Villeret combines watchmaking history with a distinctive landscape: the village lies at the foot of the Combe-Grède gorges, while industrial architecture and the Suze offer different ways to explore. You can plan your stay around culture, waterways and a possible event date.

Watchmaking and Architecture in the Townscape

Watchmaking shaped Villeret from 1725 onwards. Blancpain was active there from 1735; the industry’s development transformed factories, residential areas and public infrastructure. The village’s history can therefore be traced not only through individual company names, but also through its architectural development. A factory built by Cartier in Villeret in 1991 was designed by Jean Nouvel and is considered an architectural landmark. The Usine de 1992 is a large, two-storey building with a flat roof, exposed structural framework and a glass façade with a square grid.

The Temple and Local Products

The Temple de Villeret was built in 1936 to plans by Charles Kleiber. Its features include eight side windows and a five-metre-high window in the choir. The stained-glass windows are by Henri Vermeil and Auguste Labouret.

Local cheese-making is another of Villeret’s distinctive features. The local dairy produces Tête de Moine, «Villeret spécial» and Villerêve, among other cheeses.

Waterways and Natural Landscapes

The Sentier du Vallon runs in both directions between Saint-Imier, Villeret, Cormoret and Courtelary. Information panels along the trail explain the history of hydropower and its potential today. The route combines physical activity with a topic you can learn about along the way.

Along the Suze, you can explore the Espace découverte Energie. The source of the Doux offers a different connection with water: it lies in a forest between Villeret and Cormoret and is nicknamed «Little Venice of Ergüel». The two places offer different experiences: a discovery site on the Suze and a forest spring with a traditional local name.

The Combe-Grède is also part of Villeret’s landscape. The nature reserve features almost vertical rock faces and is home to chamois and marmots.

Plan for an Event and Your Journey

The Villeret–Chasseral–Villeret mountain race was first held in 2000 and takes place regularly. In 2026, it will be held for the 26th time. There are three distances to choose from: 25.6 kilometres, 12 kilometres and 2 kilometres. If you would like to plan your trip around the race, check the event dates so your stay coincides with the date you want.

For travel by public transport, bus route 22.123 connects Saint-Imier railway station with Villeret, Zentrum. Check the current timetable before travelling, as routes and schedules may change.

Discover more destinations: Plagne, Péry, Cormoret, Sonvilier, Cortébert, Mont-Tramelan, Orvin, St-Imier.

For the main travel overview: Courtelary.