Attractions and Places To See around Les Ponts-de-Martel - Top 20

The region is rich in natural wonders. You can visit the vast Les Ponts-de-Martel Peat Bogs, one of Switzerland's largest, offering an educational trail through the unique 'Marais-Rouge' high marsh. Don't miss the dramatic Creux du Van, a mighty rock cirque with panoramic views, or the pristine Areuse Gorge, known for its wild and romantic paths, rock overhangs, and bridges. The impressive Saut du Doubs Waterfall, located on the French-Swiss border, is also a major national site.

Absolutely. The Creux du Van is a spectacular natural amphitheater formed by erosion, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Another notable feature is the Combe Poëta, a wild gorge with rock overhangs and the Grotte de l'Ours (Bear Cave). For elevated perspectives, Grand Sommartel, the highest point of the anticline, provides extensive views of the Val-de-Ruz and Chasseral Regional Park.

You can explore the Maison de la Tourbière, an ecotourism complex dedicated to the peat bogs, offering scientific and cultural insights. The local Cheese Dairy (Fromagerie) provides a chance to see Gruyère AOC production. The Temple des Ponts-de-Martel, erected in 1844, features a simple interior and houses bells dating back to 1562. Also, discover the 'Balanced Center' of Neuchâtel Canton in Petit-Martel, marked by a 'Tree of Liberty'.

The region offers a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels. You can explore the educational trail through the Les Ponts-de-Martel Peat Bogs, or hike through the beautiful Combe Poëta to the Grotte de l'Ours. The Areuse Gorge offers a particularly scenic and romantic hike, especially the section from Noiraigue to Boudry. For more options, check out the Hiking around Les Ponts-de-Martel guide.

Yes, the region is home to several picturesque spots. Within the Areuse Gorge, you'll find the stunning Stone Bridge in the Areuse Gorge and the Saut de Brot stone bridge, both offering fantastic photo opportunities. The majestic Saut du Doubs Waterfall, a 27-meter high cascade, is a must-see, often compared to Canadian canyons.

Beyond hiking, the area is excellent for cycling, with numerous trails winding through its diverse landscapes. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in winter. You can find detailed routes for mountain biking in the MTB Trails around Les Ponts-de-Martel guide, and running trails in the Running Trails around Les Ponts-de-Martel guide.

Les Ponts-de-Martel is a year-round destination. Autumn is particularly picturesque, as the peat bogs transform with vibrant shades of purple, carmine, brown, yellow, and green. Summer is ideal for hiking and cycling, with the shady gorges offering respite from the heat. In winter, the region becomes a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Many of the natural attractions are suitable for families. The educational trail through the Les Ponts-de-Martel Peat Bogs is engaging for all ages. Easy hiking routes like the 'Grotte de l'Ours — loop from Les-Ponts-de-Martel' and 'Picnic area loop from Les Ponts-de-Martel' are great for families. The Combe Poëta and its Grotte de l'Ours offer an adventurous yet accessible experience.

Many of the outdoor trails and natural areas around Les Ponts-de-Martel are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves like the Creux du Van, to protect local wildlife.

The Les Ponts-de-Martel Peat Bogs are one of Switzerland's largest contiguous peat bogs and a significant ecological site. They are home to unique flora, including sphagnum mosses, cottongrass, heather, bilberries, carnivorous plants like sundew, and even dwarf birch, creating a landscape often described as having a 'temperate Siberian feel'. The Maison de la Tourbière offers further insights into this protected biotope.

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from sites like the Creux du Van. The wild and romantic character of the gorges, particularly the Areuse Gorge with its narrow paths and lush vegetation, is highly appreciated. The unique natural formations and the opportunity for serene hikes through diverse landscapes are also frequently highlighted.

Beyond the well-known attractions, consider exploring the Forests of Joux to the north of the village, which are extensive and interspersed with vast pastures, ideal for walking and known for wild berries and mushrooms. The Sulfurous and Ferruginous Springs in Les Ponts-de-Martel and Brot-Plamboz offer unique natural features with therapeutic properties, and the Perte du Voisinage is an interesting natural water collection point.