Fleurier lies at an altitude of 771m at the far west of the Val de Travers. The region is characterised by the watchmaking industry, offset by rugged and beautiful scenery such as the Poëta Raisse Gorge.

Fleurier lies at the far west of the Val de Travers where the Areuse River emerges from the Saint-Sulpice gorge. The Areuse supplied the hydro-energy needed for the watchmaking industry, which came to the village around 1730 and greatly influenced development and prosperity. Two former hydropower plants can be visited along a theme path. Today’s industry focuses on micro- engineering and the manufacture of precision tools as well as watchmaking.

A network of well-maintained footpaths, hiking and mountain-biking trails leads through the tranquil landscape, following the bends of the river. The Areuse is an anglers’ paradise, and one-day fishing permits can be obtained at the cantonal police station at Môtiers. The Chapeau de Napoléon hill high above Fleurier awards spectacular views of the Val de Travers below.

Stately patrician houses in the village centre and the castle and former Benedictine Monastery of Saint-Pierre in neighbouring Môtiers bear witness to the valley’s proud past. The monastery produces Mauler, the famous sparkling wine. Guided tours and wine-tasting sessions are available. Famous philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived in Môtiers from 1762 to 1765. Part of his apartment has been preserved as a museum (Musée Jean-Jacques Rousseau).

Steam train rides through the Val de Travers are popular in combination with tours through the asphalt mine, the Mauler wine cellar at the monastery and the train depot at Saint-Sulpice with its historic railway engines and rolling stock (open on Saturdays from 13.30).

Highlights

• Steam train rides through the Val de Travers (www.rvt-historique.ch)
• Source of the Areuse River near Saint-Sulpice where the water finds its way through a rock gorge and numerous galleries
• Poëta Raisse Gorge and waterfall at Môtier
• Hydropower theme trail through the cliffs at the source of the Areuse
• La Robella summer and winter roller-sledge run