In Le Pâquier, historic farms and fountains meet hiking trails through the Combe-Biosse. There is also an annual blacksmithing celebration and winter activities. If you are considering Le Pâquier as a destination for your stay, first decide whether local history, hiking or winter sports should be your main focus. This will help you plan your trip around the things you actually want to experience.

Culture and craftsmanship

The Fête de la Forge takes place every year at the end of summer. There are demonstrations in the forge, and craftspeople showcase a range of skills. Check the event dates when planning your trip if you would like to attend the festival. The former communal forge in Le Pâquier also hosts public activities outside the festival. On the first Thursday of each month, members meet at the Forge du Pâquier; newcomers can also visit the forge and get to know it.

Another destination for those interested in cultural history is the 17th- and 18th-century farmhouses that can be visited in Le Pâquier. Their architecture has changed gradually over time. A visit therefore offers a glimpse not only of historic buildings, but also of their gradual architectural development.

The protected ensemble in Le Pâquier includes three fountains. At one of them, a wooden pump directs water into a monolithic limestone basin. The stonework also has a historical connection: in 1779, mason Blaise Henriod undertook to carry out the work for the municipality; parts of the protected fountains and their troughs correspond to this work.

Walls also shape local history: in 2020, a stretch of wall about 150 metres long was restored at the exit from Le Pâquier towards Bugnenets. Between 2016 and 2021, more than 1,200 metres of walls were restored in total. The two figures refer to different scales: a single stretch and the larger total amount over several years.

Hiking and scenery

The Chemins-Chouettes “Vers Chasseral” hike passes through Le Pâquier and the Combe-Biosse. The network comprises seven ecological walking trails that explore the cultural and natural heritage of the Val-de-Ruz. In the wider region, a hike via the Combe-Biosse crosses the Val-de-Ruz below the Chasseral and reaches the summit; the descent runs through the forests and pastures of the Chasseral. These descriptions offer different planning options: one route passes through Le Pâquier, while the regional hike description includes the route to the summit and the descent.

The Réserve de la Combe Biosse is also a destination associated with Le Pâquier. The boundaries of the nature reserve are marked on site by signs and trail markers. Those using the trails in this area can use them to identify the marked boundaries of the protected area. The route description for the Combe-Biosse and the markings for the reserve boundaries refer to different points of orientation.

Winter activities and practical planning

Le Pâquier is also associated with the Les Bugnenets ski resort as an excursion destination. The Le Pâquier / Crêt du Puy ski area has ten kilometres of ski runs, which can also be used at night. The Swiss Ski School Neuchâtel-Les Bugnenets offers lessons in skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and Telemark. When planning, you can therefore weigh up the cultural and historical attractions against the winter sports on offer.

For a meal, the Buvette La Petite Combe offers Jambon à l’os, rösti, fondue, fondue in bread, homemade desserts and takeaway dishes; individual offerings may change. Brunch is available for groups of four or more. Check availability before you arrive if you plan to eat there.

Also factor this specific transport limitation into your plans: the Noctambus does not serve Le Pâquier because there is no public transport line there. Plan your arrival and departure around the connection you actually intend to use.

Discover more destinations: Les Hauts-Geneveys, Montmollin, Savagnier, Villiers Ne, Fontaines, Cernier, Dombresson, Boudevilliers.

For the broader travel overview: Val-De-Ruz.