Courgenay Ju – Heritage, Nature and Trails

The local history, hiking trails and natural areas offer a range of starting points for planning your stay in Courgenay Ju. You can focus on chapels and archaeological evidence, historic mills, or trails and protected landscapes.

Chapels, Archaeology and Watermills

The Vacherie-Mouillard Chapel lies within the territory of Courgenay, in the direction of Chainions, and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Hermits. It replaced an earlier oratory and was restored as a small rural shrine. The names Jeanne and Amélie, along with the years 1886 and 1888, appear on its bell.

The chapel in the hamlet of St-Eloi is dedicated to Saint Eligius, the patron saint of goldsmiths and blacksmiths, as well as Our Lady of Lourdes. It was rebuilt in 1843 and consecrated on 15 June that same year. Its works of art include a Late Gothic sculptural group from around 1530 depicting the Coronation of the Virgin Mary.

The Derrière-Monterri archaeological site is located on Mont-Terri near Courtemautruy. It includes finds from prehistoric and protohistoric periods, from the Neolithic to the end of Roman times, as well as evidence of historical development from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the modern era. The Gaulish oppidum includes pottery sherds, coins and iron objects.

Another notable landmark is La Pierre Percée, at the exit from Courgenay in the direction of Porrentruy, beside the cantonal road. The limestone monolith is about 2.50 metres high and 2.30 metres wide; its oval opening measures 35 by 41 centimetres. It forms the facade slab of a collective burial chamber, or dolmen, probably built around 3000 BC.

The history of water power can also be seen in two different mills. The restored Roue du Martinet preserves the waterwheel of an 18th-century hammer mill, which was supplied by a pond higher up. The Moulin de Paplemont was built in 1691. Its vertical waterwheel is fed by a wooden channel; it measures 9.60 metres and is described as one of the largest in Switzerland.

Landscape, Nature Conservation and Trails

The landscape of Combe Vatelin between Courgenay and Fontenais includes majestic oaks and flower-filled meadows. The Grottes de Saint-Nicolas are nearby: large cavities are cut into steep green rock faces, set within an almost tropical-looking woodland landscape. A botanical nature trail runs between the Grottes de Saint-Nicolas and the Cabane des Echos.

The Le Martinet nature reserve in Courgenay (Courtemautruy) includes ponds, streams, wooded banks, pastures and wet meadows. It is a breeding site of national importance for amphibians. The stated route to get there is by train to Courgenay station, then by bus to the Courgenay Haut du village stop, followed by a walk. Direct trains stop in Courgenay; check current timetables before travelling.

Courgenay has almost 40 kilometres of marked hiking trails. The “Dans la forêt de Derrière le Château” hike connects Courgenay station with Saint-Ursanne station and takes more than four hours on foot. The duration is an estimate and may vary depending on conditions; check trail conditions before setting out, too. Another option is the botanical nature trail between the Grottes de Saint-Nicolas and the Cabane des Echos.

For mountain biking, the Canton of Jura currently lists three approved routes in Courgenay. The Route du Jura passes by Courgenay station; e-bike riders then continue uphill to the Col de la Croix, gaining about 300 metres in elevation. Check route details and conditions before planning your trip.

A Historic Hotel Connection

The Hotel de la Gare was established on 30 March 1877, shortly after the railway line from Delémont to Porrentruy was extended. It received a special award for the impressive restoration of the building and its interior, as well as for continuing to use it for its original purpose. The restored hotel preserves historic rooms on the main floor, as well as the restaurant and large hall once used by Gilberte de Courgenay. The name Courgenay is associated with Gilberte de Courgenay (1896–1957), a Swiss waitress who became an idol among soldiers. If you plan to visit the historic rooms, check opening hours in advance.

Discover more destinations: Rocourt Ju, Beurnevésin, Chevenez, Saint-Ursanne, Vendlincourt, Courchavon, Bonfol, Lugnez

For the broader travel overview: Porrentruy.