La Chaux-de-Fonds

Soon after leaving Saignelégier we can see the plateau of Maîche (F) on the right, dominating the deep valley of the Doubs. We pass the hamlet of Les Emibois and proceed towards Le Noirmont.

The line from Tavannes and Tramelan joins us from the left. On the hilltop to the right the regional cardiac rehabilitation centre can be seen. The « Hôtel de la Gare » in Le Noirmont is one of the centres of Swiss gastronomy.

The line crosses magnificent wooded pastureland before reaching Les Bois, passing the halts at Le Creux-des-Biches and Le Boéchet. The bell-tower of the church at les Bois, like that at Montfaucon, is typical of the neighbouring Franche-Comté region.

Les Bois is situated at an altitude of 1000m, like most of the towns and villages of the Franches-Montagnes. Here the engine takes on water again. Passing La Large-Journée and La Chaux-d'Abel we arrive at La Ferrière.  After this village we cross a viaduct, 129m long, which replaces a particularly curvy stretch of line.

The passing station at La Cibourg helps to improve train running. But we still have to pass some tight curves, whistling, until we pass Bellevue, 1072m high. A gentle descent through a lovely pine forest brings us to the town of La Chaux-de-Fonds at 1000m. This town, along with its neighbour, Le Locle, are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List (watch-making town planning). We proceed along the road like a tram until just before the main station. Motorists have to give way to the train.

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