| A Visit to Pontarlier & the Val de Travers |
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Pontarlier is situated at an altitude of 830m in the Haut-Doubs
region near the Swiss border, and has a population of around
18500 (in 1910 it was 9500). Until 1915 it was the centre of
French absinthe production, and home to many of the largest
distillers, including Junod, Terminus and Pernod Fils. The nearby
Val de Travers, just across the Swiss border in the canton of
Neuchatel, is the legendary home of La Fee Verte. Pernod Fils had
a factory in Couvet, and dozens of other distillers were based in
Fleurier, Travers and Motiers, while Boveresse was the centre for
the cultivation and drying of the absinthe plant.Today, production
of the artisanal clear absinthe "La Bleue" continues in the valley.
region near the Swiss border, and has a population of around
18500 (in 1910 it was 9500). Until 1915 it was the centre of
French absinthe production, and home to many of the largest
distillers, including Junod, Terminus and Pernod Fils. The nearby
Val de Travers, just across the Swiss border in the canton of
Neuchatel, is the legendary home of La Fee Verte. Pernod Fils had
a factory in Couvet, and dozens of other distillers were based in
Fleurier, Travers and Motiers, while Boveresse was the centre for
the cultivation and drying of the absinthe plant.Today, production
of the artisanal clear absinthe "La Bleue" continues in the valley.
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A Visit to Pontarlier
Pontarlier is situated at an altitude of 830m in the Haut-Doubs region near the Swiss border, and has a population of around
18500 (in 1910 it was 9500). Until 1915 it was the centre of French absinthe production, and home to many of the largest
distillers, including Junod, Terminus and Pernod Fils.
Pontarlier is situated at an altitude of 830m in the Haut-Doubs region near the Swiss border, and has a population of around
18500 (in 1910 it was 9500). Until 1915 it was the centre of French absinthe production, and home to many of the largest
distillers, including Junod, Terminus and Pernod Fils.
Inside the old Maison Pernod Fils Factory
After the banning of absinthe and the demise of Pernod Fils, the huge Pernod factory, once the pride of industrial France,
was used as a field hospital during the First World War. In 1919 the premises were bought by a chocolate manufacturer
whose business was subsequently taken over by the Swiss food giant Nestle. The factory has been used continuously by
Nestle ever since, originally for the manufacture of chocolates, but now primarily for the production of Strawberry and Banana
Nesquick for export to the UK market. Around 350 Nestle employees, mainly locals from Pontarlier, work there.
After the banning of absinthe and the demise of Pernod Fils, the huge Pernod factory, once the pride of industrial France,
was used as a field hospital during the First World War. In 1919 the premises were bought by a chocolate manufacturer
whose business was subsequently taken over by the Swiss food giant Nestle. The factory has been used continuously by
Nestle ever since, originally for the manufacture of chocolates, but now primarily for the production of Strawberry and Banana
Nesquick for export to the UK market. Around 350 Nestle employees, mainly locals from Pontarlier, work there.
Pontarlier Distilleries
There are currently 3 active distilleries in Pontarlier, of which two - François Guy and Emile Pernot - make traditionally
distilled absinthe.
There are currently 3 active distilleries in Pontarlier, of which two - François Guy and Emile Pernot - make traditionally
distilled absinthe.
The Pontarlier Museum
Pontarlier's Musée Municipal, situated in a 17th century building just off the Rue de Republique, devotes several rooms to the
history of absinthe production in the town.
Pontarlier's Musée Municipal, situated in a 17th century building just off the Rue de Republique, devotes several rooms to the
history of absinthe production in the town.
The Val de Travers
The Val de Travers in the canton of Neuchatel, legendary home of La Fee Verte. Pernod Fils had a factory in Couvet, and
dozens of other distillers were based in Fleurier, Travers and Motiers, while Boveresse was the centre for the cultivation and
drying of the absinthe plant.Today, production of the artisanal clear absinthe "La Bleue" continues in the valley.
The Val de Travers in the canton of Neuchatel, legendary home of La Fee Verte. Pernod Fils had a factory in Couvet, and
dozens of other distillers were based in Fleurier, Travers and Motiers, while Boveresse was the centre for the cultivation and
drying of the absinthe plant.Today, production of the artisanal clear absinthe "La Bleue" continues in the valley.
Fête de l'Absinthe - Boveresse
June 18th, 2005 saw the 8th annual Fête de l'Absinthe at Boveresse, in the Val de Travers. Following the re-legalisation of
absinthe in Switzerland earlier this year, for the first time the local distillers were out in force, with many new brands on offer.
June 18th, 2005 saw the 8th annual Fête de l'Absinthe at Boveresse, in the Val de Travers. Following the re-legalisation of
absinthe in Switzerland earlier this year, for the first time the local distillers were out in force, with many new brands on offer.
Pontarlier Absinthiades
The 5th annual Pontarlier Absinthiades was held from 30th September to 2nd October 2005. As before the program
comprised an antique dealers' bourse, a competition for the best absinthe sold in France, an exhibition at the museum, and
presentations by various authors and historians.
The 5th annual Pontarlier Absinthiades was held from 30th September to 2nd October 2005. As before the program
comprised an antique dealers' bourse, a competition for the best absinthe sold in France, an exhibition at the museum, and
presentations by various authors and historians.
