A fascinating architectural journey through the heart of the city
Hidden treasures around every corner
In La Chaux-de-Fonds, architectural treasures are revealed around every corner, and although it has neither a castle nor a cathedral, its buildings tell a unique story, imbued with creativity and craftsmanship. Elegant Art Nouveau stairwells adorn the buildings, the early creations of Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, later known as Le Corbusier, testify to his architectural audacity, and the buildings of the 1950s offer a fascinating perspective on the city's evolution. This rich heritage is also dotted with parks and gardens, veritable islands of relaxation, where one can savor the authenticity of a working-class city with timeless charm.
"Architecture is the learned, correct and magnificent play of volumes under light."
- Le Corbusier
A city that tells you a story
Strolling through the streets of La Chaux-de-Fonds is like immersing yourself in a rich and intimate history, told through its elegant buildings and timeless details. Here, each building, each alleyway, preserves the memory of generations of artisans and master watchmakers who shaped the city's unique character. Far from the major cities, La Chaux-de-Fonds is a working-class city where discreet charm and architectural modesty blend with intense cultural richness.
Each building, each street bears the traces of a working-class past and a creative tradition, and invites a different, more intimate discovery. Take a stroll and let yourself be amazed. You will discover a city that, far from ostentatious, seduces with its authentic character and its deep connection to the history of watchmaking.
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Did you know?
Following the great fire of 1794, the city was rebuilt with a new ambition: to combine urban planning and industrial efficiency. This is how the now iconic checkerboard layout was born, designed to meet the growing needs of the watchmaking industry.
The straight, regular streets facilitated travel, while the buildings housed combined living and working quarters, where people lived and worked under one roof. The architecture favored large windows and optimal orientation to capture maximum natural light—a valuable asset for the watchmakers' precise movements.
This unique model of urban organization, born from reconstruction, has become one of the foundations of the region's watchmaking heritage... and a signature still visible today.