Cortébert between the Valley and the Plateau

Cortébert is a municipality in the Bernese Jura administrative district of the canton of Bern. The village lies at 680 m above sea level in the Vallon de Saint-Imier, 12 km as the crow flies northwest of Biel. In the eastern part of the long valley, the settlement stretches along both banks of the Schüss, known in French as the Suze. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Cortébert, you can weigh up two different priorities: the historic village centre and excursions into the higher-altitude landscape. The Prés-de-Cortébert plateau lies south of the Vallon at an elevation of 1,200 m and can be reached by car from the village.

The Ancien village (Cour d’Agibert) comprises former farmhouses dating from the 17th to the 19th century and is considered a noteworthy traditional rural ensemble. Most of the village’s fountains date from the second half of the 19th century; some were restored in 1992. The farmhouses convey the area’s long rural heritage, while the fountains offer a tangible glimpse into a later period of the 19th century. Together, they provide two different ways to discover Cortébert’s history.

Watch Factory and Bread Oven

The history of industry here includes the Cortébert Watch factory, which was inaugurated in 1865. The factory complex gave rise to the industrial village of Cortébert. The former factory on the Suze is considered an element of particular value in the village’s townscape. Another trace of local history is Cortébert’s bread oven: it was reconstructed on the exterior kitchen wall of a building and is now used again. The factory and bread oven thus represent different aspects of the village’s history: the origins of the industrial village and the renewed use of a reconstructed oven.

Plateau and Views

Prés-de-Cortébert is considered suitable for a Sunday stroll. Several mountain inns on the plateau serve regional cuisine in a family-friendly setting. A walk and regional cuisine are two different reasons to include the plateau in your day’s plans. At 1,200 m, it stands in clear contrast to the village at 680 m above sea level; it can be reached by car from the village.

To the north of Cortébert rises the Signal, a rocky spur overlooking the village. An observation platform was built there in the early 19th century. The Signal offers a sweeping view over the entire Vallon de Saint-Imier. This makes it a different kind of destination from Prés-de-Cortébert: at the Signal, the view across the valley takes centre stage, while the plateau combines a walk with regional cuisine. The Pont des Anabaptistes near Prés de Cortébert is also a memorial site, with enigmatic rock inscriptions that have yet to be deciphered.

Cross-Country Skiing in Winter

For a winter activity, the route from Mont-Crosin to La Bise de Cortébert is a specific option. It can be skied in either skating or classic style. Both styles are available on the same route, so your choice depends on your preferred cross-country skiing technique rather than a different destination. Seasonal conditions can vary, so it is advisable to check the latest trail conditions before making plans. Cortébert thus offers different ways to enjoy a stay: village history, views, walks and regional cuisine, as well as cross-country skiing when seasonal conditions permit.

Discover more destinations: Villeret Be, Mont-Tramelan, St-Imier, Cormoret, Courtelary, Plagne, Péry, Orvin

Go to the main travel overview: Courtelary.