Trans Swiss Trail
Overview
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Distance 17 km
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Duration 4 h 45 min
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Ascent 620 m
Intro
After the lovely old town of Porrentruy, across fields to the forested Jura chain. Then a descent through deep folds carved in the karst rocks by the River Doubs. St-Ursanne is a bijou. The breath of another age permeates the monastery cloister..
Description
Six small but multifaceted regions can be discovered in the Ajoie: the Baroche, the upper Ajoie with the Bure plain, the Vendline, the Coeuvate, the lower Allaine and the Porrentruy region. The five-hour hike starts in Porrentruy in the heart of the Ajoie. As you walk from the train station through a residential neighbourhood, you will see the impressive medieval castle after just a few minutes. Porrentruy, the second largest town in the canton of Jura, founded in 1979, is often described as a cultural capital. Through the lovely old town and past the upper secondary school, you soon reach fertile farmland.
After a little more than an hour, the trail dips into the forest. At Les Chainions, it crosses the border to the Doubs Nature Park. The river of the same name forms the natural border with France over long stretches. It flows through a magnificent, partly canyon-like gorge with steep rock faces and forests. Sometimes wild and then gentle, the Doubs meanders through the fascinating natural and cultural landscapes of the valley. By the time you arrive in Seleute, more than three hours have passed. Grazing horses and cows are a typical sight in the canton of Jura.
The last hour's hike leads downhill to St. Ursanne. Passing through the entrance gate of the town wall, you find yourself in front of the monastery with its cloister and Romanesque-Gothic collegiate church. Its origins go back to the 12th century. The name Ursanne or Ursicinus originates from an Irish monk and companion of Columban who settled in a grotto on the banks of the Doubs at the beginning of the 7th century. According to legend, a bear regularly brought him roots and herbs. After a few years, a first community of monks developed around him. On 20 December 620, Saint Ursicinus is said to have died at the age of 68. Since then, he has been protecting the town that bears his name.
Places to eat/drink: Porrentruy, Seleute, St-Ursanne
Accommodation: Porrentruy, St-Ursanne
Miscellaneous: Medieval centre of Porrentruy and St-Ursanne
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Porrentruy
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Saint-Ursanne
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
620 m
|
| Descent |
600 m
|
| Distance |
17 km
|
| Duration |
4 h 45 min
|
| Duration back |
4 h 45 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
All year
|
| Transport of luggage possible |
Yes
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
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| Category |
Hiking, Nature
|
Quick Facts
Route number
