Travers Ne combines an industrially shaped Jura village with a rich local history and the story of asphalt mining. The village is home to buildings from several centuries; at the Mines d’asphalte, visitors can explore the La Presta site and its mining history. Your trip can focus on different things: historic architecture, a visit underground or the Chemin de l’Areuse No. 304 between Travers and Couvet.
Building history from the Middle Ages to the 19th century
The first written mention of Travers dates from a document of 1202. The Temple was built in 1569 on the site of a medieval chapel. Its bell tower dates from 1632 and was raised after the fire of 1865. The fire hit the village hard: it affected 101 of 124 houses and destroyed almost all of them. The Château, formerly the residence of the Lords of Travers, dates from the 16th to the 18th century. The stone bridge bears another clear date: it was built in 1665 with four arches and is considered unique in the region. The Temple, Château and bridge offer different ways to explore the village’s architectural history over several centuries.
Asphalt history and an underground visit
On guided tours, visitors explore part of the La Presta site, where asphalt was mined from 1712 to 1986. The tourist route at the Mines d’asphalte combines a museum area with underground galleries. The visit lasts about an hour and a half and includes a walk of approximately one kilometre through the galleries. The temperature there is 8°C all year round, so plan for cooler conditions underground.
The Asphalt Story exhibition uses six playful, interactive experiences to explain how the asphalt deposit was formed. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility. An adapted tour of the underground galleries can be arranged for wheelchair users at the Mines d’asphalte on request. Confirm this option and access to the exhibition before travelling.
The route to Couvet and themes of the landscape
The Chemin de l’Areuse No. 304 leads from Travers to Couvet through a natural landscape described as peaceful and unspoilt. The route has 50 metres of ascent and 50 metres of descent. Its rating distinguishes between two aspects: it is considered technically easy, but difficult in terms of fitness. So, a technically easy route does not necessarily mean an easy level of physical exertion.
South of Travers, at the Alpage de la Banderette, the Musée de la Banderette explores the presence of wolves through the Creux du Van. Geology and Jurassic karst are also among its themes. The museum offers guided tours, exhibitions and explanations. It complements the local history with information about the landscape and its geological formations.
Regional specialities and getting there
The Café des Mines serves ham from Val-de-Travers cooked in asphalt, which is considered a local speciality. At the Boutique des Mines, visitors can sample absinthe from Val-de-Travers; confirm that tastings are available before travelling. Regional trains stop at La Presta Mines d’asphalte and Travers. Check the current timetable before your journey.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Sulpice Ne, La Côte-Aux-Fées, Boveresse, Couvet, Fleurier, Môtiers, Buttes, Les Verrières.
For the regional travel overview: Val-De-Travers.
