La Chaux-De-Fonds: Architecture and Watchmaking

The joint UNESCO ensemble “La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning” makes the connection between urban planning and watchmaking visible. La Chaux-De-Fonds is part of this ensemble, which was planned after major fires at the beginning of the 19th century. Its open layout consists of parallel bands, in which residential buildings and workshops are interconnected.

Watchmaking in the cityscape

The fire of 5 May 1794 is also part of the city’s history: La Chaux-De-Fonds was rebuilt afterwards in a rational, rectangular street grid. Later expansions in a checkerboard pattern made it possible to optimally light the watchmaking workshops, which were mainly located in buildings facing southeast. Watchmaking culture dates back to the 17th century and continues to this day.

At the Musée international d’horlogerie, visitors can watch watchmakers at work in the restoration workshop. The collection comprises more than 10,000 objects, along with historical and audiovisual archives and documents. If you specifically wish to visit the workshop, check the current access arrangements before your trip.

Architecture, art and city history

Villa Fallet is an architectural manifesto of the “Style sapin” and was built in 1906 and 1907. The plans were drawn up by Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, later known as Le Corbusier, under the supervision of architect René Chapallaz. The “Style sapin” is a version of Art Nouveau developed in La Chaux-De-Fonds. It emerged at the local art school at the beginning of the 20th century and was inspired by local flora and fauna.

Villa Fallet is open to the public on several Sundays each year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; a free guided tour is offered at 11 a.m. Check the agenda for visit dates. At Maison Blanche, individual visits are possible without prior reservation. A brochure is available to borrow for the self-guided tour; check the visiting conditions in advance.

The monumental fountain was built in 1888 as the city’s first decorative monument and celebrated the arrival of running water. The museums also offer different perspectives on the area: the collections of the Musée d’histoire de La Chaux-De-Fonds include prints, postcards and photographs, numismatics, weapons and uniforms, furniture, and everyday objects.

At the Musée paysan et artisanal, the rooms on display include a kitchen dedicated to fire, a wood-panelled bedroom that served as both a workspace and living space, and a watchmaking workshop with a large window. The Musée des beaux-arts is in the city centre, a five-minute walk from La Chaux-De-Fonds train station.

Biodiversity and wildlife

MUZOO presents the permanent exhibition “Plan B” about biodiversity and the threats it faces. Its vivarium offers a glimpse into the world of reptiles and amphibians, with enlarged, planted and illuminated terrariums. The Bois du Petit-Château Zoo in La Chaux-De-Fonds was founded in 1891 and also has a vivarium. If you specifically wish to visit an exhibition or the vivarium, check the latest information.

Routes, views and food

There are two routes to suit different time budgets: a two-hour route leads to Le Corbusier’s Villa Turque, while a 45-minute route goes through the historic city centre. Near La Chaux-De-Fonds, the Chemin des 7 abeilles offers walking routes of around 1.5 to 3 hours, with beautiful viewpoints over the city. The duration estimates make it easier to compare a shorter walk in the centre with longer routes in the surrounding area; check the route information before your trip.

The Food Tour La Chaux-De-Fonds combines tasting stops with architectural discoveries. The programme includes a cheese board with a glass of wine at Maison du Fromage Chez Sterchi, a burger or daily special with a glass of wine at Restaurant l’Union du Théâtre, and coffee or tea at Café du Coin. There is also a cupcake to take away from Marijs'sSweetys or, on Saturdays, a pastry from Le Panetier. A vegetarian option is available for the main course. As participating establishments and tour dates may change, check the current route in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: La Chaux-De-Fonds, La Sagne, Neuchâtel, Val-De-Travers, Val-De-Ruz, Le Locle, Boudry.

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