Le Pâquier: Blacksmithing, fountains and walks

Le Pâquier offers a distinctive mix of blacksmithing traditions, historic buildings and excursions into the Combe-Biosse landscape. When planning your trip, you can explore the Fête de la Forge, protected fountains and farmhouses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as enjoy walks and winter activities. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, these interests may influence your choice of Le Pâquier.

Blacksmithing and crafts

The Fête de la Forge takes place every year at the end of summer. It includes blacksmithing demonstrations and gives craftspeople with a range of skills a platform. If you are interested in the festival, check the specific event dates before your trip.

The former municipal forge in Le Pâquier hosts public activities. Members meet at the Forge du Pâquier on the first Thursday of every month; newcomers can also visit the forge. Another trace of the area’s built heritage can be found on the road out towards Bugnenets: a section of wall about 150 metres long was restored there in 2020.

Fountains and historic farmhouses

A protected ensemble comprises three fountains. Parts of the fountains and their troughs reflect stonework that the mason Blaise Henriod undertook to produce for the municipality in 1779. At one protected fountain, a wooden pump directs water into a monolithic limestone basin. The Fontaine du Bas is also located in Le Pâquier.

Farmhouses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries can also be visited. Their architecture has changed gradually, and a visit lets you trace this development. Alongside the fountains, agricultural buildings are therefore a central part of the area’s history.

Walking trails in the Combe-Biosse

The Chemins Chouettes network comprises seven ecological walking trails that explore the cultural and natural heritage of Val-de-Ruz. The “Vers Chasseral” walk passes through Le Pâquier and the Combe-Biosse. Signs and trail markers identify the boundaries of the Combe-Biosse nature reserve on site.

Further afield in the region, the described walks take different routes through the landscape: a route via the Combe-Biosse passes through Val-de-Ruz below the Chasseral and continues to the summit; the descent leads through forests and pastures. The Chasseral–Chaumont route starts along the ridge and then enters the Combe Biosse nature reserve.

Winter activities

The Le Pâquier / Crêt du Puy ski area has ten kilometres of ski runs, which can also be used at night. The Les Bugnenets ski resort is another excursion destination connected with Le Pâquier. The Swiss Ski School Neuchâtel-Les Bugnenets offers lessons in skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and telemark.

Getting around and dining

The Noctambus does not serve Le Pâquier because there is no public transport line there. The Snowbus runs from Neuchâtel, Place Pury, via the railway station, Savagnier and Villiers; connecting with line 422 takes you to Bugnenets-Savagnières and the Maison Chasseral. Before your trip, check the timetable for the connection you plan to use.

The Buvette La Petite Combe serves Jambon à l’os, rösti, fondue, fondue in bread, homemade desserts and takeaway food. Brunch is also available for groups of four or more. Some offerings may change; check availability before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Savagnier, Les Hauts-Geneveys, La Vue Des Alpes, Fontaines, Les Geneveys-sur-Coffrane, Villiers Ne, Fontainemelon, Cernier

For the wider travel overview: Val-De-Ruz.