Discover Lugnez

Lugnez is a village in the Porrentruy district of the Canton of Jura in Switzerland. It lies at an altitude of around 411 metres above sea level and approximately eight kilometres as the crow flies north of Porrentruy. Its location in the Coeuvatte valley bottom and on the adjoining slopes in the northern Ajoie, near the French border, provides a point of reference in the landscape. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Lugnez, your planned focus can help you choose the destination: hiking, cultural heritage, nature and rural life reveal different sides of the place.

Landscape and village character

Damphreux-Lugnez is a quiet rural village surrounded by green hills and gently rolling landscapes. The municipality is characterised by architecture typical of the region, with stone houses and red tile roofs; the atmosphere is connected to local traditions. The wider territory of the former municipality of Lugnez includes the open, gently undulating Ajoie plateau of the Jura. The Coeuvatte valley runs through this area. To the east, it extends as far as the La Voivre forest, while the border mountain Le Mont forms its northern boundary. The Lugnez area drains via the Coeuvatte into the Allaine.

The Cabane du Lugnez is also a specific landmark in the surrounding area: it is a rustic hut in a naturally preserved Jura forest, with hiking trails nearby. The wider area is therefore characterised by open countryside, forest and valley bottom alike.

Hiking around Lugnez

The “Le plat pays” day hike runs from Coeuve through fields and along forest edges to Damphreux, then on to Lugnez. In Lugnez, it passes the Saint-Imier Chapel before continuing towards Beurnevésin. The route thus links several places and stretches of landscape on a longer hike. As route conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting off.

Saint-Imier Chapel and local history

Saint-Imier Chapel was built in 1697, rebuilt and extended several times later, and restored in 1830; its most recent renovation took place in 1970. It was classified as a historic monument on 19 March 2002. According to tradition, Saint-Imier built an oratory at this site. Saint-Imier is considered the only saint born in the Jura. This tradition and the building’s history give a stop at the chapel along the hiking route a historical context, without requiring it to be the focus of a separate excursion.

The place name also has a long history: Lugnez was first mentioned as Lugduniaco between 501 and 600, and was referred to again as Lunigie in 1225. Historically, the feast of Saint-Imier on 12 November was a meeting place for thousands of pilgrims. Celebrations are regularly held in the chapel in summer; dates may vary. If you would like to attend a celebration, check the current dates before your trip.

Nature and farm activities

At the Sous la Voivre pond in Lugnez, tree frogs can be heard at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. This seasonal observation may vary from year to year. It adds a nature-related aspect to the hiking and cultural heritage themes, tied to a particular time of year.

At “Découverte à la ferme” in the centre of Lugnez, children and families can enjoy a farm visit, pony rides or horseback rides, as well as activities introducing them to horses. Availability may vary; check what is currently on offer before making plans. The Noirjean family also organises children’s birthday parties and takes part in the “School on the Farm” programme for class trips. When planning a trip, you can therefore consider nature, village history and farm-related activities as different interests.

Discover more destinations: Chevenez, Courgenay Ju, Bonfol, Beurnevésin, Rocourt Ju, Coeuve, Courchavon, Vendlincourt.

For the wider travel overview: Porrentruy.