Travers Ne – a Jura village with an asphalt history

Travers Ne brings together the history of asphalt mining, distinctive buildings and a route through the tranquil Jura landscape. The underground galleries of the Mines d’asphalte stay at 8 °C year-round. In the village, the Temple, the Château and a stone bridge, among other landmarks, tell stories of different eras. Whether you are planning a cultural visit or a hike between Travers and Couvet, you will find practical starting points here.

Mines d’asphalte: mining and visitor information

The visitor tour of the Mines d’asphalte combines a museum area with the underground galleries. Allow about an hour and a half for your visit; the gallery tour is approximately one kilometre long. The temperature there remains at 8 °C throughout the year—a useful detail to bear in mind when planning your visit.

Guided tours explore an area of the La Presta site where asphalt was mined from 1712 to 1986. The Asphalt Story exhibition explains how the asphalt deposit formed through six playful, interactive experiences. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility; check this accessibility information again before your trip. An adapted tour of the underground galleries can also be arranged for wheelchair users on request. Please enquire about this option in advance.

The food and drink options also reflect the theme of asphalt: the Café des Mines serves ham from Val-de-Travers cooked in asphalt. Visitors can sample absinthe from Val-de-Travers at the Boutique des Mines. Confirm that tastings are currently available before you arrive.

The village’s architectural history

The Temple of Travers was built in 1569 on the site of a medieval chapel. Its bell tower dates from 1632 and was raised after the fire of 1865. The Château was the former residence of the Lords of Travers and dates from the 16th to the 18th century. Together, these details illustrate different stages in the village’s history, from the medieval predecessor building to later structural changes.

Another distinctive feature is the stone bridge, built in 1665. It has four arches and is considered unique in the region. The fire of 1865 affected 101 of the village’s 124 houses and destroyed almost all of them. The first written mention of Travers appears in a document from 1202. These historical landmarks give the village its distinctive character; Travers has the appearance of an industrial Jura village.

Walking between Travers and Couvet

The Chemin de l’Areuse No. 304 leads from Travers to Couvet through tranquil, unspoilt countryside. The route is listed as having 50 metres of ascent and 50 metres of descent. Its grading distinguishes between two requirements: technically, the trail is considered easy, but in terms of fitness, it is difficult. When choosing a hike, you can consider these two ratings separately rather than assuming that an easy technical rating means the physical effort is easy.

A museum south of Travers

The Musée de la Banderette is located on the Alpage de la Banderette, south of Travers. Its offerings include guided tours, exhibitions and explanations. Topics include the presence of wolves in the Creux du Van, geology and Jura karst. The museum therefore focuses on nature and landscapes, while the Mines d’asphalte centre on the history of mining.

Travel by regional train

Regional trains run via La Presta Mines d’asphalte and Travers. If you are travelling by train, check the current timetable for your connection before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Sulpice Ne, Môtiers, Couvet, Buttes, Les Verrières, Boveresse, Fleurier, La Côte-Aux-Fées.

Return to the overview of the region: Val-De-Travers.