The Parcours Vita through the municipal forest and the history of Switzerland’s first ébauche manufacture represent two very different sides of Fontainemelon: time outdoors and watchmaking. There is also sacred architecture, a 19th-century schoolhouse and historic traces of routes near Les Loges. This gives visitors tangible ways to explore nature, architectural history and industrial history during their stay.
Location and Local History
Fontainemelon lies at an elevation of about 864 m above sea level on the northwestern edge of Val-de-Ruz in the Neuchâtel Jura. The village stretches along the southern slope of Mont d’Amin and Vue des Alpes. Fontainemelon also includes part of the settlement of Les Loges, at about 1,185 m above sea level. The elevations distinguish the location of the village from that of this settlement. Fontainemelon was first mentioned in writing around 1350; an earlier recorded form of the name is “Fontainnemelom.”
Watchmaking and Architectural History
The watchmaking company known as the “Fabrique d’horlogerie de Fontainemelon” dates back to 1793. It was Switzerland’s first ébauche manufacture. The name is no longer used officially, but has survived as a generic term. Another important date is 1816, when the first actual factory was built at the present-day site. The two dates mark distinct milestones: 1793 the founding of the manufacture, and 1816 the construction of the factory.
The bas-relief on the north façade of Usine ETA SA also evokes industrial themes. Made of yellow stone, it depicts “Le Génie créateur,” “L’Industrie” and “L’Abondance.” The three motifs bring together creative power, industry and abundance.
The Temple de Fontainemelon was consecrated on 6 July 1902 and has a Neo-Romanesque tower. The nave is lit by six round-arched windows and two stained-glass rose windows decorated with coats of arms. The repeated arched shape of the windows and the heraldic motifs of the rose windows are two clearly distinct design features.
The historic “Vieux collège” adds a different type of building: the old schoolhouse dates from 1846. The temple and schoolhouse thus represent different aspects of local history—sacred architecture and former use as a school.
Time Outdoors
The Parcours Vita runs through the municipal forest and offers wide-ranging views across Val-de-Ruz. The woodland trail and its vistas give a stay a scenic focus alongside the historic buildings and watchmaking history.
The Place de jeux de Fontainemelon has a long slide, swings for younger and older children, a carousel, table-tennis tables and a pétanque court. The view across Val-de-Ruz also extends from here, and picnic tables make it possible to take a break overlooking the valley. Facilities may change, so it is advisable to check which amenities are currently available before your visit.
Historic Routes near Les Loges
Near Les Loges, on the road over Vue-des-Alpes, three parallel routes of greened-over roads and paths from 1806, 1947 and the present day are still visible. Their juxtaposition brings changes in route layout to life: rather than a single structure, several historic routes can be compared here. Those interested in landscape and transport history will find a different way to explore the area’s past.
Discover more destinations: Le Pâquier, La Vue Des Alpes, Savagnier, Les Hauts-Geneveys, Boudevilliers, Fontaines, Dombresson, Cernier.
For the broader travel overview: Val-De-Ruz.
