Saint-Sulpice Ne: Areuse, Vehicles and Steam Trains

Saint-Sulpice Ne brings together nature and technology in one travel itinerary: the source of the Areuse and hydropower sit alongside the history of vehicles and railways. A path to the source, the Volkswagen collection, and the steam locomotive depot each offer a different focus.

The Source of the Areuse and Hydropower

The Ecomusée de la Haute-Areuse is dedicated to hydropower. Its route leads through the preserved natural surroundings of the source of the Areuse. The source lies in the northwestern part of the Cirque de Saint-Sulpice, at the foot of a cliff at an altitude of 799 metres. It drains a catchment area of almost 130 square kilometres.

The Roues de l’Areuse has an educational trail with 13 stops. These include two hydropower plants built in 1886 and put back into operation. The marked «Les Roues de l’Areuse» circular route starts at the new Groupe E power plant in Saint-Sulpice. The Ecomusée des Roues de l’Areuse is a five-minute walk from the St-Sulpice Terminus bus stop. From the same stop, the round trip to the source takes about an hour and a half on foot. For your planning, these are two different time estimates: the short walk to the Ecomusée and the longer circuit to the source.

A path to Chapeau de Napoléon leads via the La Linière farm, pastures, and woodland. This is followed by 800 metres along a paved road to Chapeau, which lies at an altitude of 960 metres.

Volkswagens on Three Floors

The Musée Oldtimer Volkswagen in Saint-Sulpice displays a private vehicle collection dating from 1950 to 1979. It comprises almost 170 Volkswagens, including at least 130 Beetles. On three floors, you can see Beetles, buses, 181s, Karmann models, Type 3s, buggies, and Porsche 914s, among other vehicles.

On the ground floor, children can play with unrestored cars, touch them, run around inside them, and sit behind the wheel. On the first floor, there is a Volkswagen-themed bar featuring various objects and memorabilia from the brand.

Steam Locomotives and Railways

The Saint-Sulpice steam locomotive depot houses one of Switzerland’s most important collections of standard-gauge steam locomotives. The depot offers guided tours in French or German by reservation; check the reservation arrangements before your trip.

Vapeur Val-de-Travers offers scenic tourist steam train rides along the Franco-Swiss line through the Areuse Gorges to Lake Neuchâtel. The rides add a route-based perspective to the local technology attractions, travelling through the gorges to the lake.

A History of Industry

The Portland cement factory in Saint-Sulpice was established from 1877 by converting an old mill. Gustave Dubied founded it that same year to establish a new industry in the region. When he died in 1899, after a long period of prosperity, the plant was the most important company in its sector in Switzerland.

Getting to the Museums

From Fleurier, you can reach the steam locomotive depot by bus to the St-Sulpice Bas du Village stop, followed by a five-minute walk. A transN bus route connects Couvet, Fleurier, Saint-Sulpice, Les Bayards, Les Verrières, and Pontarlier. Check the current timetable and route before travelling.

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

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