Their city layout of parallel strips of houses and workshops was completely set up for the single goal of manufacturing from the end of the 18th century. Safety, health and fairness were the guiding lights. At the end of the 19th century, the vogue for Art Nouveau added discreet touches of exuberance. The smaller Le Locle seems to be the best choice of the two. Write a review. Thus, all places described as follows had free entry.
Parking is mostly free in both communities but requires a parking disc. It is not located within the core zone. I liked the fact that one was allowed to access the front yard and terrace even after closing time. Several other early Le Corbusier buildings, such as the chalet-style Villa Fallet, can be found in this uphill area.
The towns are no eye-catchers and are lacking top notch single sights. As mentioned in the beginning, these centers of Swiss watchmaking are rather interesting from an architectural and urban planning perspective. I don't regret my visit but would not have wanted to stay longer. Swiss watch making is legendary and the towns of Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds are the centers of it. It all started at the beginning of the 18th century in Le Locle. When the industry expanded shops were also set up in La Chaux-de-Fonds as more space was available and the road connections were better.
At the end of the 18th century the industry really took off when factories were set up. The towns got rich and it shows in the urban planning and buildings. The town is fairly large and the sites are spread out. Sign posting could also be a bit better. Specifically, being in Switzerland I was expecting a heritage trail. There are plenty of villas and bourgeois town houses to see. I also enjoyed the Art Deco decoriations on some buildings and the synagogue. My personal highlight, albeit technically outside of the inscribed area, was visiting the house Le Corbusier built for his mother: Maison Blance.
The house is also not part of the Le Corbusier inscription. When you enter you are a bit amazed how traditional it is with flowers decorating the wall.
