Gourmet Escapades
Ô Vergers d’AjoieDamassine AOP DistillersThe Damassine pathSecret circuit "Gourmet"Unusual experiencesPlaces where jura products are soldAjoie restaurants
Swiss Fruit And Distillation Museum – Ô Vergers d’Ajoie
From the tree to the product, the Ô Vergers d’Ajoie site reveals everything you need to know about fruit and its distillation through a wide range of multi-sensory activities and tastings.
The gourmet hall is a magnificent showcase for local Jura products – in particular those of the “Spécialités du Canton du Jura” and “Jura bernois Produits du terroir” brands. The fruit barn is an interactive and entertaining way to discover the five most widely grown fruits in Switzerland: apples, pears, plums, cherries and apricots. The stills shed presents the history of stills and brandies through a lively show. Finally, the brandy cellar offers brandies from all the Swiss cantons.
In addition to these activities, Ô Vergers d’Ajoie has rooms available for various events, a shed for special occasions and a playground for the youngest.
The Damassine trail, which was inaugurated in autumn 2021, links the Porrentruy railway station to Ô Vergers d’Ajoie by foot. Educational panels tell the story of the precious eau-de-vie, from its introduction to the Jura region to its current production, via the awarding of the AOP.
Damassine AOP Distillers
The Interprofession of the Damassine AOP lists the various producers in Ajoie in its directory, with the location of the orchards and the production of Damassine AOP, as well as the years of production certified by the AOP.
Visits and tastings can also be arranged at several distilleries in the region, including the Distillerie Schneider in Cornol and the Distillerie de Porrentruy.
The Damassine path
This hike lasting about 1 hour will allow you to discover the damassinier, a tree imported by the crusaders a long time ago which is at the origin of the damsons and the Damassine AOP.
The hike starts in Mormont towards Châtel-Vouhay, then reaches Courchavon before returning to Mormont. For those with a sweet tooth, you can finish your ride in a cellar filled with Jura delicacies of many flavours.
Secret circuit “Gourmet”
Porrentruy invites you to discover all its secrets through a tour of unusual places, enhanced by 5 gourmet stops. An ideal opportunity to combine walking, culture, and local produce!
This tour takes place only on Thursdays and Saturdays. The recommended duration is 4h30. Reservation is required at least 24 hours in advance. Annual closure from December to February.
Unusual experiences
The region is full of novel touristic options. Several trips include a combination of encounters with the local wildlife… and culinary delights.
In Courtedoux, Tourisme Equestre offers you the unique experience of tasting a fondue in a horse-drawn carriage.
Don’t miss Jurabison where you can come face to face with the American bison… in Boncourt. In addition to the visits, it is possible to taste their meat under a tepee!
Places where jura products are sold
Jura products can be found in the many grocery stores in the region, directly at the producer or at Ô Vergers d’Ajoie. You can also find what you are looking for at Aux Prés de Chez Vous in Porrentruy, Fromajoie in Alle or Délices de la Ruche in Charmoille.
You can also find a lot of information about the products of the region and their producers as well as the good addresses to taste the regional specialities on Terroir Jura Région.
Ajoie restaurants
Would you like to complete your stay by discovering the typical flavours of the Jura region by sharing a meal with friends? There are so many restaurants in the region ready to welcome you! Whether it’s for a special occasion such as Saint Martin’s Day in mid-November – in which case a reservation is highly recommended – or to add a little flavour to your visit to Ajoie during the year.
Other discoveries
Hiking in the Ajoie regionAt the heart of paleontologyCities steeped in historyAjoie on foot, by bike or on horseback
Hiking in Damvant – Jurassic Park – through the dinosaurs’ forest
Besides its culinary diversity, the Ajoie region and its landscape offer a variety of hiking opportunities. The climate of the region was once tropical, with herds of dinosaurs lumbering their way through giant ferns to the nearby seashore. Today, you can roam through fields and meadows with grazing cows. But in the forest of Réclère, you’re suddenly immersed in prehistoric times. The hike from Damavant to Rocourt is for people who like to think while they’re rambling and learn new things, solve puzzles and explore connections along the way.
At the heart of paleontology
The Ajoie region is also known for its palaeontological wealth. Today, numerous sites showcase this unique heritage. The JURASSICA Foundation offers activities and places to visit for all ages: whether it be the discovery of the footprints uncovered on the Dinotec site or along the educational trail, the Banné site where children can dig for fossils or the Natural History Museum and its botanical garden. Nearby, the Préhisto-Parc in Réclère also features lifesize models of these reptiles from a bygone era, making it an ideal destination for a family excursion.
Cities steeped in history
The former residence of the Prince-Bishops of Basel, Porrentruy, the capital of Ajoie, is also worth a visit. With its cobbled streets and remarkable baroque buildings, the town can easily be discovered on foot thanks to a guided tour or by following the Secret Circuit ®. With the help of a digital key, this itinerary opens the doors of places usually closed to the general public and set off by sound and light animations.
Not far from there, you will find St-Ursanne – the Pearl of the Jura. The medieval town on the banks of the Doubs has many treasures, including a foundation church and cloister dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. Several art galleries and antique shops line the streets of the town and a medieval garden allows you to discover the medicinal and vegetable plants used in the past. A Secret Circuit ® also allows you to discover the city in an unusual way.
Ajoie on foot, by bike or on horseback
While a great horseback ride may sound like a cliché, it is also a must! A ride in a horse-drawn carriage is a good option for those who are not so keen on riding themselves. Ajoie offers a wide range of equestrian activities: horseback riding, pony trekking, excursions in trailers or even a fondue carriage, there is something for everyone.
The six ponds of Bonfol are home to a unique ecosystem in Switzerland, about ten kilometres from Porrentruy. A 13 km loop starting from Bonfol will allow you to meet and admire the local fauna and flora that inhabit this nature reserve.
Between Boncourt and Porrentruy, cycle through the rural countryside for around 30 km on the “In the footsteps of the dinosaurs” route! This pleasant ride will take you through no less than six Jura villages. Recommended for children aged 12 and over. It is also possible to discover the Ajoie plains around Porrentruy with a relatively simple circuit of about 20 km.
Jura Tourisme lists the various walking and cycling routes on its website.
Recurring events
Damassine AOP Festival
The 1st Damassine AOP Festival was organised on 24 and 25 September 2022 by the Interprofession de la Damassine AOP, in collaboration with the Fondation Rurale Interjurassienne and BeJu Tourisme rural. The event took place on two sites: Ô Vergers d’Ajoie in Porrentruy and the Gîte de la Bergerie in Courchavon.
Discover the know-how of the producers of Damassine AOP, the products of the Jura region and agritourism activities during this festival – organised every 2 years.
Competition of swiss local food
Not far from Delémont, the Fondation Rurale Interjurassienne organises every other year the Market and Competition of swiss local food, which showcases the many regional and local specialities that exist in Switzerland.
The competition allows producers to have their specialities assessed and then to sell them at the Swiss Farmers’ Market. The aim is to promote quality, authenticity, craftsmanship and innovation. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the products that the varied panel of judges finds most agreeable.
The Market brings together nearly 200 stands selling local products, as well as workshops and various events for young and old. It is a must for gourmets who can find various local Jura products such as Damassine AOP or Tête de Moine AOP.
Saint Martin’s Day
Saint Martin’s Day is celebrated in Ajoie in mid-November. This ancestral tradition celebrates the end of agricultural work for the year. The meal served on this occasion is traditionally composed of 8 dishes to be enjoyed in the various restaurants of the region but also throughout gourmet walks proposed in several localities of the surroundings.
Every second and third weekend in November, St. Martin’s Day is celebrated in the town of Porrentruy and throughout Ajoie. During the festivities, a St. Martin’s market takes place in the historic centre of Porrentruy with more than 50 craftsmen offering products from the Jura region.
Special Packages
If you stay at least one night in the canton of Jura, you can benefit from free access to all public transport in the Vagabond zone with the JURA-PASS. Your place of accommodation will give it to you on arrival and it is valid until 00:00 on the day of your departure. It also allows you to benefit from reductions on several activities in the region.
If you stay at least two nights in the Vagabond zone, you will also receive a voucher for a free horseback ride! Moreover, from July 1st to October 31st, from 1 night in the Canton of Jura, a voucher for a Damassine AOP is offered to you by Ô Vergers d’Ajoie. The voucher will be given to you at check-in with your Jura-Pass.
A pass that allows you to discover “Ajoie and its Damassine AOP”, but also “Bellelay, the Franches-Montagnes and their Tête de Moine AOP”.
Accommodation in the Ajoie region
To fully enjoy Ajoie and its many activities, choose from a wide range the accommodation offer that suits you best.
Regional actors
