Located on the Swiss border in the east of France, Pontarlier is a town with a number of fascinating landmarks and museums. It's also known as one of the settings in the famous novel Les Misérables, as the city where Jean Valjean decides to break parole.
Renting a car from Pontarlier means that visitors will be able to explore at their own speed, and see a great deal more of the area than if they relied on public transport. The nearby 14th century Château de Cléron is less than an hour away and has delightful gardens.
The Triumphal Arch of the Porte Saint-Pierre is not to be missed. It was built in the 18th century, and is a remarkable monument. Elsewhere in Pontalier, be sure to visit the museums of the town. The Municipal Museum is an excellent place to begin your exploration, but a highlight of any visit to the city is the Espera Museum, which has a variety of engines and car design prototypes, perfect for the petrol-heads amongst you.
If you want to explore more of this part of France, hire a car from our Pontarlier branch and the possibilities are endless. Just a 10 minute drive outside of the town you will find the Château de Joux. Seated precariously on the edge of a cliff in the Jura Mountains, the castle is in a magical setting with incredible views.
