The region
Welcome to Courtelary!
Courtelary is a great base for those who love to explore at their own pace, following their whims and the weather.
A history enthusiast?
Courtelary, known in ancient texts as Curtis Alerici, is first mentioned in 962. Its historic centre can still be read in the streets, facades and buildings that have survived the centuries. Nearby, the Col de Pierre-Pertuis used by the Romans, the ruins of Erguel Castle in Sonvilier, and the Anabaptist bridge are all traces of a past that still surfaces in the landscape.
A sport and nature enthusiast?
The Combe Grède for hikers who love a challenge, the Creux du Van for those who seek the thrill of heights, Bugnenets for skiers, the climbing wall just around the corner for independent climbers, and the Suze for those who prefer a gentle stroll. There is something for everyone, at every level and without the crowds.
A culture enthusiast?
The Bernese Jura and its Neuchâtel neighbours have a culture all their own: watchmaking, rural, border-crossing. The museums of Biel/Bienne, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle tell the story of time. The underground mills of the Col-des-Roches take visitors into a world they never imagined. And Biel/Bienne brings its old town to life every first Friday of the month. Not forgetting the events of the Parc Chasseral and the village festivals, the ones you won’t find in any guidebook.
An architecture or technology enthusiast?
How does one insulate a 1767 farmhouse without betraying its character? How does one heat a historic apartment using renewable energy? A visit to the apartment answers some of these questions. And up on the heights of Mont-Soleil, the solar and wind power stations accessible by funicular raise other, equally fascinating ones.
A food lover?
Two chocolatiers for fewer than 1,500 inhabitants: Camille Bloch with its discovery trail and escape room, Christophe Chocolatier with its artisan creations. Courtelary clearly knows what matters. And the rest of the region is no slouch either: vineyards on the heights above Biel/Bienne, mountain chalets on the Chasseral, and village restaurants well worth lingering over.
Activities
Here are some of our favourite addresses and top picks in the region.
Courtelary
- The chocolatiers: Did you know that Courtelary has two chocolatiers for fewer than 1,500 inhabitants? Christophe Chocolatier is a local artisan offering far more than just chocolate, and the renowned Camille Bloch even offers a discovery trail with an escape room.
- The walk along the Suze: A gentle, accessible path for all, following the river from Courtelary to Cortébert, passing by the village “beach”.
- The climbing wall: Open every day from 8 AM to 10 PM (Wednesdays until 7 PM), unsupervised, for independent climbers.
Saint-Imier Valley
- The ruins of Erguël Castle in Sonvilier are worth the walk: a peaceful stroll with a fine reward at the top.
- The springs of Cormoret (La Dou and la Raisette) make a lovely little excursion just outside the village, ideal for a half-day.
- For families, the swimming pool and ice rink in Saint-Imier are a good complement to the stay depending on the season.
Chasseral Regional Nature Park
- The ascent to Chasseral via the Combe Grède is demanding (900m of elevation gain with ladders between Villeret and Chasseral), but the beauty of this nature reserve rewards the effort. Warning: rockfall is frequent, only venture up in the ascent direction, in safe weather, and do not linger.
- The Chasseral ridge to the “Place Centrale”, then the descent to Corgémont, is a more accessible and equally beautiful alternative. In the summer months, the Chasseral hotel is even served by public transport.
- For the curious, the Anabaptist Bridge and the “Creux de Glace” (ice hollow), with a stop at a mountain farm, are two typical curiosities of the region. The “Creux de Glace” lives up to its name: ice can be found there all year round. The descent into the cave is so dangerous that it is strongly advised against unless you have the proper equipment.
- For families with children, the Forest Jump adventure park is a reliable choice.
In winter, the Bugnenets-Savagnières ski resort welcomes skiers with its 8 ski lifts, 20 minutes from the apartment.
Mont-Soleil and surroundings
Mont-Soleil is located on the mountain range to the north of the valley and reaches an altitude of 1,291 metres. This is where the solar and wind power stations of Mont-Soleil / Mont-Crosin are found, accessible by funicular: one of the region’s highlights. On site, scooters can be hired to enjoy the panorama at your own pace.
The Montoz
- For climbers, the family friendly La Rochette climbing site and the more technical Le Paradis (25 routes across 3 sectors) are two good options.
- Don’t miss the Col de Pierre-Pertuis, which links the Saint-Imier valley to the Tavannes valley. Even in Roman times, a communication route passed through here: the famous pierced rock can be seen on the educational trail.
The Taubenloch Gorge
The path that follows the Suze through the gorge is pleasant and accessible for families. For the little ones: look out in the library for the book “Bill and Fabienne” (bilingual: German–French), which tells the story of two water rats who meet in the gorge, explaining along the way how the hydroelectric plant alongside the river works.
Biel/Bienne and surroundings
- The First Friday events, on the first Friday of each month, bring the old town to life in a very special way.
- For nature lovers, the hike from Aarberg to Büren an der Aare along the old Aare River offers remarkable wildlife and flora.
- The vineyard path from Biel/Bienne to La Neuveville, overlooking the lake via the beautiful church of Gléresse, offers a spectacular view of St Peter’s Island and the Alps.
- And for an unexpected excursion, the Papiliorama in Kerzers is much more than a butterfly house, a true discovery.
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle and surroundings
Two watchmaking cities, each with its own character. The watchmaking museums of both cities are well worth a visit.
- La Chaux-de-Fonds is also known for its street theatre festival, “Plage des six pompes”.
- In Le Locle, the underground mills of the Col-des-Roches take visitors into an extraordinary underground world.
- The “Saut du Doubs” and the Châtelot dam, straddling the French border, can be linked on foot in a fine day’s walk of about five hours there and back.
Upper canton of Neuchâtel
- A detour to La Brévine, nicknamed the “Siberia of Switzerland”, and the Lac des Taillères is worth the trip, especially on a winter morning with fresh snow, clear skies and no wind. It is in these conditions that you can experience the thrill of temperatures ranging from -25 to -40°C!
- The peat bogs of Ponts-de-Martel offer a fine opportunity to combine history and nature in this high valley of the Neuchâtel Jura.
- Further afield, the Creux du Van and the asphalt mines of La Presta are two breathtaking excursions. Take your time to observe at the Creux du Van, ibex are numerous there and often quite fearless.
The Franches-Montagnes
The Franches-Montagnes have a rhythm all their own. An open plateau, breathing landscapes, and horses everywhere. The “Franches-Montagnes” horse is Switzerland’s only native horse breed.
- The Étang de la Gruère and its surrounding peat bogs are a must-visit stop. A landscape suspended between sky and water, of quiet, timeless beauty. A walk around the pond is enough to understand why this region is protected.
- And for curious food lovers: the Tête de Moine museum in Bellelay tells the story of this emblematic cheese, born in the neighbouring abbey in the 12th century. A short, informative visit that will inevitably leave you hungry.
- Don’t miss a ride on the little red CJ train, where a steam train still runs on certain summer weekends.
Let’s eat!
Restaurant de l'Ours in Cortébert
Attentive service and dishes to be savoured with the eyes as much as the palate. A table well worth the detour and one that gladly invites it.
Pizzeria du Nord in Saint-Imier
In our opinion, the best Italian restaurant in the valley. A lovely terrace in summer and generous cooking: hard to resist.
Restaurant St. Gervais in Biel/Bienne
As local, organic and seasonal as possible. What more could you ask for? A restaurant that shares our values and shows it on the plate.
Baan Thai in Biel/Bienne
Authentic, friendly and unbeatable value for money. A culinary trip to Thailand, without leaving the Bernese Jura.