La Ferrière Be: Farmhouses, History and Hiking Trails

La Ferrière is a rural municipality in the Canton of Bern with a French-speaking character. Farmers from Val-de-Ruz founded the settlement in 1590; Swedish troops burned it down in 1639 during the Thirty Years’ War. After the Congress of Vienna, La Ferrière was assigned to the Canton of Bern. Traditional festivals and events keep the French-speaking culture alive. This gives visitors a picture that brings together local history, preserved architectural forms and routes through the Jura region.

Historic Farmhouses and Manor Houses

The twin farmhouse Combe du Pelu was built in 1671–1672 and restored in 1992. It has two historic kitchens; an inscribed lintel is dated 1671. Haut des Vieilles dates from 1614 and was also restored in 1992. This typical farmhouse of the High Jura retains many original openings and is apparently the oldest dated farmhouse in the municipality to have been preserved. Another twin farmhouse, Rangée des Robert 2, dates from 1664, 1685 and 1690; its restoration began in 1989. It is considered a remarkable example of a 17th-century twin farmhouse.

The manor houses also display a variety of regional forms. La Cibourgs Bise Noire was built around 1790, renovated in the 1950s, and is considered a rare, outstanding example of a regional manor-house type. Le Seignat dates from around 1800 and is a good example of the regional type of small manor house. Together with the farmhouses, these buildings represent different periods of construction and house types, without having to be grouped into a single architectural style.

Industrial History and Cultural Destinations

The former uses of buildings are also part of local history. The former factory building in the village of La Ferrière was built as a watch factory between 1906 and 1913. From 1913, it housed a milk flour factory, and from 1924 to 1976, a pasta factory. A house in the village dates from 1854 and bears witness to the changes brought about by the watchmaking industry in the 19th century.

The Logis de la Licorne was established as an inn in 1688. The Gagnebin brothers founded a natural history museum in the pavilion of their home, which was visited by many travellers. Abraham Gagnebin welcomed Jean-Jacques Rousseau to La Ferrière; according to tradition, they planted the lime trees together, and they still stand there today. Cultural destinations also include the village church of La Ferrière and the nearby watchmaking towns of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle.

Hiking Trails and Seasons

There are hiking and cycling trails, cross-country ski trails and snowshoe trails around La Ferrière. In winter, a popular cross-country ski trail runs from La Ferrière to Val-de-Ruz. In summer, hiking trails lead across the Jura heights to Montagne du Droit and in the direction of the Doubs area. This seasonal contrast gives your travel plans a clear focus: in winter, consider a ski trail heading toward Val-de-Ruz; in summer, explore trails across the heights and toward the Doubs area.

The Mont-Soleil–La Ferrière hiking route passes through the typical wooded pastures of the Grand Chasseral and ends in the village of La Ferrière. It is considered accessible to everyone. On the Bois, chaux, murs et vaches hiking route, the Mennonite chapel of La Chaux-d’Abel is a historic site. A trail leads from Chasseral Outdoor to the banks of the Doubs. Mule treks usually last one or two days; check their current availability before planning.

There are two children’s playgrounds in La Ferrière: one in the village and one in La Chaux-d’Abel. You can take both locations into account when planning your time in the area.

Accommodation for Your Stay

The Chasseral Outdoor holiday centre is located in a Jura farmhouse in La Chaux-d’Abel and includes a group house, dormitories and holiday apartments. These types of accommodation differ from a hotel stay. If you are specifically looking for a hotel, pay attention to the type of accommodation when comparing options and check the current information about this holiday centre before booking.

Discover more destinations: Sonvilier, Cormoret, Renan, Mont-Tramelan, Péry, St-Imier, Courtelary and Plagne.

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