La route de l'absinthe

The Absinthe route is a Franco-Swiss tourist route from Pontarlier to Noiraigue in Switzerland. This route allows you to discover about twenty remarkable sites (distilleries, dryers, museums...) as well as the derived products: chocolates, macaroons, sausages....
The map of the absinthe route is available at the Tourist Office of Pontarlier.

It is a long Franco-Swiss story which began in the 19th century between Pontarlier and the Val de Travers (Switzerland). Called the Green Fairy or the Blue Fairy, absinthe made the economic greatness of Pontarlier until it was banned in 1915.
Today an itinerary starting from Pontarlier allows you to discover remarkable sites: distilleries, museums, absinthe fields, smuggling sites and to taste absinthe-based specialities (chocolates, charcuterie....).

The museum in Pontarlier tells the story of the origin of the absinthe plant in the glorious years, its prohibition until its rebirth. The exhibition also houses a beautiful collection of objects: pyrogenes, carafes, posters that will delight the most curious.
End your morning with a visit to a distillery and let all your senses be awakened: observe, immerse yourself in the smells and witness the ceremonial tasting to the delight of your taste buds!
Continue your journey and cross the border to Switzerland.
A walk in the heart of nature, at the entrance of the Gorges de la Pouetta Raisse, "la fontaine à Louis" has a nice surprise in store for you, well hidden... a bottle of Bleue will allow you to disturb your absinthe at the fountain.
Back in the village of Môtiers, head for Bugnon's, he will tell you about the Bleue (clandestine) and its subtle aromas. Finish your journey at the newly opened Maison de l'Absinthe in Môtiers, which will take you on a journey back to the time of absinthe: its history, 95 years of smuggling and an experimental laboratory ..... Let's go, it's time !
Find all the actors of the road on the website : www.routedelabsinthe.com