The Réclère Caves and Préhisto-Parc combine caves discovered in 1886 with a forest park home to 45 dinosaur replicas. You follow a guide underground, then explore at your own pace a trail that traces animal evolution.
Leisure parks
Main highlights
- Caves discovered in 1886, explored with a guide along a 1,500 m developed route
- 45 life-size replicas along a 2 km forest trail tracing animal evolution
- DNA double-helix tower with a panoramic view over the Doubs valley and its meanders
Overview
The Réclère site, in the Jura, combines two visits : caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and a prehistoric park set in the forest above. The caves were discovered in 1886 and opened to the public in 1890.
The 1,500 m underground route, 23 m below ground, features a wide variety of formations. The temperature stays at 7 °C all year round. The Préhisto-Parc has 45 replicas based on palaeontological knowledge, from a 10 m tarbosaurus to a 10 cm fish.
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What to see and do
The caves can only be visited with a guide, and the tour lasts about 1 hour. Groups are formed on site as visitors arrive. You pass the Pagoda, the Portrait, which suggests a face in profile, and the Dome, 15 m high, presented as the largest stalagmite in Switzerland.
The Préhisto-Parc can be explored freely. The trail follows the stages of animal evolution : the first fish, amphibians, dinosaurs and extinct mammals. Information panels accompany the replicas, including the 12 m parasaurolophus and the plateosaurus, linked to the Jura mountains. A suspended footbridge crosses a pond populated by marine reptiles.
The observation tower, shaped like a DNA double helix, overlooks the Doubs valley. At the visitor centre, the Panorama of Jura Wildlife displays 120 mounted animals from the region.
Practical information
Getting there : by PostBus from Porrentruy, Porrentruy-Réclère line, “Les Grottes” stop. On-site parking.
Visit duration : about 3 hours for the caves and the park, which can also be visited separately.
Suitable for : families and natural science enthusiasts. With over 500 steps, the caves are not accessible to pushchairs or wheelchairs. No animals allowed.
On site : restaurant at the Hôtel des Grottes, yurt or bungalow accommodation.
Visiting tips
Bring warm clothing and closed, non-slip shoes : the caves are cool, damp and have many steps.
Start with the guided tour of the caves, then explore the Préhisto-Parc at your own pace. Children love looking for their favourite dinosaurs.
Nearby
- The Jurassica Museum in Porrentruy displays dinosaur fossils and footprints from the Jura.
- Porrentruy Castle overlooks the town and traces the history of the Prince-Bishops of Basel.
- The Les Cerlatez Nature Centre showcases the forests, ponds, local wildlife and peat bogs of the Franches-Montagnes.
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