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Intro

La Chaux-de-Fonds is not just known for its model chequerboard layout and watch industry, but is also the home of Le Corbusier and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Chaux-de-Fonds at a glance

La Chaux-de-Fonds is situated at around 1,000 metres above sea level. Due to the harsh climate, very little settlement took place here until the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, the oldest human skeleton in Switzerland to date was discovered nearby. The original hamlet was founded at the beginning of the 16th century and gained in importance in the 17th century thanks to its strategic location. The watchmaking industry began to emerge around the same time – a pocket watch was documented as early as 1664. La Chaux-de-Fonds quickly took the leading position in watchmaking in the Alpine region.

On the night of 5 May 1794, fierce fires raged and destroyed most of the buildings. Following this tragic event, the town was rebuilt based on a rational, rectangular street grid with a largely uniform construction. Also in later years, the city was expanded like a chequerboard, which enabled optimum lighting for the watchmaking workshops in the mostly southeast-facing buildings. 

Numerous bell towers, which reflect the cultural diversity of the place, and a few high-rise buildings from the post-war period mark out the city’s silhouette. La Chaux-de-Fonds is also the hometown of Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, better known as Le Corbusier. He built his first architectural masterpieces here. In 2009, La Chaux-de-Fonds was granted UNESCO World Heritage status, together with the neighbouring town of Le Locle.

 

ISOS
ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.

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La Chaux-de-Fonds
Jura & Three-Lakes
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Hotels

  • Grand Hôtel les Endroits 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes Grand Hôtel les Endroits
  • Athmos Hôtel 4 Stars

    La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes Athmos Hôtel
  • Hôtel-Resto-Bar Chez Gilles 3 Stars

    La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel-Resto-Bar Chez Gilles
  • Hôtel de France l Stars

    La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel de France
  • Hôtel Fleur-de-Lys l Stars

    La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel Fleur-de-Lys
  • Hôtel de la Fleur de Lis 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Le Locle, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: Le Locle, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel de la Fleur de Lis
  • Logis de la Licorne

    La Ferrière, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: La Ferrière, Jura & Three-Lakes Logis de la Licorne
  • Hôtel des Trois Rois

    Le Locle, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: Le Locle, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel des Trois Rois
  • Hôtel la Chaux-d'Abel

    La Ferrière, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: La Ferrière, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel la Chaux-d'Abel

Current Offers

  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Food Tour La Chaux-de-Fonds

    1st stop: a cheese platter with a glass of wine at the Maison du Fromage Chez Sterchi. 2nd stop: a... from CHF 55
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    valid: 04.07.2025 - 19.12.2025

    Learn more about Food Tour La Chaux-de-Fonds
  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Guided city tour "Art Nouveau"

    Guided city tour "Art Nouveau" from CHF 16
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    valid: 08.07.2025 - 30.09.2025

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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Tourist train of La Chaux-de-Fonds

    Visit of La Chaux-de-Fonds by tourist train from CHF 6
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    valid: 04.07.2025 - 27.09.2025

    Learn more about Tourist train of La Chaux-de-Fonds
  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Scavenger hunt - Les Barons

    On the trail of your watchmaking ancestor who had his watch stolen... Will you be able to find the... from CHF 10
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    valid: 03.07.2025 - 31.12.2025

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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Le Corbusier's first villas

    Book your place and set off on a guided tour devoted entirely to Le Corbusier's early works.... from CHF 18
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    valid: 04.07.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about Le Corbusier's first villas
  • Chézard St-Martin Trans Jurassienne Biel - La Chaux-de-Fonds - Neuchâtel

    Inclusive- Guidance and assistance by a guide- Accommodation with half-board: 2 nights in a hotel... from CHF 945
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    valid: 11.10.2025 - 13.10.2025

    Learn more about Trans Jurassienne Biel - La Chaux-de-Fonds - Neuchâtel
  • Les Brenets Offer Saut-du-Doubs and Underground mills

    Boat trip on the Doubs and back Entry to the underground mills of the Col des Roches. from CHF 25
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    valid: 03.07.2025 - 26.10.2025

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Travel information: La Chaux-de-Fonds