A circular trail to the pond, a cave with a narrow entrance and traces of watchmaking history give La Côte-Aux-Fées several distinct ways to explore. When planning, it is worth considering the different routes: from the short circular trail at Étang des Sagnes to the longer northern loop of the Circuits des Fées. The village’s history and a winter route offer further highlights.
Routes between the pond, fields and high plateau
The 3.2-kilometre circular trail at Étang des Sagnes is suitable for walking or running. It passes through the village and across fields, follows a stream and reaches the pond. There is a picnic table and barbecue area along the way. As route details may be updated seasonally, it is advisable to check the latest information before setting out.
One possible starting point for the trail is near Les Bolles-du-Vent. There are parking spaces for three to four cars and a bus stop there. As parking and bus arrangements may change, check the relevant information before travelling.
The Circuits des Fées comprise almost 25 kilometres of white-marked trails and offer three routes for hikers and mountain bikers. The northern loop is 11.9 kilometres long and has 332 metres of elevation gain. Together with the 3.2-kilometre circular trail around the pond, these offer two clearly different route lengths to choose from.
Another option is the “À la découverte du Jura neuchâtelois” hike. It passes through La Côte-Aux-Fées halfway along the route and is recommended for families and for people who do not suffer from a fear of heights. As a seasonal alternative, a winter loop runs from La Côte-Aux-Fées across a high plateau covered with fir trees to Étang de Sagne. This small body of water is often frozen in winter.
To the Grotte-aux-Fées and its viewpoint
The out-and-back route from Saint-Olivier to the Grotte-aux-Fées passes through pastures and forest and takes about 45 minutes. The cave entrance is narrow but passable. A flashlight, sturdy footwear and old clothes are recommended. Trail conditions may vary; take this into account when planning. Those who go all the way through the cave are rewarded with panoramic views of the Noirvaux gorges. The viewpoint is therefore part of the full passage through the cave.
Village history and watchmaking
The first documented mention of La Côte-Aux-Fées dates from 1337. On 27 November 1826, it became an independent municipality. In the centre of the village, the Reformed church houses an organ by Orgelbau-Felsberg, inaugurated in 1983.
Piaget’s history is also linked to the village: it began in 1874, when Georges-Édouard Piaget made his first watch movements in a workshop in La Côte-Aux-Fées. The Piaget manufacture is considered the birthplace of the brand’s ultra-thin watch movements. The village’s history thus includes both the specific beginnings of watch movement production and the manufacture’s special role in this type of movement.
Another historical detail can be seen on a house: the lintel bears a quartered coat of arms with the year 1642. The shield shows two lilies and the initials B and M, belonging to Moïse Bourquin. Beneath the depiction of a child is the incomplete and heavily faded inscription “crédit et mort”.
Discover more destinations: Buttes, Travers Ne, Saint-Sulpice Ne, Fleurier, Môtiers, Les Verrières, Couvet, Boveresse
For the wider travel overview: Val-De-Travers.
