The Asphalt mines in Travers call to mind the fantastic adventures in Jules Verne's novel "A Journey to the Centre of the Earth".
Come and learn about the difficult conditions experienced by generations of brave miners for almost three centuries (1712 to 1986) in their efforts to extract the valuable natural asphalt.
They left behind them a huge labyrinth of tunnels and galleries which were once over 100 km long.
Location:
Between Neuchâtel and Pontarlier (F)
Opening hours:
From 1st April to 20th October guided tours are offered daily at 10.30 and 14.30. In July and August there are extra tours, at 12.30 and 16.30. From 21st October to 31st March tours take place on Sundays at 12.30 and 14.30.
How to get there:
By car: from Neuchatel via Rochefort - Noiraigue, or from Pontarlier via less Verrières - St. Sulpice - Travers.
By train: regional train on the Neuchatel-Buttes line (Site de la Presta stop, only a few trains stop here: you can also get off at Travers).
