Nestled amid the mountains of Jura, the city of Pontarlier is a gateway to a boundless area of protected forest, lakes and pastures. With its massive clock tower, the triumphal arch of Porte Saint-Pierre stands in the city centre, close to many Pontarlier hotels. Absinthe is produced in the two distilleries in town, both of which are open for touring and tasting. Learn about the city's history and view collections of ancient pottery at the municipal museum. Pontarlier has two churches, the ornately gated Annonciades and Saint-Benigne Church, adorned with stunning stained-glass windows. Spanning 10 centuries of development, Chateau de Joux was formerly a state prison housing many infamous French nationals within its massive stone dungeons. The castle overlooks the Cluse de Ponarlier, the valley linking France to Switzerland, and contains a museum of old weapons. At Lac Saint Point, visitors can swim, fish, sail, row, canoe or kayak across the cool mountain waters or roam the surrounding trails on foot or by mountain bike. There is also a ski resort nearby in Metabief that offers cross-country and downhill skiing.

other spellings: pontarlierhotels, pontalier otel, pontarlier hotell, pontallier hote, pontallier hotes