Cormoret lies in the central part of the long, narrow Jura valley of the Vallon de Saint-Imier, on both sides of the Schüss (Suze), at 706 metres above sea level. An easy hiking trail with a set duration, the history of hydropower, music and local traditions each offer a different focus. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether the hike or a cultural event will shape your day; some activities depend on the season and date.
On the Sentier du Vallon
The Sentier du Vallon runs from Saint-Imier via Villeret, Cormoret and Courtelary and back. The route is 6.6 kilometres long, easy and suitable for families; the stated walking time is about 1 hour 35 minutes. The trail leads to the source of the Doux in a forest between Villeret and Cormoret. This makes it possible to plan a hike with a clearly specified route and approximate duration.
Along the trail, information panels and guided visits to hydropower plants explain the history of hydropower use. Hydropower has been used in the Vallon de Saint-Imier since the 15th century. The trail thus combines a walk through the valley with a historical topic that is also important to regional development.
Valley, rivers and wooded pasture
The valley floor of the Schüss lies within the municipality. Near Cormoret, the tributaries Dou and Raissette flow into the Schüss from the left; both rise from karst springs. To the north, the municipal area extends to the Montagne du Droit anticline, and to the south, to the Chasseral range. The 1,607-metre-high Chasseral summit lies within the municipal area. These details show the range from valley floor and waterways to ridges, without reducing the area to a single landscape.
Near the village is a typical wooded pasture that received the Binding Prize for Forests. An educational trail provides information about biodiversity and the sustainable use of forests and pastures; there is also a picnic area. The focus is therefore not only on the landscape itself, but also on how woodland and pastureland are managed.
Music and local traditions
Le Salon de Musique is housed in a 17th-century mill. Its programme includes organ demonstrations, guided tours of the organ mechanism and concert talks. It is worth checking the current schedule before visiting. The combination of a historic mill building and an organ makes this cultural attraction a different kind of outing from a hike in the valley.
Local traditions organised regularly include an Easter egg race on Holy Saturday, a village festival at the end of June in odd-numbered years, and a Christmas market in early December. As the exact dates are important for planning a trip, check them in advance. These recurring events take place throughout the year, so a stay timed around one of them can be planned differently from a visit focused mainly on the trail and landscape.
Getting there and choosing accommodation
Cormoret is connected to Biel/Bienne and La Chaux-de-Fonds by the CFF railway line. Check the timetable when planning your journey. On the Chasseral ridge is the Métairie de Morat, a small mountain inn serving light meals. It also sells homemade products and regional products bearing a quality label. Opening hours vary by season, and product availability may change.
When looking for a holiday apartment in Cormoret, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the Sentier du Vallon offers a described route with an approximate walking time, while the music programme and village festivals require checking specific dates. If you also include the wooded pasture or the Chasseral ridge, you can incorporate these different landscape and cultural interests into your travel plans. This keeps your choice focused on the experiences you actually want, rather than assuming the same fixed itinerary for every visit.
Discover more destinations: Renan, Sonvilier, St-Imier, Cortébert, Péry, Villeret Be, La Ferrière Be, Plagne
For the main travel overview: Courtelary.
