Discover Bonfol

Bonfol brings together a rich ceramic-making history, religious heritage and the wetlands of the Étangs de Bonfol. There are also trails with a range of themes and lengths. This lets you give culture, nature and exercise different emphasis during your stay.

Ceramic history and village culture

The Musée de la poterie de Bonfol showcases the artisanal and industrial activities associated with the village’s multicoloured clay. It was used to make ceramics for several centuries. The permanent exhibition traces the production process: from the clay found in the municipality to shaping and decorating, and finally firing. Several hundred objects dating from the 18th to the 20th century offer a glimpse into the collection. The museum also includes a reconstructed 20th-century ceramics factory, where two old potter’s wheels can be partially put back into operation.

An interactive room was added in March 2014. It illustrates the machines and techniques involved in the transition from artisanal to industrial ceramic production and is intended for courses and workshops. A figure from the village’s history shows how important pottery was to Bonfol: in 1830, half the village population worked in this trade.

The cultural and historical «Découverte du village» trail features frescoes, engravings and a scent game. An accompanying booklet complements the stops with historical, poetic and anecdotal texts. Archaeological finds also form part of the village’s history: finds from Cras Chalet include two iron belt buckles dating from the beginning of the 7th century.

Étangs de Bonfol and nature trails

The Étangs de Bonfol is a nature reserve listed in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Fens of National Importance and the Federal Inventory of Amphibian Spawning Areas of National Importance. The area is home to numerous plant and animal species. Three signposted hiking trails and several information panels explore topics including forests, ponds, flora and fauna.

The «Balade des étangs» is an 800-metre circular trail with twelve panels about the fauna and flora of the wetland habitat. Two observation huts were built from local materials in autumn 2015. White storks have also stopped in Bonfol during their migration for several years; the local nature website mentions hundreds of birds.

For a different kind of loop, try the Piste finlandaise: it is 500 metres long, follows a circular forest route over a thick layer of woodchips and is suitable for running. Ten playful installations also make the fitness trail interesting for families. The Sentier d’argile is at the entrance to the village, next to a large sports ground, and is also known as the barefoot or Kneipp trail. You walk over pebbles there; if it has rained beforehand, you can wade through liquid clay at the end.

Routes, cycling and getting there

Those interested in the history of the First World War can follow the Sentier du Km 0, a 7.5-kilometre trail through mostly flat, wooded terrain. Along the way are remnants of the French, Swiss and German fronts. By comparison, the «Balade des étangs» is considerably shorter at 800 metres and focuses on the flora and fauna of the wetland.

Cyclists can also include Bonfol in their route plans: the village lies on Francovélosuisse cycling loops No. 645 «Entre Alsace et Jura Suisse» and No. 646 «Boucle de l’Ajoie». Bonfol is also served by an SBB railway line from Porrentruy. Postbuses run towards Beurnevésin and as far as Porrentruy. Check the current timetable for your travel date.

Pilgrimage and regional highlights

Saint Fromond has been venerated since the beginning of the 17th century; major pilgrimages drew people from the Doubs region as far as Alsace. The Chapelle de Saint-Fromont was built by the parish of Bonfol in 1866 and dedicated to Saint Fromond. On the day after Ascension Day, an official pilgrimage procession sets out from the church, passing a spring topped by a statue and continuing through fields and forests to the chapel.

Another local speciality is fried carp, served at the Restaurant du Grütli. According to the local tourism website, it is known throughout the region.

Discover more destinations: Coeuve, Beurnevésin, Rocourt Ju, Lugnez, Vendlincourt, Courgenay Ju, Asuel, Chevenez.

For the main travel overview: Porrentruy.