Attractions and Places To See around Sainte-Croix - Top 20

Sainte-Croix boasts a rich industrial past, particularly in mechanical art. You can explore the Musée de la mécanique d'art et du patrimoine de Sainte-Croix (MuMAPS) and the Centre International de la Mécanique d'Art (CIMA) to learn about its heritage in music box and nickelodeon manufacturing. Other historical sites include L'Abbaye de la Voirnaize and the traditional Maison de L'Elysée. The villages of L'Auberson and La Chaux are also recognized as Swiss Heritage Sites.

For stunning panoramic views, head to Le Balcon du Jura. Additionally, Mont Chasseron, the highest point in the area at 1,607 meters, offers magnificent vistas of the Savoyard, Valais, and Bernese Alps, extending to Säntis. It's accessible via marked trails from Sainte-Croix.

Yes, for adventurous visitors, Les Gorges de Covatannaz offer stunning canyon landscapes with challenging and rewarding hiking trails, including an archeological walk. You can also explore the Secret Caves of Sainte-Croix hidden within the mountains, with guided tours available. The Druise Waterfall is another natural monument that requires crossing water to reach, so bring water shoes.

Sainte-Croix and the Les Rasses area are a popular destination for winter sports. You can enjoy cross-country skiing on over 100 km of trails across the Balcon du Jura vaudois plateau. Downhill skiing is also available in Les Rasses, suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. Snowshoe trails lead to natural viewpoints like Chasseron.

Families can enjoy the town of Die and its Old Town, which are considered family-friendly historical sites. For outdoor activities, Le Sentier des Frères Chappuis is a family-friendly nature trail offering safe and easy hikes through lush Swiss landscapes with educational signs about local flora and fauna.

The region is ideal for diverse outdoor pursuits throughout the year. Summer is perfect for hiking and cycling through forested landscapes and rolling hills. Winter offers excellent conditions for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. The spring and autumn seasons provide pleasant temperatures for exploring the natural beauty.

The region offers over 18 mapped hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging ascents. You can find various options, including routes like 'Pontaix Castle Climb Trail' or 'Ruin above Pontaix – Pontaix loop'. For more details and a wider selection of trails, visit the Hiking around Sainte-Croix guide.

Yes, cycling is a popular summer activity. The region's varied terrain is suitable for different cycling styles. For gravel biking enthusiasts, routes like 'Die – Justin's Cross loop' or 'Die – The town center loop' are available. You can explore more options in the Gravel biking around Sainte-Croix guide.

The town of Die is world-famous for its Clairette, a sparkling wine. It boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century and is nestled at the foot of the Col du Rousset cliffs, benefiting from fertile lands for wines and aromatic herbs. Its Old Town is picturesque, with artisan shops and an annual transhumance celebration in June.

Yes, the Sainte-Croix Market is a local market where visitors can find fresh produce and regional specialties, offering a taste of the local culture. The Old Town of Die also features artisan shops and good local products to eat.

There are several running trails around Sainte-Croix, with varying distances and moderate difficulty. Examples include 'Running loop from Vercheny' and 'City of Die loop from Die'. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the Running Trails around Sainte-Croix guide.

Yes, you can engage with local cheesemakers through Artisan Cheese Tours and enjoy tastings of handcrafted Swiss cheeses. The town of Die is also known for its Clairette sparkling wine, and its fertile lands produce aromatic herbs.