Just under half an hour away from La Chaux-de-Fonds and Biel/Bienne by car the extensive high plateau of the Franches Montagnes extends in the northern ranges of the Jura at an altitude of 1000 metres above sea level. The village of Saignelégier is the cultural and economic centre of the region. Everywhere there are typical white Jura farms with the gabled roofs and the small snow- and wind rejecting windows. The hamlet of Les Bosses near Le Bémont - particularly rich in farms dating from the 17th to the 19th century - is one of the prettiest places in the area. The Agricultural Museum (Musée rural jurassien) in Les Genevez conveys more about Jura farming customs.

Summer

Being the home of Franches Montagnes horses, the Jura is a true paradise for riders with over 200 kilometres of marked riding trails and the possibility to enjoy rides in covered wagons, carriages and wagons. And the horse foundation in Le Roselet is definitely worth visiting - a home for retired horses, ponies and donkeys as well as a Franches Montagnes horses breeder. The annual horse market in Saignelegier is nowadays the biggest horse festival in Switzerland.

From Saignelégier a hiking trail leads to the Etang de la Gruère moorscape, a highlight of the Franches Montagnes countryside. Around the biggest moor pond in Switzerland boards provide information about the flora and fauna as well as moor and nature preservation.

The high altitude Jura trail takes hikers from vantage point to vantage point along its section through the sparse beauty fo the Franches Montagnes region. Walks along the River Doubs are also popular. National cycle route number 7 from Basel to Nyon is - particularly the stretch through the Franches Montagnes -is particularly popular with families. Bicycles are available for hire from the railway stations. Thanks to the well-developed rail and bus network it is easy to start or shorten tours at stops along the way.

Winter

The countryside of the Franches Montagnes is ideal for cross-country skiing and snow-shoe trekking. In addition to a great many cross-country skiing routes the number of marked routes for snow-shoe trekkers is increasing constantly. The unspoilt landscape of the Franches Montagnes is particularly suitable for these two sports.

• Franches Montagnes landscape - the sparse parkscape with open pastures, tree clusters and pine forests is the primary sight of the region.
  
• Etang de la Gruère - a high moor which was created 12'000 years ago and is of national importance featuring animals and plants which are rare or even in danger of becoming extinct. A trail combining all the characteristic elements of the Franches Montagnes high plateau has been built for walkers.
  
• Muriaux Car Museum - shows 50 vehicles from the 19th century to today, mainly sports cars, coupés, convertibles and special models.
  
• Historic «Tête de moine» exhibition cheese dairy - the cheese originating from the 12th century is produced in the vaulted hall at the old Bellelay farm.
  
• Chemins de Fer du Jura - the red one-metre gauge trains of the Jura Railways (CJ) mainly provide access to the high plateau of the Franches Montagnes and is perfect for excursions in the region.
  
• La Chaux-de-Fonds - an exursion destination near the Franches Montagnes. The watch museum is a must-see highlight when visiting the centre of time measurement.

• «Marché-Concours national de Chevaux» (National Horse Market) - horse race, parading of 500 horses in front of the competition jury and the procession attract thousands to the biggest horse show in the country.
  
• International dog-sled race - almost like in Alaska: for two days the best teams in the world race through the snow-covered Franches Montagnes (January).
  
• Organic Market - every year during a September weekend the organic produce of the Franches Montagnes are presented to the general public in the market hall of Saignelégier (September).
  
• Chant du Gros Festival - music festival in Le Noirmont, last open-air festival of the season in Switzerland (September).
  
• Saignelègier Hot-air Balloon Festival - small festival offering an opportunity to fly in a hot-air balloon (October).