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Sports & Nature
In the immediate vicinity of Le Noirmont, there are plentiful footpaths,
offering you a choice between gentle strolls on level ground, where cows
and sheep graze freely, and routes with more challenging contours and
the opportunity to discover the spectacular slopes down to the Doubs
river.
Be sure not to miss the main features of interest: the cliffs at les
Rochers des Sommêtres, the beauty of la Goule, the natural reserve with
its rich diversity of flora and fauna, the streams and springs, the arid
and marshy zones, etc.
Discover the “emposieux” – circular or elliptical geological
depressions, generally linked to an underground network of fissures.
Close to Saignelégier, you should visit the la Gruère lake, which is a
nature reserve.
Walks, sports activities, events, cultural visits – there is so much to
see and do!
If walking is not for you, then you might prefer the options for
cycling, mountain-biking or even an adult-size scooter.
The Franches Montagnes is a very popular region with horse-riders. You
will find horses everywhere. For something different, why not travel the
region in a coach and pair? Learn about the breed particular to the
region, the Franche-Montagne. And be sure not to miss the Marché-Concours
de Saignelégier on the second weekend in August, a spectacular festival
of the horse which attracts some 40,000 visitors.
Or are you a golf enthusiast? There is a magnificent 18-hole course
awaiting you at Les Bois.
The Doubs is a dream river for canoeing/ kayaking, and for trout fishing
(it offers one of the most attractive stretches for fly-fishing, at
Goumois). In winter, there are 100 km of prepared and marked pistes, for
excellent cross-country skiing. The conditions are also ideal for
snowshoes. Or how about an outing with a team of huskies?
Culture & Nature
Of particular interest is the town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. It is a centre
for watch-making, with a rich cultural life. The Salle de Musique and
the Italian-style theatre are real jewels. Stop off at the fine arts
museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts), and visit the very attractive
watch-making museum (Musée International de l’Horlogerie). Or follow in
the footsteps of the architect Le Corbusier, a native of the town.
Amongst the destinations not to be missed, be sure to list the mediaeval
village of St-Ursanne and Bellelay Abbey.
In the area around Délémont, many churches and chapels have stained
glass windows of notable interest, including some by Léger, Manessier
and Coghuf. Why not make a tour of the many castles (Domont,
Raymontpierre, Löwenbourg, etc.), or take a trip to see the remains of a
Roman villa at Vicques? |
