Château de Pleujouse

Wind through lush, Jurassic mountains, into a region that gets its name from the age of dinosaurs - and for just cause. Wispy clouds hover over verdant, mossy forests where hidden castle gastronomy boasts majestic views of the Ajoie valley. Britain-born chef Gérard Praud and his wife Catherine, a native of Porrentruy, are known for their artisanal cuisine and passion for delighting guests through culinary surprise. Photos line a wall in the main dining room recalling a day in 2012 when the restaurant hosted a delegation of ambassadors to Switzerland. “The world came to Pleujouse,” says Catherine. “But we try to keep things intimate.” The restaurant seats 30 (60 on special request), and has an outdoor terrace for summer weather. Reservations recommended.