Porrentruy, a town in the canton of Jura in northwestern Switzerland, sits just ten minutes by car from the French border and about an hour and a half from Basel by train.
I first visited because a friend I met in Dunedin was from here, and when I was living in Berlin, I went to see her.
There are no big, flashy tourist attractions like in large cities.
But the cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and castle on the hill give the town a storybook-like atmosphere—quiet, calm, and deeply charming.
Here, I’ll share the beauty of Porrentruy as I experienced it that day.
- As soon as you enter the Old Town, you’re wrapped in pastel colors
- A square with “nothing special” — and that’s what feels good
- Eat local when you travel — shrimp kebab and local beer were unforgettable
- Up to the castle on the hill — once the tower appears, the town suddenly feels medieval
- Through a dark corridor and into the light
- Inside the wooden tower — even your footsteps become part of the scenery
- Through the gate at dusk, into a medieval castle restaurant
- Summary — Porrentruy is a “quiet but unforgettable” town
- ■ 1‑Night, 2‑Day Model Itinerary (based on my real visit)
As soon as you enter the Old Town, you’re wrapped in pastel colors
The first thing that caught my eye was the row of pastel-colored houses with red shutters.
In the soft evening light, even an ordinary residential street looks like a painting.
The Old Town is compact enough that you won’t get lost—even without Google Maps.
You can wander down any little alley that catches your attention, which is exactly what makes this town so pleasant to explore.
A square with “nothing special” — and that’s what feels good
In big cities, town squares are often lively photo spots.
But Porrentruy’s square was quiet, with only a few people passing through.
Locals sat at outdoor terraces sipping coffee or beer, enjoying the slow pace of the afternoon.
Just being in that calm atmosphere melted away any travel fatigue.
There’s nothing flashy here—and that simplicity feels incredibly comforting, like a glimpse into everyday life.
Eat local when you travel — shrimp kebab and local beer were unforgettable
My friend took me to one of her favorite local restaurants.
The shrimp kebab and local beer I had there were genuinely delicious.
Even though it’s an inland town, being able to enjoy seafood was a pleasant surprise.
And the kebab wasn’t heavy like classic French cuisine—light, flavorful, and something I instantly thought,
“I would absolutely come back just for this.”
Restaurant Information
Brasserie Les Deux Clefs
Rue des Malvoisins 7, 2900 Porrentruy
TEL: +41-32-466-18 31
Listed on: juragourmand.ch/deuxclefs
Tip: It’s a popular local spot, so it may get busy in the evening. Going a little early is recommended.
Up to the castle on the hill — once the tower appears, the town suddenly feels medieval
As you walk through town, a round tower begins to come into view, and the atmosphere subtly shifts.
Château de Porrentruy, perched on a hill overlooking the Old Town, is the symbol of the city.
Information boards indicate visiting hours for the courtyard and tower interior,
which vary by season—so checking ahead is wise.
Through a dark corridor and into the light
Inside the castle, not all areas are bright.
Some hallways are truly dark, and stepping into the pitch‑black silence felt like slipping back in time.
Inside the wooden tower — even your footsteps become part of the scenery
The outer walls are stone, but the tower’s interior is made of old wood—floors, ceilings, everything.
Even the creaking of each step adds to the atmosphere of the place.
At the top, you’re rewarded with a full panoramic view of Porrentruy:
a stretch of orange and brown rooftops that looks beautiful even under a cloudy sky.
In fact, the muted light made the colors stand out even more.
Through the gate at dusk, into a medieval castle restaurant
In the evening, the gate area of town glows softly, wrapped in warm light.
Beyond it lies Château de Pleujouse, a restaurant housed inside a fortified castle.
Dining in a stone-walled space, enjoying warm dishes made with ingredients from the Jura region, was the perfect way to end the day.
Restaurant Information — Château de Pleujouse / Restaurant du Château de Pleujouse
Château de Pleujouse
Le Château 18, 2953 Pleujouse, Switzerland
TEL: +41 32 462 10 80
Website: https://chateaudepleujouse.ch/
Reservation recommended, especially on weekends.
Hours: Thu–Sun 12:00–24:00 (seasonal closures possible)
Notes: Built into a rocky hillside, this castle‑restaurant is listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Summary — Porrentruy is a “quiet but unforgettable” town
It doesn’t have big, famous attractions.
But the quiet streets, the atmosphere, and the glimpse into genuine local Swiss life
made the time I spent here truly memorable.
People in Porrentruy were kind and friendly, often striking up conversations with me.
I’d love to come back someday.
■ 1‑Night, 2‑Day Model Itinerary (based on my real visit)
Day 1 (Afternoon–Evening)
15:00 Basel → arrive in Porrentruy
15:30–17:00 Walk around the Old Town
18:00–21:00 Dinner at Brasserie Les Deux Clefs
Day 2 (Morning)
9:00-11:30 Visit St-Ursanne
12:00-13:00 Lunch in Porrentruy
13:00–15:00 Visit the hilltop castle + tower interior
15:00-17:00 Walk around the Old Town
18:00 Dinner at Château de Pleujouse
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