This is Sainte-Croix Les Rasses
Sainte-Croix is known for making music boxes and automata, while Les Rasses is popular for winter sports and hiking. Both villages lie in western Switzerland, in the Vaud Jura near the French border.
Discover Sainte-Croix Les Rasses
The Balade industrielle starts at Sainte-Croix railway station. This 3.5-kilometre heritage trail takes you past 18 buildings associated with the area's industrial history. At each building, scan a QR code to see historic photographs or listen to recordings about its past. Tourism in the region began in Les Rasses, situated higher up the mountainside. At the Grand Hôtel des Rasses, you can dine in a Belle Époque dining room beneath historic chandeliers.
Museum of music boxes and automata
In the 19th century, Sainte-Croix produced more music boxes than anywhere else in the world. At the MuMAPS museum, you can discover automata of all kinds. During guided tours, the museum team brings gramophones, orchestrions and singing mechanical birds to life without electricity. The craftsmanship of mechanical art is recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Hiking, mountain biking, skiing and cross-country skiing in Les Rasses
From Les Rasses, hike up Chasseron, which rises to 1,607 metres directly above the village. The summit offers panoramic views in every direction, across Lake Neuchâtel to the Alps. On a mountain bike, follow the 22-kilometre Tour des Alpages around the mountain. In winter, the slopes offer family-friendly ski runs and more than 65 kilometres of cross-country trails. One illuminated trail stays open until 10 pm, while dogs are permitted on another.
Around Sainte-Croix Les Rasses
The Covatannaz Gorge lies between Sainte-Croix and Vuiteboeuf. Starting at Sainte-Croix railway station, follow the River Arnon for 5 kilometres past waterfalls and rock faces. In Vuiteboeuf, take the train to Yverdon-les-Bains on Lake Neuchâtel. There, you can bathe in thermal water, just as the Romans did, which emerges from the ground at 29°C.
Experience Sainte-Croix Les Rasses for less
From June to August, stay at least one night in the northern part of the canton of Vaud and you'll receive the
Pèdze Card. With this guest card, you pay half price at the MuMAPS museum and for other leisure activities in the region.
