Vallée de Joux: A hidden gem in the Swiss landscape
The Vallée de Joux, a picturesque region in the Swiss Jura, is a paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and watch aficionados alike. This idyllic region, just an hour from Geneva, offers an impressive blend of natural beauty, cultural wealth and traditional craftsmanship.
Natural beauty
The Vallée de Joux is known for its breathtaking landscapes characterised by dense forests, vast meadows and clear lakes. Lac de Joux, the largest lake in the Jura, is a favourite spot for various water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and swimming. In winter, the lake is transformed into a huge natural ice rink that attracts ice skaters from all over the region.
The surrounding mountains and forests offer excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. The well-marked hiking trails lead through unspoilt nature and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. A particular favourite is the Sentier du Lac de Joux, a hiking trail that leads around the lake and reveals the region's diverse flora and fauna.
Cultural richness
The Vallée de Joux is also a centre of Swiss watchmaking. The region is home to some of the most renowned watch manufacturers in the world, including Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Breguet. Visitors can visit the Espace Horloger, a museum dedicated to the history and art of watchmaking. Here they can learn more about the development of the art of watchmaking and the major innovations that originated in the Vallée de Joux.
Traditional craftsmanship
The art of watchmaking is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Vallée de Joux. Since the 18th century, the region has established itself as a centre for the manufacture of high-precision watches. Manufactures in the region combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to produce watches of the highest quality and precision. Visitors often have the opportunity to look behind the scenes and watch the watchmakers at work.
A paradise for connoisseurs
In addition to the art of watchmaking, the Vallée de Joux also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. The region is known for its traditional Swiss dishes, which are prepared using fresh, regional ingredients. Cheese specialities such as fondue and raclette are particularly popular and can be enjoyed in the cosy restaurants and mountain huts.
Conclusion
The Vallée de Joux is a hidden gem in Switzerland that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and artisanal tradition. Whether you want to explore the breathtaking scenery, admire the masterpieces of watchmaking or savour the local cuisine, the Vallée de Joux has something for everyone. It is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the tranquillity and beauty of Swiss nature.
Hotel des Horlogers
A place to connect to nature, make time for yourself and the things that matter
Imagined by the global architecture firm BIG | Bjarke Ingels Group designed Hôtel des Horlogers for architecture and nature to be one, complying with Minergie Eco Standards. Thanks to an avant-garde concept, visitors are immediately immersed in the natural environment of the Vallée de Joux, one of the cradles of Swiss complicated watches. BIG conceived the hotel so that all the rooms would offer a breath-taking view over the Risoud forest. Departing from the usual codes of hotel architecture, the building consists of slabs descending towards the valley and tilting slightly to embrace the topography while creating a continuous path into nature.
