Discover the site
Banné, which lies above Porrentruy, gave its name to the fossil-rich geological layer defined by Jules Thurmann as «Banné marl». This marlstone contains vast quantities of fossilised invertebrates, the creatures that populated the Jurassic seas some 152 million years ago. There is an information pavilion on site, and an excavation area in which visitors can look for fossils themselves.
152 million years ago, this gastropod and bivalve lived happily in the Tethys. They became fossilized and were then discovered at the excavations of Banné. Now you can find them for the first time on internet! Print this Ceratomya bivalve and this Harpagode gastropod on a 3D printer and bring it home! Download here.
Activities
From April to November, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 2 to 5 pm, the site of Banné is open to visitors. Discover the fascinating world of fossils. Jurassica organises guided tours of the didactic path, the Dinotec and the excavation in Banné at request.
Practical information
The excavation site is outdoors, good shoes and appropriate headgear are required.
Price: Adults: 8.-, AHV, IV, students, children up to 16 years: 5.-, Children under 6 years: free. Cash payment only. No reservation necessary.
Access & Contact
The Banné is situated above Porrentruy, next to the pick-nick space and football fields.
With the car from the station, take «all directions» for about 20 metres, on the roundabout by the petrol station, take the road to your left going to Besançon. Go straight to the last intersection and continue in direction of Besançon. Take the rue du Gravier and at the next intersection go straight onwards. At the intersection of the municipal pool, keep going straight, on the turn towards the left, follow the signs! Place to park the car are available at the school (Oiselier). From there, walk about 10 minutes following the signs.
There are parking possibilities on the site for people with restricted mobility. Access to the site is possible by wheelchair.
From the Porrenruy train station, it takes you about 30 minutes to walk to the site following the signs.
Contact:
Jurassica
Rte de Fontenais 21
2900 Porrentruy
Tel 032 420 92 00
info@jurassica.ch