Discover Delémont

Delémont’s history is visible not only in the Old Town: the Baroque Château, the former locomotive hall of the Rotonde CFF and the Tête de puits des Rondez represent different chapters. There are also markets, a museum complex, viewpoints and routes for walks and bike rides. This makes it easy to tailor a stay around culture, nature or excursions.

Old Town and heritage

The town of Delémont was founded in 1289 under a charter of liberties granted by Pierre Reich de Reichenstein. The Château de Delémont stands at the south-western corner of the Old Town, on the site of a medieval manor house. The Baroque building was constructed between 1716 and 1721 under the direction of Pierre Racine, a native of the Jura. The Old Town preserves numerous restored historic buildings.

The Musée jurassien d’art et d’histoire is located in the heart of Delémont, on the Old Town’s ramparts. Its buildings form part of an architectural ensemble dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum has been based in Delémont since 1909 and presents the history of the Jura from Roman and Merovingian times to the recent past. The synagogue also tells part of the town’s history: architect Arthur Roos of Mulhouse built it in 1911 for the small Jewish community; it was restored in 2000. It is considered one of the last intact rural synagogues in Western Europe. Visits are possible by appointment.

Industrial history and guided tours

The Rotonde CFF is a former locomotive depot built in 1889. In its semicircular hall, 13 gates are arranged radially around a central turntable. Historic steam locomotives are kept there; visits can be arranged through the CFF railway station.

At the entrance to Delémont, the Tête de puits des Rondez recalls the region’s iron ore mining. The building on Route de Courroux houses the mine’s winch and lift and was built around 1900. As the last visible feature, it serves as a reminder that iron shaped the region’s development. The Sur les traces des gueules rouges tour starts there and ends at Delémont station. It explores the industrial heritage of iron ore mining: ore was mined there until the 1920s and then processed in blast furnaces and foundries. Check the tour’s availability before booking.

The guided tour Visite guidée, Delémont passes through the colourful historic lanes and squares of the Old Town to the summer residence of the Prince-Bishops. Jura, plus jeune canton. Toute une histoire! explores the path to sovereignty for the Canton of Jura and includes a visit to the cantonal parliament chamber; a reservation is required for this tour. The Circuit Secret Delémont uses a digital key to open access to seven sites, including the bell tower of St-Marcel Church, the old Corps de Garde by the château and Villa Vermeille. A two-day itinerary begins with the Circuit Secret and combines a visit to the Old Town with walks and bike rides in the surrounding area.

Market, nature and routes

The weekly market in the Old Town takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings; there is also a monthly fair. Products on offer include traditional items such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and bread. Market arrangements may change on public holidays, so it is advisable to check the dates before your visit.

East of Delémont, the Réserve du Colliard lies where the Sorne flows into the Birs. The area is especially popular for birdwatching and serves as a starting point for walks and bike rides along the Birs towards Soyhières and on the route towards Courroux. The Autour de Delémont cycle route runs between Delémont and nearby villages, mostly on cycle paths. A shortcut follows the cycle path between Courtételle and Delémont.

Views and pilgrimage tradition

The Point de vue du Béridier offers a view from above over Delémont and its valley. The viewpoint is easy to reach on foot and by car; it has a rest area and fire pit, as well as an observation table. At Vorbourg, the Chapelle du Vorbourg and the towering ruins of its donjon stand on a distinctive rocky ridge. The site offers a viewpoint over the Birs gorge between Delémont and Soyhières; visibility depends on the weather and vegetation. Check local access conditions before visiting.

A service is held every weekend at the Chapelle du Vorbourg; check the local schedule when planning your visit. The Semaine du Vorbourg brings together numerous pilgrims each year in mid-September. Check the exact date for your travel year.

Getting there and finding your way

MOBIJU bus route 1 connects the Old Town and the hospital with the railway station and runs regularly every 20 minutes. From the CFF railway station, hourly trains run to Biel, Porrentruy, Basel, Olten and Delle/Méroux TGV. The CJ connection at Glovelier provides access to the Freiberge. If you want to combine markets, guided tours and excursions, plan your schedule around the relevant dates and check bus and train timetables before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Undervelier, Soyhières, Bourrignon, Saulcy, Delémont, Courroux, Courfaivre, Rebeuvelier, Glovelier, Vermes.

For the main travel overview: Jura.