St-Ursanne is a small medieval town on the banks of the Doubs River where the old centre is marked by the collegiate church and its cloister dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. The town has a rich heritage of buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries with three historic gates as the only way into the town. In the heart of a lush natural setting, it is the ideal starting point for numerous sporting activities such as hiking, mountain biking and canoeing. Every 2 years, more than 50,000 visitors gather for the “Médiévales”, an event during which the whole town is decked out as it was in the Middle Ages.
Saint-Ursanne is known for its rich cultural diversity and heritage. The village showcases a unique blend of traditions, local customs, and artistic expressions that reflect its history and identity. The village has implemented various initiatives and sustainable practices to minimize the environmental impact of tourism, such as renewable energy projects, and responsible tourism guidelines. Moreover, Saint-Ursanne has leveraged tourism as a driver for rural development, focusing on economic growth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. The village has witnessed the positive impacts of tourism in terms of job creation, economic prosperity, and the revitalization of cultural heritage.
HIGHLIGHTS
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The Secret Gourmet Circuit
This initiative aims to boost local gastronomy while supporting small enterprises by providing an immense and interactive approach to discovering the village’s culinary heritage. This emphasizes secrecy and the element of surprise that allow visitors to experience a gastronomy expedition in the village, revealing culinary treasure and undisclosed recipes. This unique initiative is unique because visitors remain unaware of the route and location until they arrive. This excitement gives visitors a chance to savour genuine local dishes.
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Ursinia, Jura 3 Lacs or Parc du Doubs
Ursinia, Jura 3 Lacs or Parc du Doubs, is an initiative that involves joint projects, exhibitions, workshops, and events that raise awareness about the village’s cultural resources and promote its value. Several cultural projects are engaging in preserving and restoring cultural sites, landmarks, and historic buildings, including renovating the cobblestone streets and the fountains in the city (renovation of the Berbatte clock). In addition, the village also organizes cultural events and festivals that celebrate the village’s heritage and cultural diversity including traditional performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions (Les Médiévales, Piano à St.Ursanne). The village collaborates with cultural organizations, local authorities, architects, and experts to develop and implement initiatives to ensure proper maintenance and conservation, preserving the village’s authenticity and promoting cultural conservation.
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A Smart Village
Saint-Ursanne invests in infrastructure development to support economic activities. This includes improving transportation networks, enhancing public facilities, and promoting sustainable tourism infrastructure. These investments enhance the visitor experience and create opportunities for local businesses to flourish including the development of electric bicycles, the provision of a mobility HUB for tourists, a bike storage facility, and the adoption of electric vehicles can help reduce carbon emissions from transportation. Saint-Ursanne promotes the use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure. This includes initiatives such as solar panel installations and energy-saving technologies. The village also provides platforms for e-commerce functionalities and electronic payment options.
