Areuse Gorges

The Areuse cuts through the Jura limestone between Noiraigue and Boudry, and the route through it was built in the 1870s and 1880s by a local hiking society - stone steps, galleries and a series of arched footbridges over the water, including the much-photographed Saut de Brot, a single stone arch spanning the river between rock walls. The walk is about twelve kilometres downhill from Noiraigue, taking three hours or so, with the train at both ends making it a straightforward one-way day. Beeches and mosses cover the walls, and the water is clear and green. The Creux du Van, a vast rock amphitheatre, is on the plateau above and is often combined with the gorge.

What you actually see

• Stone footbridges of the 1870s - the Saut de Brot arch above all.
• Galleries and steps in the rock - the route built by a hiking society.
• Twelve kilometres downhill - Noiraigue to Boudry with trains at both ends.
• Green water under beech - the Jura limestone gorge floor.

When to go

April to November. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Paths are wet and slippery in places, with drops beside the water. Sections close after storms or rockfall. It is one-way downhill by design - going up is harder work. Autumn leaf fall makes the steps slick.

Nearby

The Creux du Van is on the plateau above; Neuchatel and its lake are east.