Pontarlier is found to the east of Franche-Comté, close to the border with Switzerland and on the edge of the Jura mountain range, at an altitude of 837 metres above sea level. The history of the town revolves around its position on the important trade route between Besancon and Switzerland / Italy.
Exploring Pontarlier
France This Way review: although none of the individual monuments in the town are perhaps remarkable, there are a few interesting highlights in Pontarlier which makes for a pleasant visit, and explains why the town is officially listed as a 'recommended detour'.
The Triumphal Arch (the Porte Saint-Pierre) is the best known of these. It is a grand stone arch-entrance dating from the 18th century that was converted into a belfry in the 19th century - you won't miss it, it dominates the entrance to the town. The arch was built to commemorate France seizing the territory in the 17th century.
The town also has a municipal museum to explain the history of the region (and absinthe production).
You will also see the doorway to the 19th century Chapel de l'Esperance with its corinthian columns and carved wooden door, and the Church of Saint-Benigne - be sure to take a look at the modern stained glass windows in the church. Other noteworthy buildings in the town include the College Philipe Grenier and the Town Hall.
The Joux Castle that stands high above the town dates from the 12th century (with many later modifications over the following centuries until the 17th century and the work of Vauban). As a result it is now a very extensive castle with several different rings of fortifications. The castle also has very far reaching views across the valley below and contains a museum of ancient armaments (open summer only). See Chateau de Joux.
Note: the town of Pontarlier was once an important absinthe producing centre. This ceased when the drink was banned from 1915 but following the repeal of the ban, absinthe is once again produced here. In fact there is now even a tourist route called the Route de l'Absinthe between Pontarlier and Val-de-Travers (in Switzerland).
Attractions nearby
The surrounding region is popular with hikers, cyclists, kayaks and other outdoor pursuits. The town also has access to various ski-resorts in the Jura if you are visiting during the winter months.
The Chateau de Cleron is in a picturesque setting on the Loue river near Pontarlier.
Explore elsewhere in the Loue River valley. You can find more travel ideas in the Doubs guide and the Franche-Comte guide.
Arrange a visit to Pontarlier
Reserve excursions
Book hotels, car hire and flights
Hotels in Pontarlier
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Pontarlier and places nearby
Visit near Pontarlier with France This Way reviews
Chateau de Joux
The Chateau de Joux is an imposing clifftop castle with a 1000 year history close to Pontarlier
Chateau de Joux guide
Mouthier-Haute-Pierre
The small village of Mouthier-Haute-Pierre is well placed to explore the source of the Loue river and several other scenic highlights in Doubs
Mouthier-Haute-Pierre guide
Lods
Lods is quite small but very pleasant to explore, in particular the village along the waterfalls on the Loue river
Lods guide
Ornans
The highlight of your visit to Ornans is the section along the Loue river, crossed by old stone bridges and with lovely houses on the riverside
Ornans guide
Chateau de Cleron
The gardens of the Chateau de Cleron can be seen next to the Loue River in the village of Cleron in Doubs
Chateau de Cleron guide
Salins-les-Bains
The salt mines at Salins-les-Bains operated from the 13th - 20th century and are now an important local attraction and a UNESCO world heritage site
Salins-les-Bains guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Doubs
Tourist classifications for Pontarlier
Pontarlier is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Pontarlier, Franche-Comte, 25300, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.9067, longitude 6.35556
Plan your visit to Pontarlier, Doubs
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Défilé d'Entre-Roches: site of natural beauty (13 km)
- Lods: most beautiful village (17 km)
- Gorges de Remonot: site of natural beauty (22 km)
- Forêt de la Joux: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Gouffre de Poudrey: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Gorges du Doubs: site of natural beauty (33 km)
- Saut du Doubs: site of natural beauty (33 km)
- Salins-les-Bains: town of art and history (36 km)
- Cascade de la Billaude: site of natural beauty (41 km)
- Gorges de la Lemme: site of natural beauty (41 km)
- Lac du Fioget: site of natural beauty (43 km)
- Besancon citadelle (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (44 km)
Market days in Pontarlier, France
Regular market(s) are held in Pontarlier each Thursday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Pontarlier (Francais)