Péry: Roman road, village church and hiking trails

Péry lies at 635 m above sea level in the Vallon de Saint-Imier, which is drained by the Schüss, called the Suze in French. The village is situated on the southern foot of the Montoz range of the Jura Mountains and above the Rondchâtel gorge. The wider area also includes the Terbez valley between two Jura ranges and extends to the Montoz ridge, where the highest point reaches 1,312 m above sea level. A stay in Péry thus combines historic points of interest with walks and hikes of varying lengths.

Walking trails and nature

The Péry-La Heutte Biodiversity Promenade follows a forest path and can be walked in either direction. It includes eight independent themed stations. Introductory stations are located by the Reuchenette-Péry and La Heutte railway stations; there is also a picnic area along the promenade. The stations and their locations offer a setting for spending time outdoors without requiring you to follow a particular direction.

Another option is the educational trail, which starts in Péry or La Heutte. It covers about 3 km and takes approximately 40 minutes on foot. It is especially suitable for families and anyone looking for an easy hike. Panels along the way provide information about nature, the region and its distinctive features. Compared with a longer hike, the time commitment is manageable, making it easier to decide whether to include a short walk or a longer tour in your plans.

Roman traces and village history

A section of the Roman road is now accessible at the Toise de Saint-Martin site. The uncovered road was cut into the rock; two pairs of grooves are about 107 cm apart. The Toise de Saint-Martin is one of three stops on the archaeological educational trail. The archaeological site can be reached on foot from Frinvillier in about 15 minutes. Here, the history of the route is brought together with a tangible detail of the surviving road surface.

The village church also offers a timeline for the history of the area: it was first mentioned in 884. After Péry adopted the Reformation in 1530, the church became Reformed. The present building was constructed in 1706 around the core of an older Gothic building. A Roman Catholic chapel was built in Péry in 1906. These dates distinguish the church’s early mention, its later denominational history and the construction of the present church.

The historic heritage also includes Châtillon Castle, from which the lords of Péry ruled and which now lies in ruins. The remains of a valley-side watchtower survive from the former residence of Péry’s ministeriales. These landmarks add to the picture of Péry’s history beyond its church buildings.

A longer hike and local products

For a longer tour, the “Romont – Montagne de Romont – Plagne – Châtillon – Reuchenette-Péry” route leads to Reuchenette-Péry railway station. A supplement published by Berne Rando in 2024 lists it as a moderate 10.2 km hike with a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. By comparison, the educational trail, at about 3 km and around 40 minutes, is the shorter option. The stated distances and durations can help you choose between the two hikes based on how much time you have.

For a meal or to buy farm products, the Bergerie du Pré-La-Patte in Péry is a specific option: it serves fondue, country-style menus and brunch. Products for sale also include baby beef, dried beef, dried beef sausages, bread and plaited bread. This local business and its offerings complement the historic and scenic attractions available during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: La Ferrière Be, Sonvilier, Plagne, St-Imier, Mont-Tramelan, Cormoret, Orvin, Villeret Be

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