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Intro

La Chaux-de-Fonds is not just known for its model chequerboard layout and watch industry, but is also the home of Le Corbusier and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Chaux-de-Fonds at a glance

La Chaux-de-Fonds is situated at around 1,000 metres above sea level. Due to the harsh climate, very little settlement took place here until the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, the oldest human skeleton in Switzerland to date was discovered nearby. The original hamlet was founded at the beginning of the 16th century and gained in importance in the 17th century thanks to its strategic location. The watchmaking industry began to emerge around the same time – a pocket watch was documented as early as 1664. La Chaux-de-Fonds quickly took the leading position in watchmaking in the Alpine region.

On the night of 5 May 1794, fierce fires raged and destroyed most of the buildings. Following this tragic event, the town was rebuilt based on a rational, rectangular street grid with a largely uniform construction. Also in later years, the city was expanded like a chequerboard, which enabled optimum lighting for the watchmaking workshops in the mostly southeast-facing buildings. 

Numerous bell towers, which reflect the cultural diversity of the place, and a few high-rise buildings from the post-war period mark out the city’s silhouette. La Chaux-de-Fonds is also the hometown of Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, better known as Le Corbusier. He built his first architectural masterpieces here. In 2009, La Chaux-de-Fonds was granted UNESCO World Heritage status, together with the neighbouring town of Le Locle.

 

ISOS
ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.

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La Chaux-de-Fonds
Jura & Three-Lakes
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Hotels

  • Grand Hôtel les Endroits 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes

    1 Night, Price per double room

    from CHF 314

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  • Athmos Hôtel 4 Stars

    La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes

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  • Hôtel-Resto-Bar Chez Gilles 3 Stars

    La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes

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  • Hôtel de la Fleur de Lis 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Le Locle, Jura & Three-Lakes

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  • Centre le Louverain

    Geneveys-sur-Coffrane, Jura & Three-Lakes

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Current Offers

  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Guided tour of the Panerai watch manufacture

    Don't miss this rare opportunity to visit a watch manufacturing process. In a tour through the heart... from CHF 70
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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Scavenger hunt - Les Barons

    On the trail of your watchmaking ancestor who had his watch stolen... Will you be able to find the... from CHF 5
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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Guided city tour "Art Nouveau"

    On this guided tour, you'll discover magnificent Art Nouveau decorations that blend harmoniously...
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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Guided visit of the Zenith watch factory

    Situated in the heart of the Neuchâtel mountains, Le Locle is not only home to a magnificent watch... from CHF 50
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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Guided city tour "Watchmaking town planning"

    A city unlike any other: laid out like a chequerboard 1,000 meters above sea level, it was built by...
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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Tourist train of La Chaux-de-Fonds

    Discover the symbiosis between town planning and clock-making, while sitting comfortably. from CHF 6
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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Le Corbusier's first villas

    Book your place and set off on a guided tour devoted entirely to Le Corbusier's early works. Among...
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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Tourist train of Le Locle

    From the welcoming Town Hall Square, the train winds its way through narrow lanes to reach the upper... from CHF 6
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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Food Tour La Chaux-de-Fonds

    A gourmet trail to discover the watchmaking city The Tourist Office is offering an urban... from CHF 55
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Travel information: La Chaux-de-Fonds