trail and the steep climb to the ruins. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Dining in the region

The wider Jura region has restaurants serving regional dishes, as well as restaurants with views of the Jura landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Mormont, Rocourt Ju, Coeuve, Ocourt, Saint-Ursanne, Courgenay Ju, Seleute, Asuel.

Back to the main travel overview: Porrentruy.