Vendlincourt: Nature, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Vendlincourt lies in the Ajoie, also known as Elsgau, and combines a varied landscape with tangible traces of culture. The Étangs de Bonfol et de Vendlincourt represent the natural area between two localities; the Église de Vendlincourt and the Sentier des arbres «vénérables» offer different points of interest. If you choose a destination for its landscape, village history or distinctive historical traces, these themes provide different perspectives on Vendlincourt.

Location and Landscape of the Ajoie

Vendlincourt is a municipality in the Porrentruy district of the Canton of Jura. The clustered village lies at 448 metres above sea level in a hollow in the Vendline stream’s headwaters. From Porrentruy, it is seven kilometres away as the crow flies—a straight-line distance, not a measurement of the route. Ajoie is the name of the landscape in which Vendlincourt lies; Elsgau is the German name for this region.

The municipal area includes several different types of landscape. These include the valley floor in the Vendline headwaters and the open, gently undulating tableland of the Jura between the Coeuvatte and the Vendline. The extensive forests of Le Chêtre are also part of it. To the south are the heights of Bois Juré: the highest point in the municipality reaches 541 metres above sea level, while Sur la Charmille lies at 522 metres. These elevations offer a specific comparison within the municipal area without indicating a particular route or walking time.

The Étangs de Bonfol et de Vendlincourt lie between Bonfol and Vendlincourt. They form a cantonal nature reserve in the Canton of Jura, encompassing Bonfol and Vendlincourt. Protected-area designations may be revised; check the current status of the cantonal designation if needed. Along the Chemin du Jura, fields, pastures and wooded areas alternate until Vendlincourt comes into view. The ponds, open areas and forests thus represent different landscape features of the village and its surroundings.

Trails and Traces on Ancient Trees

The Sentier des arbres «vénérables» is described as 2.5 kilometres long. A description dated 25 July 2012 places the trail by the Cabane forestière des Grisettes in Vendlincourt, at the edge of the forest, and leads it towards Miécourt and then along the Franco-Swiss border. Trail conditions may change; check for current information before setting out on a hike.

Along the Sentier, beech and oak trees were carved with knives over the course of the 20th century. Those named as responsible include soldiers from the Second World War, passing lovers and former forest guards. The 2012 description also mentions 25 selected trees, each marked with a post and a number to make them easier for hikers to identify. Check on site whether the carvings and markers are still visible today. These traces on the trees bring together nature and human history, without requiring every individual carving to be attributed to a specific person.

Église de Vendlincourt

The Église de Vendlincourt also offers several tangible points of interest for visitors interested in cultural history. The church was completely rebuilt in 1817. Part of its ecclesiastical treasury comes from Bellelay Abbey. In the entrance area, a stained-glass window by Jean-Claude Guélat forms the main wall itself. The rebuilding, the origin of part of the ecclesiastical treasury and the stained-glass window are distinct aspects of the building and its furnishings.

Practical Information

The P+Rail car park Vendlincourt Gare, 2943 Vendlincourt, is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is free of charge. As current parking information may change, check the details shortly before your arrival.

Discover more destinations: Porrentruy, Seleute, Asuel, Coeuve, Saint-Ursanne, Courchavon, Courgenay Ju, Rocourt Ju.

See the regional travel overview: Porrentruy.