Pontarlier

The history of Pontarlier is built around its advantageous geographical location: a crossroads during the Middle Ages between the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, it benefitted from passing trade but also suffered from military invasions. With many forests and a large amount of iron ore, this town was built on farming and craftmanship. Its border location enabled a constant flow of goods, people, know-how and capital. The opening of absinthe distilleries, sometimes in collaboration with Switzerland, generated a period of great prosperity in terms of the town’s development and cultural identity. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

A former coach house, to which it owes its name, the La Poste brewery received the 20th Century Heritage label for its Art-Deco style. It is also famous for having been the place where “Septième Juré” starring Bernard Blier and “Les Granges Brûlées” starring Simone Signoret and Alain Delon were both filmed. (PNRH - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

At the heart of the historic centre is the vast expanse offered by the Place d’Arçon where the town hall and the Pontarlier museum are both located. The first was completed in 1838 and originally housed an indoor market on the ground floor. The museum is located in one of the city’s oldest buildings, a combination of three houses, the oldest of which dates back to the 15th century. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

Built in 1771 based on the design of the knight d’Arçon, to replace the entrance across the ramparts, the Saint-Pierre entrance is now one of the symbols of Pontarlier. Remodelled during the 12th century, it has kept its classical style and is listed on the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments. Adorned with lines reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe, the entrance appears like a crown atop the rue de la République and marks a symbolic transition from the more contemporary districts and the historic centre. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

During the early 20th century, the theatre was built as a reception hall above the Pontarlier market-hall. These market-halls are reminiscent of the large fairs that have been held in the city since the 13th century. During the 14th century, these fairs experienced a boom when the Col de Jougne (15 km south) became a commercial crossing point between the North Sea and the Mediterranean. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

These barracks, which were built with some of the money allocated by Louis XV to reconstruct Pontarlier after the fire in 1736, could house up to 200 men and just as many horses. The two L-shaped buildings were linked by a huge door, however, the municipality refused to close the square on the other side. This place was therefore split between a place of armament and a public place. In 1922, the door was removed, to allow for better circulation. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

Armand Guy distillery, now known as Pierre Guy, was founded in 1890 and is classed as a Living Heritage Enterprise. Much like Maison Pernod, it is passed down through the family, with four generations having already been at the reins. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

In 1901, the Pernod factory - the largest absinthe distillery in the town - fell victim to a fire. With the alcohol reserves representing a risk of explosion, an employee decided to empty the reservoirs into the Doubs. Legend would have it that the merry inhabitants would drink the water straight from the river. However, these events led to a hydrological discovery: the first colouration in history. We discovered that the Loue was a resurgence of the Doubs, as it waters had taken on the same murky colour and aniseed smell.

From 1743 to 1867, Druhen-Vandel house served as a courthouse - then referred to as an auditorium - and a prison. Here, Mirabeau was tried for “seduction, abduction and adultery” and was acquitted after pleading on his own behalf. The building itself was built based on Louis Girod’s design and is constructed around an internal courtyard adorned with a turret. This is a fine example of the architecture of its time. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

Founded and funded by the nuns during the 12th century, Saint-Joseph hospital was partially destroyed during the Ten-Year War. The hospital is not only of historic interest, it also has two unique chapels - one in the baroque style, the other in Byzantine style - and a beautiful apothecary. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

Having been rebuilt on several occasions, after the village was taken by Bernard of Saxe-Weimar and later after two fires, the Saint-Bénigne church is difficult to date; however, one document does prove that it existed during the 12th century. Inside, the church has many remarkable glass windows and sculptures. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

Designed by architect Girod in neo-gothic style, this chapel was built on Mount Molar during the 19th century on the orders of the priest Lallemand, to thank the Virgin for having protected Pontarlier from the cholera epidemic that had spread to Franche-Comté. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

The train station was created following the opening of the Franco-Swiss line, which was a major asset for development in a region in which the road network was not yet fully operational. As a result, there was a bitter fight between Dole and Besançon for the railhead. Ultimately, this fight was won by the Jura and in 1860, the first stretch between Neuchâtel and Pontarlier was inaugurated. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)

Philippe Grenier, a native of Pontarlier, lived from 1865 to 1944. He is remembered by locals for having been a doctor to the poor, but also for having been the first Muslim member of the French Parliament, elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1896. Philippe Grenier was therefore a Muslim in a Catholic country, promoting a lifestyle without the consumption of alcohol in the land of absinthe, and yet respected for his integrity and devotion to the most disadvantaged. (PNRHJ - Un tour en ville, “A tour of the town”)