Pontarlier invites you to discover a unique way of life, where absinthe, cheeses, and conviviality come together to offer you an unforgettable experience. This charming town, known as the world capital of absinthe, sits at the crossroads of several delicious routes — those of wines and cheeses.
You will explore exceptional sites, especially those dedicated to the king of cheeses. Don’t hesitate to improvise tastings at fruitières and aging caves, and be sure to savor these delights when elevated by skilled chefs.
The Bourgeois Distillery immerses you in the magical world of absinthe. After a stroll through the gardens, the distiller will introduce you to different absinthe varieties and explain how the copper stills work. Following a tasting, the on-site shop invites you to take home a few bottles of this precious elixir.
Distillerie Bourgeois
Fans affectionately call it “le Pont” — Anis de Pontarlier, crafted by the Guy Distillery, one of the last remaining artisanal distilleries. There, you’ll discover traditional copper stills where absinthe and anis are still distilled. You’ll also get to taste the creations of this Living Heritage Company: aperitifs, liqueurs, and eaux-de-vie.
Distillerie Pierre Guy
The Les Fils d’Émile Pernot Distillery welcomes you to an exceptional setting. Nestled at the foot of the Château de Joux, the guided tour takes you through the fascinating history of absinthe. To round off the experience, a tasting will invite you to unlock the aromatic secrets of the Green Fairy.
Distillerie Les Fils d'Émile Pernot
In the underground galleries of this former military fortress, over one million wheels of this exceptional Comté mature under perfect conditions. This is the stronghold of Marcel Petite, one of the region’s most famous Comté producers. An unforgettable visit just a short distance from the Métabief resort, less than 20 km from Pontarlier.
He is a renowned name in the world of Comté. The Marcel Petite Creamery offers you a selection of traditional raw milk cheeses — of course including Comté, but also regional and international cheeses, along with local specialties and artisan wines.
This charming shop is located right in the heart of Pontarlier, set in a modern yet authentic atmosphere.
Stop by Badoz Cheese Dairy to stock up on locally made AOP cheeses: Mont d’Or, Comté, Morbier, as well as a wide variety of cooked and uncooked pressed cheeses, and a large selection of Cancoillottes. The shop also offers 100% local and artisanal products.
Fromagerie Badoz
In this gourmet bistro, the chef plays with flavors, often combining sea and land products, and a variety of peppers. The cuisine is homemade and rooted in the terroir, with a strong focus on short supply chains. The menu is deliberately limited to ensure the highest quality dishes.
Restaurant Le Pourquoi pas
Chef Marc Faivre has made Bon Accueil a gastronomic benchmark, earning a Michelin star.
This restaurant, located just a few kilometers from Pontarlier, offers refined dishes crafted with local products, focusing on proximity and seasonality: Morteau sausage, vin jaune, Comté, absinthe, morels — all bringing a local touch to perfectly executed plates.
Au Bon accueil
This 19th-century fort stands opposite the Château de Joux. It’s an exceptional spot for a walk and a picnic with a unique view over the village of La Cluse-et-Mijoux, at an altitude of 1,032 meters.
👍 From Salins-les-Bains to Morteau
On this gourmet route, you’ll stop in towns especially welcoming to food lovers and epicureans.
The itinerary invites you to enjoy tasting breaks at Pontarlier’s distilleries, fruitières, aging cellars, and unique spots like Fort Saint-Antoine and the tuyés — traditional smokehouses dedicated to curing smoked meats.
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 2 hours
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