Porrentruy
This charming little town is nestled in the Swiss Jura, just a 15-minute drive from the French border. On the northern slope, a castle watches over the town, while at the southern end of the cobblestone Grand Rue stands a heritage building, dating back to 1715, with a hint of Wes Anderson charm: the Auberge du Mouton.
The Hosts
Rebecca Leaver and Samuel Tobler took over the house in 2023. Prior to that, both had worked in various roles in the hospitality and hotel industry. They discovered the auberge purely by chance and said to themselves: This house is our chance. Let’s take on the adventure in the Jura!
When they acquired the building, it became a true labor of love. Friends and family helped them realize this dream, always with the goal of offering guests a wonderful experience in a historic house.
The Rooms
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear there’s no fuss here. You walk up a few historic stone steps to reach the reception, where we were greeted with a warm, friendly manner. Right away, you sense the perfect harmony between the place, the hosts, and their small team.
We were lucky enough to stay in the Junior Suite in the attic (which probably is the most beautiful room in the house). From our private rooftop terrace, we looked out over the town’s old rooftops and the green hills that hint at the start of the Jura mountains to the south. The room features historic wooden beams and a sleek, solid oak shelf behind the bed. It exudes a sense of calm, warmth, and authenticity, making you feel completely at ease from the very first moment.
Creativity abounds throughout the space: the wall lamps were handcrafted by a friend who is a ceramic artist, the folding curtains were custom-made by a local artisan, and many of the classic modern furniture pieces were carefully sourced from vintage markets. The overall style? Refined, serene, understated, with a keen appreciation for high-quality materials.
Restaurant
Speaking of the kitchen – it’s truly the heart of the house. The menu features a small selection of carefully chosen dishes, made with seasonal and regional ingredients, complemented by Samuel’s selection of Swiss organic and natural wines, which are rarely found elsewhere in Europe. We loved that the vegetarian option was given just as much care and attention as the meat dishes. The main course, for example, featured cauliflower served as a steak with chimichurri sauce and bean purée – a surprising and well-balanced dish.
From time to time, guest chefs, who are friends of the house, take up residency at the Auberge du Mouton. You can check the website to see what’s coming up.
The region
What the hosts really hope for: “Many of our guests stop here on their way to France and usually stay for just one or two nights,” says Rebecca. But in reality, this is a place where you can easily spend more time and discover so much in the Jura region. There are countless hiking trails and cycling routes, historical landmarks, and, of course, the Jura region itself lends its name to an entire geological period. Many fossils have been found in the Jura Mountains, and the local Jurassica Museum, with its botanical garden, offers an extensive collection and educational exhibits on the subject.
For instance, you can take a walk from Pourrentruy to St. Ursanne.
IDEAL For
Adventurers looking to explore nature and culture off the beaten path, right in the heart of Europe – with Basel just an hour’s drive away. Design and culinary enthusiasts who value authenticity and quality at a fair price, seeking inspiration and a place to unwind.
Price
Doubles from 186 euro including breakfast.
Booking & Contact
Auberge du Mouton
Rue du Cygne 1
2900 Porrentruy
Switzerland
