Saignelégier is the capital of the Franches Montagnes region in Canton Jura. The town is famous for its Marché-Concours, the national festival of the native horse breed held in August. A natural area of great beauty is the nearby marsh conservation area of Étang de la Gruère.

The landscape of the Franches Montagnes (in German: Freiberge) on the gently undulating high plain of the Jura plateau resembles an austere park landscape with pastures interspersed by copses, dense fir forests, remote farms and rambling settlements where cattle and horses graze.

At 978 metres altitude, Saignelégier is situated on a wide col of the Jura plateau not far from the deep valley of the Doubs. The village belonged to the district of Franches Montagnes that was under the rule of the prince-bishops of Basle. Between 1793 and 1815, Seignelégier belonged to France. The 1815 Vienna Congress awarded the town to Canton Bern. Saignelégier became a part of the newly founded Canton Jura on January 1, 1979. The centre of Seignelégier is the Parish Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, built in 1927-28 in neo-baroque style. Within is a richly embellished main altar dating from the first half of the 18th century. It was formerly at the monastery at Bellelay.

Various hamlets and remote farms on the Jura pastures also belong to Saignelégier. Six characteristic whitewashed Franches Montagnes farmhouses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries have been preserved at the hamlet of Les Cerlatez. The living quarters, working quarters and barns are all under one large roof that provides shelter from the strong winds that often buffet the region.


SUMMER


Home to the Franches Montagnes breed of horse, the Jura is an equine sports enthusiast’s paradise with over 200 kilometres of sign-posted bridle paths and activities such as horse-drawn cart and carriage rides.

A hiking trail leads from Saignelégier to the Étang de la Gruère marsh landscape, one of the scenic highlights of the Franches Montagnes. Information signs around the largest marsh pond in Switzerland introduce hikers to native flora and fauna and marsh and nature conservation.
The Jura high trail leads from vantage point to vantage point on the section through the austere beauty of the Franches Montagnes. Hikes along the banks of the Doubs River are also popular.


WINTER


The unspoilt landscape of the Franches Montagnes is a winter wonderland for cross-country skiers and snowshoe trekkers. There is an increasing number of cross-country runs and sign-posted trails for snowshoe trekking.

Highlights

• Franches Montagnes – this austere park-like landscape with open grazing pasture, copses and fir forests is the primary attraction of the region.
• Etang de la Gruère – a 12,000-year-old marsh landscape and conservation area of national significance with rare and threatened species of flora and fauna.
• Automuseum Muriaux – car museum exhibiting around 50 vehicles from the 19th century to the present day, mainly sports cars, coupés, convertibles and rarities.
• Fromagerie de Saignelégier – 6.2 million kilograms of Jura milk are made into 650,000 Tête de Moine cheeses. The dairy can be visited by individuals and groups.
• Chemins de Fer du Jura – the red one-metre-gauge trains of the Chemins de Fer du Jura mainly serve the Franches Montagnes high plateau and are ideal for excursions into the region.