Chemin de l'Areuse

The Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland, holds many natural experiences. One leads from the charming village of Travers to Couvet in Canton Neuenburg. A stretch that promises unspoilt nature and tranquillity in the Val de Travers, which is famous for it's absinthe.

From Travers railway station, the nine-kilometre circular route initially leads through the village and out into open countryside. The starting point is also the highest point, at around 750 m, so the differences in elevation remain correspondingly small. Marked hiking trails alternate with longer sections outside the signposted hiking network. The route is mostly broad and has no significant climbs.

After the first section, the hike reaches Couvet. At the edge of the settlement, it passes close to Restaurant Bidal before fields and meadows once again dominate the landscape. Towards the end, the route approaches Presta, where the former asphalt mines of Travers are located. They lie slightly off the route itself but are an unmistakable part of the surroundings in this section of the valley.

Finally, the circuit closes in Travers. After just over two hours, the railway station is reached once more. The combination of open countryside, village outskirts and an almost level route makes this an uncomplicated hike through the Val de Travers.