Couvet between absinthe culture and the Areuse

Couvet brings together the history of absinthe and a townscape shaped by the Areuse and buildings from different centuries. There are also distillery visits, trails through forests and pastures, and activities at espaceVAL. Which aspects of the town interest you may influence your choice of hotel in Couvet.

Absinthe and distilleries in Couvet

The origin of absinthe, also known as the “Green Fairy,” is traced to Couvet in the Val-de-Travers; its creation is associated with the 1750s. The cross-border Route de l’Absinthe links emblematic sites between Pontarlier and the Val-de-Travers. Its network includes distilleries, museums, craft businesses, restaurants and heritage sites in France and Switzerland. The route can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by car; it is a regional network, not a single walking tour through Couvet.

Several distilleries in Couvet offer tours or tastings, but conditions vary. Distillerie Artemisia welcomes groups of up to 30 people for guided tours with tastings, by prior arrangement. Check the booking requirements and participation conditions before your trip. Absinthe La Valote Martin also offers tours and tastings, by arrangement for groups of six or more. During a visit, you can also discover one of the region’s rare historic drying barns, a reminder of methods from before the absinthe ban of 1910.

Distillerie d’Absinthe Persoz offers guided tours, during which Gaudentia Persoz explains the history of absinthe, the plants and the production process. Check in advance whether a tour is available. Distillerie Wanner produces and distils its spirits in Couvet using natural products sourced from the region wherever possible. Its tour combines a visit to the distillery with tastings of gin, absinthe and liqueurs; booking conditions may change.

Historic townscape along the Areuse

On the left bank of the Areuse, the Grand-Rue forms a linear town centre. Most of its buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Within the built-up area, the Areuse forms an S-shaped river landscape, separating important parts of the townscape. The river and the buildings together make up Couvet’s distinctive character.

Several phases of construction can be seen at the temple: it dates from 1658, while its imposing bell tower with a Baroque dome dates from 1766. Place des Halles is defined by an octagonal Baroque fountain dating from 1776. The main bridge is another historic landmark, with its metal truss structure dating from 1867.

A different chapter in the town’s history is told by the former Dubied SA industrial complex between the Areuse and the railway line. It housed a knitting-machine factory; the first building dates from 1867, and the plant closed in 1974. A shipment of absinthe documented for an exhibition departed from Couvet and Pontarlier aboard the Marie-Thérèse in 1871. Together, these sites reveal the town’s varied historical connections, from industry and transport to the history of absinthe.

Trails, forests and activities at espaceVAL

The Helsana Trail de Couvet offers three free routes of 3.1, 7.3 and 13.3 kilometres, open around the clock. The start and finish are in front of the espaceVAL building. These three different route lengths give you options for planning, without implying a particular walking time or level of difficulty.

Above Couvet, the Sentier de la forêt jardinée shows how forest management based on the principle of “jardinage forestier” incorporates biodiversity, natural regeneration and sustainable management. Seasonal conditions may vary. One hiking route starts in Couvet, passes through forests and pastures, and climbs to the Haut des Joux. The Couvet–Vaumarcus hike is also listed as a named route.

More activities are available at espaceVAL. The Mur de grimpe climbing wall offers year-round indoor climbing, introductory courses for beginners and graded routes for experienced climbers; check the current opening arrangements before visiting. The Piscine d’espaceVAL has three water areas, including a homologated 25-metre pool with four lanes. There is also a wellness area with a sauna and hammam, as well as a solarium. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

Practical planning for your trip

For a guided night-time snowshoe hike, the group meets at Hôtel-restaurant de l’Aigle and then travels together to the chosen starting point. The snow conditions determine the format. The hotel-restaurant is also accessible by public transport, including by train, for this activity; check the timetables before your trip.

A municipal webpage dated 3 March 2025 lists two free electric bicycles, available for collection and return at espaceVAL. Check whether the service is available before your trip. Whether you visit Couvet mainly for its absinthe history, historic townscape or trails, these themes offer different starting points for your stay and your search for a suitable hotel.

Discover more destinations: Fleurier, Les Verrières, Saint-Sulpice Ne, Môtiers, La Côte-Aux-Fées, Travers Ne, Boveresse, Buttes.

For the broader travel overview: Val-De-Travers.