Beurnevésin: Border History and Landscape

Beurnevésin lies in the Vendline Valley in the north of Ajoie. The village is 422 metres above sea level and about ten kilometres as the crow flies north-northeast of Porrentruy. Its landscape, historic buildings and border history give the small village several distinct facets to consider when planning your trip.

Route 1 and Saint-Jacques Church

For a hike or bike ride, Route 1 connects Bonfol, Beurnevésin and Lugnez. The route can be completed on foot or by bicycle in 2 hours and 40 minutes. The route map also recommends a detour to Saint-Jacques Church in Beurnevésin. In addition to linking the three villages, the route plan therefore offers a specific cultural destination to consider when planning your trip.

Murals dating from the time the church was built were uncovered and restored in 1966/67. The triumphal arch depicts Saint George fighting the dragon. The vault panels feature symbols of the Evangelists, accompanied by banners bearing inscriptions and star motifs. The different images are thus spread across the triumphal arch and the vault, creating a clearly structured visual composition in the historic interior.

Border history at the Borne des 3 Puissances

From 1870 to 1918, the Borne des 3 Puissances marked the precise point where the borders of France, Germany and Switzerland met. Its pentagonal shape and engraved country abbreviations make the border marker distinctive in its design, too: F stands for France, DR for the German Empire and CS for the Swiss Confederation. Together with the two older border stones, there are now three stones at the site. This brings together a historic border function that lasted for a limited period and a group of border markers still visible today.

Archaeological traces

Archaeological finds are also part of Beurnevésin’s history. A damascened belt buckle with a counterplate, attributed to the Beurnevésin archaeological site, dates from the 7th-century Merovingian period. It is made of iron, silver and brass; the counterplate is 14.5 centimetres long. The combination of materials and the measurement describe a specific object from this period. In addition, burials were discovered in 1858 and 1864 during roadworks at the En face du “Faira” site, north of Beurnevésin, on the new road to Réchésy.

The valley and rural village landscape

The municipality is part of Ajoie’s rolling tabular Jura landscape and is crossed by the Vendline Valley. Beurnevésin’s meadows are dotted with individual trees and groups of trees; this close connection with nature gives the village its rural character. To the north lie the wooded heights of Les Toyers, at 512 metres, and Le Mont, at 530 metres. Le Mont is the municipality’s highest point. The national border between Switzerland and France runs across both heights.

The village ensemble also contributes to its distinctive character: it has historic and architectural qualities, reflected in individual houses with a Neoclassical appearance and typical farmhouses. Some are in poor condition. The combination of the built-up village, open meadows and wooded heights offers a range of landscape impressions within the municipality, rather than focusing on a single viewpoint.

Forest hut

Beurnevésin’s forest hut can be used for picnics and relaxation. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Asuel, Chevenez, Saint-Ursanne, Lugnez, Bonfol, Porrentruy, Courchavon, Rocourt Ju.

Back to the main travel overview: Porrentruy.