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Tourisme neuchâtelois

Espacité 1

2302 La Chaux-de-Fonds

T +41 (0)32 889 68 95

F +41 (0)32 889 62 97

[email protected]

http://www.neuchateltourisme.ch

The cityscape of La Chaux-de-Fonds, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in

2009, is characterized by a chessboard design that was created at the beginning of the 19th century

after a catastrophic fire. La Chaux-de-Fonds (1,000 meters above sea level) is the birthplace of the

architect Le Corbusier, whose actual name was Charles Edouard Jeanneret-Gris. One of his early

works, "Maison Blanche", is located here. He built the house in 1912 for his parents.

The international watch museum "Musée International de l'Horlogerie" (MIH) is entirely dedicated to

the history of time measurement. It houses over 4,500 exhibits, including 2,700 watches and 700

wall clocks.

The climate in the Jura is harsh. On the lonely heights west of Le Locle is the village of La Brévine,

La Chaux-de-FondsLa Chaux-de-Fonds, the birthplace of Le Corbusier, was the world capital of the watch-making industry for over a hundred years. It thus makes sense that the first house designed by the world-famous architect and the International Watch Musuem are located here.

200 m

1000 ft

© MySwitzerland.com - Schweiz Tourismus - /15

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http://http//www.neuchateltourisme.ch

General Info

Opening hours

Shops/shopping

Monday - Friday: 8.30 am - 6.30 pm

Saturday: 8.30 am - 5 pm

Late night shopping: Monday, 1.30 pm - 6.30

pm / Thursday, 8.30 am - 8 pm. Smaller

shops are closed from 12 noon - 1.30 pm

Banks and currency exchange

Monday - Friday: 9 am - 12.15 pm / 1.45 pm

- 5 pm

Saturday: closed

Public authorities and offices

Monday - Friday: 8.30 am - 12 noon / 1.30

pm - 5 pm

Saturday: closed

Canton: Neuchâtel

Postcode/ZIP: 2300 - 2302

Altitude: 1000 m

Population: 38,000

Language: Französisch

Important phone numbers

Emergency calls:

117 Police

118 Fire

144 Ambulance

1414 Swiss heli rescue

General information:

1811 General information such as eg

doctors, theater, etc.

140 Breakdown Service

162 Weather Information

163 Road conditions

187 Avalanche Bulletin

which is called the Siberia of Switzerland, and holds the record for the lowest temperature ever

recorded in Switzerland –41.8°. In summer the Jura mountains are a popular place for walking and

cycling, while in winter the main sport is cross-country skiing.


A perfect day in La Chaux-de-Fonds.La Chaux-de-Fonds is the highest city in Europe, the trees along its main street trimmed at a height of 1,000 metres above sea level. It is also the birthplace of the renowned architect Le Corbusier. In 2009 this watchmaking metropolis became a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its cityscape, which uniquely documents architectural and planning development through the age of industrialisation.

08:30Fresh start Le Panetier is both a bakery and a café, with a history going back

95 years. It celebrates this with traditional bread recipes and a

variety of other treats baked in the wood oven – to the delight of its

customers.

11:00Bird’s-eye view Getting an overview of La Chaux-de-Fonds is easy: simply board

the lift of the only round high-rise building in the city centre, the

Espacité tower, and ride up to the 14th floor. Over an aperitif in

the Restaurant Citérama you can get a bird’s-eye view of the

city’s chessboard layout – and you’ll soon be ready to start

exploring.

12:00Garden grill Fortify yourself in style before you set off on your first city walk.

The terrace of the Grand Hôtel Les Endroits is perfect for this: a

tranquil, welcoming spot located above the city at an altitude of

1,111 metres. On fine summer days, the owner personally lights

the grill – and serves guests mouth-watering local specialities.

13:30Moving images The history of La Chaux-de-Fonds is as exciting as the city itself.

In the 19th century this was still a farming village, many of whose

inhabitants boosted their income by assembling watches during

the long winter nights. This evolved into a flourishing industry –

and La Chaux-de-Fonds became the economic powerhouse of

the Neuchâtel region. Le Corbusier, Chevrolet, the UNESCO

World Heritage listing: a 15-minute film showing at the Espace de l’urbanisme horloger (Rue Jaquet-

Droz 23) tells the full story.


14:00Journey of discovery

This city is best explored on foot. There is a variety of themed

walks on offer – leading you to the special local form of Art

Nouveau, revealing the symbiosis of watchmaking and town

planning and following the Le Corbusier trail to the architect’s

famous Maison blanche. Free brochures are available from the

tourist office.

16:00About time The International Watchmaking Museum presents the history of

timekeeping with more than 4,500 exhibits, and is said to be the

best-stocked watch museum in the world. Make sure you have

time to spare when you visit!

19:30Bon appétit The Restaurant Hôtel de Ville is a Parisian-style brasserie offering

an appealing blend of the old and the new. Dishes from the Jura

are the speciality – along with a truly outstanding wine list.

22:00Just a quick one Perfect for a last drink, for putting the world to rights, or for

winding down at the end of the day: the Inox Lounge on Avenue

Léopold-Robert is the place to go when you’re not ready for sleep

just yet.

24:00Hôtel Athmos Located on the elegant Avenue Léopold-Robert, the Hôtel Athmos

pays homage to the 1950s in charming style – but offers guests

all the comforts of the modern age.


Architecture

Le Corbusier's "Maison Blanche"

This building is of national importance. It is the first construction

built by Le Corbusier as an independent architect and acted as a

type of laboratory where he tried his construction techniques out

for the first time.

Maison Blanche

Chemin de Pouillerel 12


Tel. +41 (0)32 910 90 30

[email protected]

Old Riding School One of the most astounding buildings in the town which, as is

often the case in La Chaux-de-Fonds, doesn’t reveal its hidden

treasures at first glance. It is well worthwhile stepping inside the

old indoor riding ring to admire the superb inner courtyard and its

wall paintings.

.

Tourisme neuchâtelois · Espacité 1 · 2302 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 889 68 95 · F +41 (0)

32 889 62 97 · [email protected] · www.neuchateltourisme.ch / www.brasserie-ancien-manege.ch

Public Cemetery Crematorium

Unveiled in 1910, this crematorium is a prime example of the Art

Nouveau found in this region. The building's architecture and

artwork combine in a symbolic "complete work of art" that is

unique in Switzerland. Located at the community cemetery in

Charrière and at the north east edge of the town. For information

about visits inside the building, contact the Tourist Office.


32 889 62 97 · [email protected] · www.neuchateltourisme.ch / www.neuchateltourisme.ch

Theatre of La Chaus-de-Fonds

Classified as a historic monument of national importance, the

theatre dates back to 1837 and was completely restored in 2003.

The auditorium and its décor, notably the Comédie masks, are in

the style of Louis XV and are a rare treasure. This and the

Bellinzone theatre are the only Italian-style theatres in

Switzerland. Guided tours are available on request and can be

arranged through the Tourist Office.

Théâtre de La Chaux-de-Fonds · Avenue Léopold-Robert 27 · 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)

32 967 60 50 · [email protected] · www.arcenscenes.ch / www.arcenscenes.ch

Le Corbusier's "Villa Turque"

The most well-known of Le Corbusier's buildings in La Chaux-de-

Fonds, and the most remarkable, was built in 1917. There is an

array of symbols and the building itself is both technically and

aesthetically very elaborate. This was the architect's most

accomplished creation before he left for Paris.


32 889 62 97 · [email protected] · www.neuchateltourisme.ch


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.neuchateltourisme.ch/

http://www.brasserie-ancien-manege.ch/





http://www.arcenscenes.ch/

http://www.arcenscenes.ch/



28, Rue de la Serre

Built in 1904 by Léon Boillot, this is one of the most Art Nouveau-

style buildings in the town. It was home to the town's first motor

vehicle business.



143, Rue Numa-Droz

This particularly spectacular example of mixed home-industry-

administration construction work was built in 1911 and was

inspired by the Art Nouveau style.



Villa Fallet The first house the future architect Le Corbusier worked on (Art

Nouveau plays a big part in the style of the house). He was 20

years old and still a student at the Art School in La Chaux-de-

Fonds.



Synagogue The synagogue is of national importance and is one of the largest

synagogues in the country. It also serves as a type of

encyclopedia of Swiss stone: limestone from the Jura, alpine

granite, molasse from the Plateau and marble from Soleure. The

building was constructed in 1896.

Tourisme neuchâtelois - Montagnes

Espacité 1


T. +41 (0)32 889 68 95

[email protected]

Espacité Tower Designed in 1992/94 by architect Jacques Richter, the red metal

tower is the landmark of La Chaux-de-Fonds. 60 metres high, this

building houses the municipal administration and the tourism

office. The panoramic view over the Unesco World Heritage town

however is barred to none: access to the tower's summit is free

to everyone.



Espace de l’urbanisme horloger

Visitors are made to feel welcome here and may obtain

information of interest about the heritage of the watchmaking

metropolis of La Chaux-de-Fonds.


32 889 62 97 · [email protected] · www.neuchateltourisme.ch / www.villes-horlogeres.ch












http://www.villes-horlogeres.ch/

Bars

IN OX Bar Located at the foot of the magnificent "Aigle"building this lounge

bar with its pleasantly muted atmosphere is the ideal place to

enjoy an apéro with friends or one of the delicious cocktail

creations on offer.

IN OX Bar

Avenue Léopold-Robert 73A


Tel. +41 (0)32 913 22 90

Dublin's Since 1997 this has been an iconic venue with a typical Irish

atmosphere in the heart of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Great

atmosphere, free concerts twice a month and the prices are just

right too!

Dublin's · Avenue Lépold-Robert 32a · 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 914 11 18 ·

www.dublinspub.com

City Museums

Fine Arts Museum La Chaux-de-Fonds

Swiss and international art from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Works by Léopold Robert and Le Corbusier. The René and

Madeleine Junod Collection (Works by Van Gogh, Derain,

Rouault, among others). Temporary exhibits of modern and

contemporary art.

Musée des beaux-arts · Musées 33 · 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 967 60 77 · F +41 (0)

32 722 07 63 · [email protected] · cdf-mba.ne.ch / cdf-mba.ne.ch

The Peasant Museum la Chaux-de-Fonds

In a lovely 17th century Neuchâtel farmhouse, a whole host of

objects are displayed to give an insight into the lives of the

farmer/watchmakers and their families, who prepared, built and

developed the region. There is a different temporary exhibition

every year, as well as various types of entertainment.

Musée paysan et artisanal

Crêtets 148


Tel. +41 (0)02 967 65 60

[email protected]

"MIH" International Clock Museum

Observe watchmakers at work in the Centre for the Restoration

of Antique Timepieces. An audiovisual presentation, a multimedia

show and interactive clocks complete a visit to the world's largest

clock museum.

Musée international d'horlogerie · Rue des Musées 29 · 2301 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 967

68 61 · [email protected] · www.mih.ch


http://www.dublinspub.com/


http://cdf-mba.ne.ch/

http://cdf-mba.ne.ch/


http://www.mih.ch/

Natural History Museum, La Chaux-de-Fonds

Exhibitions on an area of 1,200 m2 feature the regional fauna and

exotic flora in attractive form. Dioramas, games, temporary

exhibitions. African flora.

Musée d'histoire naturelle · Av. Léopold-Robert 63 · 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 967 60

71 · [email protected] · www.mhnc.ch / www.mhnlelocle.ch

Espace de l’urbanisme horloger

Visitors are made to feel welcome here and may obtain

information of interest about the heritage of the watchmaking

metropolis of La Chaux-de-Fonds.


32 889 62 97 · [email protected] · www.neuchateltourisme.ch / www.villes-horlogeres.ch

City parks

Bois du Petit-Château Zoo

Some of the earlier Art Nouveau landscaping at this public zoo

has been preserved. At the zoo, one of the most popular leisure

resorts in the city, most of the animals represent a cross-section

of the past and present local wildlife. In addition, the vivarium is

home to some 250 reptiles, amphibians and insects from around

the world.

Admission is free.

Bois du Petit-Château · Rue Alexis-Marie Piaget 82 · 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 967 60

74 · www.mhnc.ch/bpc / www.mhnc.ch/bpc

Parc des Musées This park is home to the International Watchmaking Museum, the

Historical Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. On display in

the park are the decorative elements of old homes that no longer

exist. Visitors may also admire the AltiMille art memorial - it marks

the exact altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level - and the

famous Glockenspiel, one of the landmarks of the city.



Parc des Crêtets This typically Art Nouveau-style park was established over 100

years ago and has a romantic bandstand and small resting

pavilion.



City Tours



http://www.mhnc.ch/

http://www.mhnlelocle.ch/



http://www.villes-horlogeres.ch/

http://www.mhnc.ch/bpc

http://www.mhnc.ch/bpc





City tour: La Chaux-de-Fonds on Foot

Discoveries in this watch-making metropolis: the typical urban

character of the town, the stained glass-windows and painted

stairways, and the crematorium whose architecture and

structural artistry combine to form a unique and symbolic “unified

work of art” in Switzerland. Guided tours on foot, by minibus or

with public transport (between 1¼ and 2 hours, throughout the

year and in 4 languages).

Tourisme neuchâtelois

Espacité 1


Tél. +41 (0)32 889 68 95

[email protected]

Art Nouveau walk The Style Sapin or fir tree style of the Art Nouveau movement was

born in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The "Art Nouveau chaux-de-fonnier",

influenced by the nature of the Jura, is reflected in ironwork,

stained glass windows and, primarily, stairwells.

Using the free brochure available at the tourist information office,

visitors can scour the streets of the city in search of visible or

hidden Art Nouveau treasures. Guided tours on request.



UNESCO World Heritage Site: Watchmaking Town Planning in La Chaux-de-Fonds

With an architecture dominated by light and a traffic-friendly

development concept, La Chaux-de-Fonds is the symbol of the

strategic alliance between urban development and the watch

industry. The city was - like its neighboring town of Le Locle -

designed by and for watchmakers. The town buildings provide

evidence of the local craft and industrial history as well as of the

close links between the watchmaking tradition and urban landscape.

A free brochure is available as you explore this world-renowned cultural environment.



Excursions

City Tour: Le Corbusier

Sites and buildings associated with Charles-Edouard Jeanneret,

who later called himself Le Corbusier, may be viewed on this tour

in La Chaux-de-Fonds. These include his birthplace and the

Maison Blanche (his first architectural project).

Free brochures are available at the tourist office. Guided tours are

available upon request.



Lake Taillères - La Brévine Valley

Half an hour from La Chaux-de-Fonds, and set in the La Brévine

Valley, Lake Taillères keeps to the rhythm of the seasons. The

colour of the water changes depending on time of day. Whether

on foot or by bike in the summer, or on snowshoes or cross-

country skiing in winter, a walk around the lake is suffused by the

magic of the Jura, linking the landscape and nature.












Places To Be

Place No. 9 If you want a hair cut, a glass of wine, a cup of coffee or if you

wish to buy any of the interior furnishings, this is the place for you!

N°9

rue Neuve 9

Tél. +41 (0)32 967 89 09

Restaurants

Café Show Enjoy one of the best cups of coffee in town surrounded by

original décor.

Café Show

Rue du Versoix 4

Tél. +41 (0)32 968 76 34

Brandt Family Farm

This oldest farm in the La Chaux-de-Fonds area witnessed the

era when the first farmers became watchmakers instead. Now it

serves as a comfortable restaurant with regional specialities, and

even the bread is baked in its own wood-fired oven. Enjoy the

peace and quiet on the sun terrace in the summer.

Ferme des Brandt

Petites-Crosettes 6

Tél. +41 (0)32 968 59 89

Restaurant La Cheminée

Historic residence since 1703. Romantic dining room where your

host prepares delicious grilled treats by the fire for your enjoyment

– and other surprises – à la carte.

Restaurant La Cheminée

Charrière 91


Tél. 032 968 62 87

[email protected]


Auberge de Mont-Cornu

An old farm with plenty of character dating back to 1608, this

restaurant serves the best fondue in the region, in addition to local

ham on the bone, tommes from Neuchâtel and a great choice of

salads, meats and desserts.

Auberge de Mont-Cornu

Mont-Cornu 116


Tél. + 41 (0)32 968 76 00

[email protected]

Airport Café-Restaurant

Many types of fondue are offered here, in addition to local smoked white fish, "Jacquerie" (sauerkraut

and snails) and sausages from Neuchâtel.

Café-restaurant de l'aéroport

Aéroport des Eplatures


Tél. +41 (0)32 926 82 66

Les Enfants Terribles

Menus displayed on slates on the wall, big bowls of salad and

creative dishes in a warm convivial atmosphere. Gourmet dessert

menu.

Les Enfants Terribles · Rue du Progrès 63 · 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 913 39 90 ·

www.les-enfantsterribles.ch

Restaurant Exposition Sud

Modern gourmet restaurant with friendly service, located on the Place du Marché. Authentic Italian

cuisine. Menu is changed often. Wines imported from Italy. Grocery with products from Tuscany.

Restaurant Exposition Sud

Place du Marché 6


Tel. +41 (0)32 968 18 08

Restaurant de l'Hôtel-de-Ville

The restaurant at the Hôtel-de-Ville features a pleasing blend of

the modern and the historic. The Parisian-style brasserie serves

specialities from the Jura. Wine connoisseurs will love the wine

menu.

Restaurant de l'Hôtel-de-Ville

Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville 1


Tel. +41 (0)32 968 46 66

[email protected]

Café du Petit-Paris

The Café de Paris is located in a historic commercial and

warehousing property dating back to around 1760 and is one of

the convivial local neighborhood venues typical of La Chaux-de-

Fonds. Well worth a visit if only to admire the architecture of this

café and its vaulted cellar. Home-made teas and desserts, salad

bowls as an entrée, Mediterranean cuisine.

Café du Petit-Paris

Rue du Progrès 4

CH-2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds

Tel. +41 (0)32 968 65 33


http://www.les-enfantsterribles.ch/

Grand Hôtel Les Endroits

At 1,111 metres a.s.l., the restaurant at the Grand Hôtel Les

Endroits has a magnificent view overlooking the city! Soak up the

idyllic, charming atmosphere on the terrace. On those beautiful

summer days your host serves succulent spit-roasted meat, a

local treat.

Grand Hôtel Les Endroits · Boulevard des Endroits 94-96 · 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32

925 02 50 · F +41 (0)32 925 03 50 · [email protected] · www.hotel-les-endroits.ch

Sculptures

Le Modulor This sculpture is a tribute to the system of proportions expanded

by Le Corbusier, based on the golden section and the dimensions

of the human body.

Le Modulor

dans le jardin sud

de la Villa Turque

Rue du Doubs 167


Monumental Fountain

Built in 1888, this was the first decorative monument in la Chaux-

de-Fonds and celebrated the arrival of running water to the town.



Shopping

Au Gré des Saveurs

This shop on the Place du Marché specialises in local produce

from the Neuchâtel and the Jura Arc regions, as well as in

culinary gift baskets. Honey, absinthe liqueur, filled Tomme, garlic

vinegar, nut oil ... These are just some of the specialities that you

will find in this paradise of taste.

Au Gré des Saveurs

Place du Marché

Rue Neuve 2


Tél. +41 (0)32 968 26 52

[email protected]



http://www.hotel-les-endroits.ch/



La Maison du Fromage

The best cheesemaker / refiner in the region. There is a large

selection of Swiss and foreign cheeses, and there are several

wines to accompany them.

La Maison du Fromage · "Passage du Centre 4 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · 2300 La Chaux-de-

Fonds · T +41 (0)32 968 39 86 · www.fcommefondue.ch

International Horological Museum - Shop

Sells watches, clocks, books and souvenirs for all ages.

Boutique du Musée international d'horlogerie · Rue des Musées 29 · 2301 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T

+41 (0)32 967 68 61 · [email protected] · www.mih.ch / www.mih.ch

La Belle Affaire A few steps from Léopold Robert Avenue, you will discover a unique concept mixing fashion,

decoration and degustation. At La Belle Affaire you will not only find the great French and Italian

fashion labels, but also, at a second store, decorative items and food. Do take the time to taste the

delicious chocolate treats at the tea room at the back of the store.

La Belle Affaire · Rue Daniel-Jeanrichard 19 · 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 914 46 06 ·

www.labelleaffaire.ch

Côté Ambiance To purchase one of the famous Swiss Army knives, an original

gift or a table decoration, you are sure to find what you want at the

Côté Ambiance across from the large fountain.

Côté Ambiance · Rue Neuve 18 · 2302 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 911 10 40

Vinothèque de la Charrière

For the last 25 years the owners of the Vinothèque de la Charrière

have been scouring the wineries of Côtes-du-Rhône, Bordeaux,

Bourgogne, Loire and Sud-Ouest (France) in search of the finest

wines. They are continually discovering fresh talent, budding

masters whose products delight the connoisseur with their purity

and reveal the secrets of fine wine. The Vinothèque de La

Charrière currently has some 1,500 different wines on offer and holds permanent stocks of 260,000

bottles.

Vinothèque de la Charrière · Place du Marché · 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds · T +41 (0)32 968 71 51 ·

[email protected]


http://www.fcommefondue.ch/


http://www.mih.ch/

http://www.mih.ch/

http://www.labelleaffaire.ch/


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