Porrentruy - Private Guided Walking Tour

Switzerland , Switzerland

Porrentruy - Private Guided Walking Tour

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About this experience

Discover the beauty and history of Porrentruy on this engaging walking tour. Start at the majestic Porrentruy Castle, explore the medieval Gate of France, and admire the Baroque-style Town Hall. Pause by the charming Samaritaine Fountain, one of the city's oldest, and stroll through Grand-Rue, with its elegant 19th-century buildings and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the magnificent St. Peter's Church, showcasing Gothic architecture, and marvel at the fascinating Foucault Pendulum, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation. Finish the tour at the JURASSICA Botanical Garden, where you’ll experience diverse Mediterranean flora across multiple climate-themed greenhouses. This tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature in the heart of Porrentruy.

Available options

Porrentruy - Private Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Official tour guide

Private guided tour

Detailed itinerary

Begin your tour at the majestic Porrentruy Castle, a Swiss heritage site of national significance. As you wander the 14th-century ramparts and tranquil courtyard, you’ll uncover fascinating stories of bishops exiled during the 16th-century Swiss Reformation.

Next, stroll through the Gate of France, the last remaining medieval city gate in Porrentruy. With its two round towers and belfry, this landmark offers a glimpse into Swiss military engineering from the past.

Continue to the Town Hall, where you can capture iconic souvenir photos by the emblematic wild boar monument. Dating back to the 18th century, this Baroque building combines French and Bavarian architectural styles.

Pass by the lively Samaritaine Fountain, one of only three ancient fountains in the city. Take time to admire the finely carved Porrentruy arms on a shield, along with intriguing statues that tell captivating local stories.

Next, wander along Grand-Rue (Main Street), lined with elegant 19th-century buildings, upscale boutiques, and bustling restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for people watching and enjoying the local atmosphere.

Visit St. Peter's Church, the canton of Jura’s most important Gothic-style monument. Explore the blend of architectural styles, from the 13th-century remains to the 18th-century furniture inside.

Following this, marvel at the unique monument of Foucault Pendulum, located in front of the 14th-century Cantonal High School, and learn about how it demonstrates the Earth’s rotation in a mechanical manner.

Finally, immerse yourself in the JURASSICA Botanical Garden, home to a diverse collection of Mediterranean plants, from cacti to carnivorous species. The garden’s multiple climate-controlled greenhouses—tropical, desert, and swamp—offer a truly unique experience.

What's not included

Refreshments

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In front of the main tower, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.

About Switzerland

Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe, renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming medieval towns. It's known for its high quality of life, political neutrality, and as a global hub for banking and diplomacy.

Top Attractions

The Matterhorn

One of the most iconic mountains in the world, located in the Pennine Alps. It's a symbol of Switzerland and offers breathtaking views and challenging climbing routes.

Nature Full day to multi-day trips for hiking and climbing Free to view, CHF 50-150 (USD 50-150) for cable car and train rides

Jungfraujoch

Known as the 'Top of Europe,' Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks. It offers stunning views of the Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding Alps.

Nature 4-5 hours including travel time CHF 180 (USD 180) for a round trip from Interlaken (as of 2023)

Lake Geneva

One of the largest lakes in Europe, offering beautiful views, water activities, and charming towns along its shores. It's a popular destination for boating, swimming, and cycling.

Nature Half day to full day Free to visit, CHF 10-20 (USD 10-20) for boat tours

Old Town of Bern

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval architecture, charming streets, and historic landmarks. It's a great place to explore Swiss history and culture.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, CHF 5-15 (USD 5-15) for museum entries

Luzern (Lucerne)

A picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming bridges, and stunning mountain views. It's a gateway to the Swiss Alps and a popular tourist destination.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, CHF 30-60 (USD 30-60) for mountain excursions

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fondue

A melted cheese dish served in a communal pot over a portable stove. It's typically made with a blend of cheeses and white wine, and diners dip bread into the cheese using long-stemmed forks.

Dinner Contains dairy, gluten (from bread)

Raclette

A dish of melted raclette cheese, often served with potatoes, pickles, and cured meats. The cheese is melted and scraped onto the plate, creating a gooey, delicious topping.

Dinner Contains dairy, can be served with gluten-free options

Rösti

A Swiss potato dish similar to a hash brown, made from grated potatoes that are pan-fried until crispy. It's often served as a side dish or a main course with various toppings.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian, can be vegan if no butter is used

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

A traditional Zurich dish made with thinly sliced veal in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce, typically served with rösti.

Dinner Contains dairy, meat

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Mountain biking Paragliding Canyoning Spa and wellness Boat tours Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

June to August (Summer), December to February (Winter)

Summer offers warm weather, lush landscapes, and outdoor activities. Winter brings excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. These are the busiest times with the most tourist activity.

15-30°C (59-86°F) in summer, -5-10°C (23-50°F) in winter 59-86°F in summer, 23-50°F in winter

Practical Information

Language

Official: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Widely spoken: English, Swiss German
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and major cities

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CEST (GMT+2) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a stable political environment. However, travelers should still take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars and clubs

Getting there

By air

Zurich Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from Zurich city center
Geneva Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from Geneva city center

By train

Zurich Hauptbahnhof, Geneva Cornavin

By bus

Zurich Bus Station, Geneva Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are punctual, clean, and comfortable. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Zürich West Old Town (Altstadt) Zurich Carré Geneva Old Town (Vieille Ville) Quartier des Grottes

Day trips

Mount Pilatus

30 km (19 miles) from Zurich • Full day

Mount Pilatus is a stunning mountain peak offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. It's a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and scenic train rides.

Lavaux Vineyards

60 km (37 miles) from Geneva • Half day to full day

Lavaux Vineyards is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced vineyards, wine production, and stunning views of Lake Geneva. It's a great destination for wine tasting and scenic walks.

Château de Chillon

15 km (9 miles) from Lausanne • Half day

Château de Chillon is a medieval castle located on the shores of Lake Geneva. It's one of the most visited historic sites in Switzerland, offering a glimpse into the country's rich history.

Festivals

Fasnacht • Late February to early March (dates vary) Sechseläuten • Third Monday in April Fête de l'Escalade • Early December (dates vary)

Pro tips

Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, including trains, buses, and boats
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season
Use public transportation to save money and reduce your environmental impact
Pack layers and comfortable walking shoes, as the weather can vary significantly and you'll be doing a lot of walking
Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, such as German, French, or Italian, to enhance your cultural experience