Saignelegier

The Franches-Montagnes plateau is open pasture with solitary spruces and stone walls, and it is horse country: the Freiberger is the only horse breed still native to Switzerland, a solid working animal bred here for farm and army use and now kept largely for driving and riding. The Marche-Concours National de Chevaux, held at Saignelegier on the second weekend of August since 1897, is the breed's showcase - judging, driving competitions, a parade in costume, and races including ridden events without saddles. The rest of the year the plateau is walked and cross-country skied, with horses visible in the fields, and the Etang de la Gruere bog lies a few kilometres away.

Highlights

• Switzerland's only native breed - the Freiberger, bred on this plateau.
• The Marche-Concours - the August horse fair, running since 1897.
• Open plateau pasture - solitary spruces, walls and free-ranging horses.
• Races without saddles - among the fair's traditional events.

When to go

The second weekend of August for the fair; May to October otherwise. A day.

Good to know

The fair fills the town completely for one weekend and accommodation must be booked far ahead. Outside it Saignelegier is a small quiet town with little to see. The plateau is exposed and cold well into spring.

Nearby

The Etang de la Gruere is close; the Doubs valley is north.

Key facts