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1st day:
Delémont–St-Ursanne (39 km): The third stage of Switzerland’s national mountain-bike route No. 3 begins in the atmospheric regional capital and offers a delightful ride. After a climb through meadows, fields and forests to the Col des Rangiers, enjoy a thrilling descent to the River Doubs, which leads you on to the historic town of St-Ursanne.
2nd day:
St-Ursanne–Saignelégier (30 km): Soon after passing the famous fish restaurant at Tariche, the route leaves the Doubs and climbs stead- ily to the high plateau of the Franches-Montagnes. Dry-stone walls, remote farms and grazing horses dot the “mountains” – which are in truth fairly flat, and ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. The native horses, also called Franches- Montagnes, share the untamed and unspoilt character of this hauntingly beautiful landscape.
3rd day:
Saignelégier–La Chaux-de-Fonds (44 km): The trail leads over the lush green meadows of the Franches- Montagnes and across the nature reserve of the Etang de la Gruère to Mont Soleil, with its impressive wind turbines. From here it’s a shortish ride to the watchmaking city of La Chaux-de-Fonds – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with neigh- bouring Le Locle
Delémont–St-Ursanne (39 km): The third stage of Switzerland’s national mountain-bike route No. 3 begins in the atmospheric regional capital and offers a delightful ride. After a climb through meadows, fields and forests to the Col des Rangiers, enjoy a thrilling descent to the River Doubs, which leads you on to the historic town of St-Ursanne.
2nd day:
St-Ursanne–Saignelégier (30 km): Soon after passing the famous fish restaurant at Tariche, the route leaves the Doubs and climbs stead- ily to the high plateau of the Franches-Montagnes. Dry-stone walls, remote farms and grazing horses dot the “mountains” – which are in truth fairly flat, and ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. The native horses, also called Franches- Montagnes, share the untamed and unspoilt character of this hauntingly beautiful landscape.
3rd day:
Saignelégier–La Chaux-de-Fonds (44 km): The trail leads over the lush green meadows of the Franches- Montagnes and across the nature reserve of the Etang de la Gruère to Mont Soleil, with its impressive wind turbines. From here it’s a shortish ride to the watchmaking city of La Chaux-de-Fonds – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with neigh- bouring Le Locle
Highlights & tips
- The medieval town of St-Ursanne is home to an impressive collegiate church with cloister
- The Tariche fish restaurant on the banks of the Doubs serves fine fresh trout; rooms also available
- The Rochers des Sommêtres, just off the mountain bike route, offer spectacular views
- Atmospheric Café du Soleil in Saignelégier is a charming rest stop in the Franches-Montagnes
- The Etang de la Gruère is an idyllically beautiful moorland lake set in a delightful nature reserve
- La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle owe their form to the watch industry (UNESCO World Heritage)
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