Franches-Montagnes: High Moor and Horse Culture

Franches-Montagnes is in the Canton of Jura in Switzerland. A high plateau at about 1,000 metres above sea level, pastures dotted with fir trees and a strong horse culture give the region its distinctive character. When planning your trip, you can choose from nature experiences, exhibitions and activities centred on cheese and horses.

High Plateau and Étang de la Gruère

Franches-Montagnes is a high plateau with large pastures dotted with fir trees. A striking natural attraction is the Étang de la Gruère: this protected area is of national importance and covers more than 120 hectares, including a 56-hectare peat bog. A designated circular trail leads around the pond. The route is 2.8 kilometres long and takes just under an hour on foot.

You can reach the Étang de la Gruère on bus route B32 between Saignelégier and Tramelan. Possible stops are “Saignelégier, La Theurre” and “Saignelégier, Moulin de Gruère”; check the latest service information before travelling. The Centre Nature Les Cerlatez offers guided visits to the pond by reservation. If you plan to join a tour, confirm the reservation and the current visitor arrangements in advance.

Horse Culture and Regional Events

Franches-Montagnes is considered the birthplace of the Franches-Montagnes horse, the only horse breed of Swiss origin. Horse culture is also reflected in the activities on offer: guided rides and visits to horse-breeding farms are available in the region. In Les Bois, Attelage du Terroir offers rides in horse-drawn wagons or carriages to discover Franches-Montagnes. One of the special experiences there is preparing and enjoying a fondue aboard a wagon pulled by two Franches-Montagnes horses.

Another way to learn about this horse breed is Le cheval des Franches-Montagnes, a didactic and interactive exhibition about the horse. The Marché-Concours national de chevaux in Saignelégier also puts horses centre stage. It is considered the most important event in the Canton of Jura and attracts tens of thousands of spectators every year. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the event dates and programme separately.

Museums, Crafts and Knowledge

The Musée du Ski – Le Boéchet tells the story of the development of alpine and Nordic skiing through two timelines in its permanent exhibition. The museum is housed in the former restaurant at Le Boéchet station. Guided tours are available on request and last between one and one and a half hours; confirm the visitor arrangements in advance. The Musée rural jurassien offers a different perspective on the region: housed in a large double farmhouse dating from the 16th century with a shingle roof, it shows the former living conditions of two farming families and rural life in centuries past.

Those interested in mechanics can assemble a mechanical watch together with a local master in the Initium workshop in Le Noirmont. Check the booking arrangements before including this activity in your plans. The educational trail in Peuchapatte shares knowledge about wind energy, the wind and the Franches-Montagnes region. The topics covered by these visits therefore range from traditional crafts to technical and landscape-related themes.

Cheese and Regional Products

Cheesemaking is also part of the visitor experience in different ways. The Fromagerie de Saignelégier offers tours explaining how Tête de Moine AOP is made; visits are available on request. The tours are followed by a cheese tasting. Ask about the visitor arrangements in advance. At the Fromagerie des Franches-Montagnes, interactive games share traditional knowledge about cheesemaking; cheese and other regional products are also available to taste there. Depending on whether you would prefer to learn about the production process or try a range of products, these activities offer different focuses.

Discover more destinations: Les Breuleux, Les Enfers, Le Noirmont, Montfaucon Ju, Saignelégier, Le Bémont, Epauvillers, Les Bois, Muriaux, Les Genevez, Lajoux, La Chaux-des-Breuleux.

See the overview of destinations in the wider region: Jura.