Montmollin: Hiking, Nature and Local History
Accommodation in Montmollin
Montmollin combines hiking trails, distinctive habitats of the Jura uplands and tangible traces of local history. The Chemin chouette No. 7 passes through the area; striking views, natural sites and historic buildings also shape the destination.
Hiking and Views
The Chemin chouette No. 7 is a circular hike through Montmollin. It is 9 km long and listed as taking 2 hours and 24 minutes; the route is considered family-friendly and fairly easy. It offers views of the Creux du Van, Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps.
The Balade 7 – Perspectives Sud-Ouest also passes through Montmollin. It offers views of the Swiss Plateau, the Alps and the folded ridges of the Jura Mountains. Both routes mention the Alps; the Chemin chouette also includes the Creux du Van and Lake Neuchâtel, while the Balade 7 features the Swiss Plateau and the Jura ridges.
Grande Sagneule lies at an altitude of 1,313 m and can be reached via Rochefort and La Tourne. A boundary stone in its pasture marks the meeting point of the four districts of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle, Boudry and Val-de-Ruz. Its elevation, access routes and boundary stone give the site both a scenic and a historical dimension.
Jura Landscapes and Habitats
In Montmollin, the protected crĂŞtes zone covers the entire area of the high Jura ridges. The landscape consists mainly of nutrient-poor pastures and wooded pastures. Individual trees and shrubs, dry-stone walls, stone piles and exposed limestone are also part of its character.
The Mare de la Grande-Sagneule is a small pond formed in a sinkhole. It is the only open body of water in the municipality of Montmollin. The pond is home to a small amphibian population and provides habitat for dragonflies.
Other areas are distinguished by their varied habitats. The Clairière de la Vy Neuve is mainly a wooded pasture dominated by dog roses; its scattered shrubs and groups of trees provide habitat for local birdlife. In the southern part of Le Rafou, open, dry habitats combine with scattered groups of trees and bushes. This area is particularly important for local birdlife. The northern part forms the irregular forest edge of the Rasereule forest, a habitat frequently used by butterflies. The southern forest edge of Bois de La Rochette is also ecologically diverse and provides habitat in particular for butterflies associated with ecotones.
Local History and Cultural Traces
East of the village stood a former laundry, which later became the municipal slaughterhouse. The building has a half-hipped roof, a water supply and a granite basin dating from 1859. Grey limestone door and window surrounds are also among its architectural details. Its former use as a laundry and later use as a slaughterhouse give the building a dual place in local history.
In the hamlet of Gletterens, between the village and Coffrane, boundary stones recall the former administrative divisions of Valangin and La CĂ´te. Another boundary stone stands in a pasture at Grande Sagneule, marking the meeting point of the districts of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle, Boudry and Val-de-Ruz.
At the Collège primaire, an information panel about Claude Loewer stands in the square named after the college. It presents his work in painting, tapestry, ceramics, collage, theatre and architectural decoration, lithography, mosaic and stained glass. This cultural theme adds another perspective to Montmollin’s hiking and nature experiences.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Dombresson, Boudevilliers, Les Hauts-Geneveys, Fontaines, Les Geneveys-sur-Coffrane, Cernier, Savagnier, La Vue Des Alpes.
Go to the main travel overview: Val-De-Ruz.
