Asuel: Château d’Asuel, Museums and Hiking Trails

Asuel combines a medieval castle complex with museums and hiking trails. Château d’Asuel stands above the village; in the village and at La Caquerelle, you’ll also find exhibitions, a viewpoint and leisure activities. This lets you shape your stay around your interests in history, scenery and outdoor activities.

Asuel and its hamlets

Asuel is a locality in the municipality of La Baroche, in the canton of Jura and the district of Porrentruy. The locality includes the hamlets of La Malcôte at 661 metres, Les Rangiers at Col des Rangiers at 856 metres, and La Caquerelle on the ridge of Mont-Russelin at an elevation of 830 metres. There are also numerous isolated farms. These different elevations give a concrete sense of the locality’s extent and help situate its hamlets.

Château d’Asuel and museums

Château d’Asuel was built in the 11th century. The castle was naturally protected to the east by a steep slope and to the south by steep cliffs. At the archaeological site, remains of the perimeter wall, the foundations of a round tower, traces of an elongated building and the ruins of the keep have been preserved. The site thus reveals several parts of the former complex. The ruins lie above the village. Château d’Asuel is currently privately owned; check access arrangements again before visiting.

There is a small museum in the village of Asuel dedicated to the history of Château d’Asuel. On display are archaeological finds and a model of what the castle is believed to have looked like in the Middle Ages. The Musée CRAC is located in the former chapel of La Caquerelle, at La Caquerelle 8B. The chapel was built in 1893 and restored in 1968 and 1993; it served as a school from 1935 to 1957. The museum’s exhibition explores the historical and strategic importance of Col des Rangiers. Objects on display include the banner of the lords of Asuel and a remnant of the Sentinelle des Rangiers.

Hiking trails and viewpoint

The “A l’assaut du col des Rangiers” hiking trail descends steeply through the forest to the Erveratte stream and follows the stream to Asuel. As you emerge from the forest, you get a view of the ruins of Château d’Asuel. Another forest hike starts at the car park by the municipal building in Asuel. It is 11 kilometres long, first following the main road and then heading towards the forest and Clos du Fendu. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Grande Roche stands at an elevation of 851 metres on a rocky outcrop. From there, the view extends to the Vosges and Ajoie; a few metres away, there is a table and benches. Climbing is currently not permitted at the Asuel–Grande Roche site. As this restriction should be checked again before travelling, find out about it before your visit.

Leisure activities and practical planning

La Caquerelle offers a nine-hole Swin golf course suitable for all ages, as well as an archery course with seven stations, different targets and various shooting positions. A nine-hole football golf course is also available above Saint-Ursanne. Hôtel-Restaurant de la Caquerelle serves regional specialities, Swiss cuisine and local products. Booking and seasonal details for leisure activities, as well as the dining options, may change; check the information before making plans.

Fort du Chételat is an anti-tank fortification from the Second World War. It can be reached from car parks 300 metres northeast of the structure. Check access arrangements again before visiting. For travel, MOBIJU bus route 76 connects Porrentruy, Courgenay, Asuel and Charmoille. Check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Seleute, Lugnez, Saint-Ursanne, Courgenay Ju, Chevenez, Ocourt, Coeuve, Beurnevésin.

Return to the main travel overview: Porrentruy.