The birthplace of the delicious Jura sausage that bears its name, the small town of Morteau lies 10km from the Swiss border, on the picturesque road that links La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle (in the Neuchâtel Jura) to Pontarlier (in the Doubs Department).

Along with Villers-le-Lac, Le Russey, Maîche and Saint-Hippolyte, Morteau is one of the destinations of the Pays Horloger (Watchmaking Country), an area with a human dimension, sometimes wild and often a little secretive.

From the 18th century onwards, the watchmaking industry found its home here, and several museums, including one in Morteau, revive the saga of these watchmakers and house magnificent collections of machines and tools, watches and clocks.

The reputation of Morteau sausage, the great speciality of the Pays Horloger region, is well established, and it is the pride of the region. The characteristic flavour of this local speciality comes from being smoked in the 'tuyés'. It is a gastronomic heritage whose smoking process is listed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Unfortunately, during our short stay in Morteau, a change in the weather spoiled our shots and we can only show you the bridge over the Doubs... Another time, perhaps?

Useful links

French Region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (iSwitzerland Guide) - Wikipedia