ONAJ
Auberge de jeunesse HI Pontarlier
Why stay
here
01
Trails from your bedroom door
Step outside and you're on the Grande Traversée du Jura — 180 km of cross-country ski trails in winter, hiking paths in summer. The GR5 and GTJ pass metres from the hostel, while snowshoe routes climb directly towards Mont Larmont's 1,323m summit.
02
France's absinthe capital reborn
Pontarlier produced 90% of the world's absinthe before the 1915 ban. Today, the Armand Guy distillery tells this story through tastings and tours, while the town's bars serve the green fairy legally again — alongside Comté cheese from local fruitières.
03
Two countries, one day trip
Switzerland is just 10 km away — cycle to Neuchâtel for Swiss chocolate and watches, or take the train (45 min). The Château de Joux fortress guards the historic Cluse de Pontarlier pass, while Lac de Saint-Point offers France's third-largest natural lake 15 km south.
Auberge de jeunesse HI Pontarlier
HI Pontarlier occupies a traditional wooden-framed building typical of the Haut-Doubs region, with warm timber interiors throughout its 23 rooms and 80 beds. The bar features regional wooden décor, while the 80-seat restaurant serves local specialities. A secure bike garage, repair tools, and route maps support the hostel's Accueil Vélo certification for cycling tourists. The library and relaxation areas maintain the cosy mountain lodge atmosphere.
Pontarlier sits at 800m altitude as France's second-highest city, between Mont Larmont (1,323m) and the Arlier plain. The Swiss border is 10 km away, Lac de Saint-Point 15 km south, and the famous Château de Joux fortress 4 km east. The Grande Traversée du Jura cross-country ski trails pass through town, while the Gorges de la Loue and Source Bleue spring are within 30 minutes. The town centre is known for Comté cheese, Morteau sausage, and its absinthe heritage — visit the Armand Guy distillery to learn about Pontarlier's history as the former absinthe capital.
HI Pontarlier accommodates educational and youth groups up to 80 in its traditional Jura mountain setting. The 23 rooms (3 to 6 beds) allow flexible allocation for different group sizes, with potential for private floors depending on booking size. The 80-seat restaurant handles full board service, while meeting rooms support educational programmes. Approved by both the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Associative Life and the Ministry of National Education, the hostel designs programmes aligned with school curricula covering history, science, culture, and sports. The location at 800m altitude puts groups at the heart of the Jura's natural classroom — from the Grande Traversée du Jura trails starting at the door to the historic Château de Joux 4 km away.
Everything your group gets
Accommodation
23 rooms configured as 3, 4, 5, and 6-bed dormitories accommodate groups from 10 to 80. Flexible room allocation allows groups to book clusters or entire floors. Leaders can arrange private rooms subject to availability. Meeting rooms available for briefings and educational sessions. 24-hour building access supports varied activity schedules. The traditional wooden interiors create a warm mountain atmosphere that works well for school trips and youth organisations.
Services
Full board available, packed lunches for day trips. Educational programmes aligned with school curricula. Meeting rooms with teaching space. Groups from 10 people, quotes on request.
Activities & experiences
Guided hikes on Grande Traversée du Jura, Château de Joux historical visits (4 km), cross-country skiing/snowshoeing in winter. Armand Guy distillery educational tours on absinthe history.
Food & drink
Restaurant seats 80 — full group dining in one sitting. Regional menu featuring Comté, Morteau sausage. Dietary requirements accommodated with advance notice. Packed lunches for mountain days.
Wellness
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Location
21, rue Marpaud
Pontarlier
France
25300
Directions
Getting here
Pontarlier station is a 2-minute walk from the hostel — trains run from Neuchâtel (Switzerland, 45 min) and Dole (1h30, connections from Paris). By car: A39 motorway to Poligny, then N5/N57 to Pontarlier (1 hour from A39). From Switzerland: N20 from Neuchâtel via Val-de-Travers. Geneva Airport is 150 km (2 hours by car). Local buses connect to surrounding villages and ski areas in winter. The hostel sits in the town centre at 21 rue Marpaud, easily walkable from all amenities.
Parking info
Street parking available on rue Marpaud and surrounding streets. Town centre location means paid parking zones during the day (free evenings and weekends). Larger car parks at Place Zarautz (5 min walk) and near the station. Overnight motorhome parking at designated areas near Lac Saint-Point.
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