Moulins souterrains du Col-des-Roches

About the museum

The history of the mills begins in 1652: three millers received permission to install two sets of wheelwork for a mill and a stamping mill at a natural waterfall in the rock cave. In 1660 Jonas Sandoz took over the concession and expanded the facility to five water wheels for mills, a sawmill, a stamping mill and an oil press. In the 18th century operations declined because of flour imports; from 1844 Jean-Georges Eberlé modernised the facility and replaced the water wheels with turbines.

In 1884 the municipality bought the mills, and until 1898 the site was used as a border slaughterhouse. This period lasted until 1966 and severely burdened the environment. From 1973, volunteers began to clean the cave and rebuild the installations; the mills were opened to visitors. In 2001 a permanent exhibition opened, telling the history of the mills and of the region.

In 2007 a water circuit was created that allows the machines to be demonstrated, and in 2018 the courtyard and the old sawmill were renovated. The tour of about one hour shows how the millers turned a natural cavity into a commercial operation and under what conditions they worked there.

Highlights

• Underground mills in a natural rock cave
• Interactive tour of about one hour
• Water circuit for demonstrating the machines (since 2007)
• Permanent exhibition on the history of the mills and of the region
• Children's birthday parties with a cave adventure

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung zur Geschichte der Mühlen und der Region – Exhibition on the history of the underground mills and of the region, opened in 2001.
• Besichtigung der Grotte und der Mühlen – Tour through the natural cave with the historic mill installations, water wheels and machines.

Admission & discounts

Admission to the cave and exhibition includes the audio guide (French, German, Italian, English). Reduced or free admission with the Swiss Museum Pass, Neuchâtel Tourist Card and Raiffeisen MemberPlus, among others.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: not available
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

In the cave the temperature is about 7 °C and humidity is often high; warm clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Dogs are not permitted in the cave, museum and courtyard, not even in a bag.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Interactive tours for school classes and children's birthday parties (ages 6–7 with a small suitcase, ages 8–10 with a backpack and puzzles; Wednesdays and Saturdays 2–4 pm, with cake; registration two weeks in advance).

Getting there & parking

By car, follow the brown signs "Col-des-Roches" (from Geneva/Lausanne via the A1/A5 towards Neuchâtel – La Chaux-de-Fonds – Le Locle; from Bern/Zurich via Neuchâtel; from Basel via Delémont and La Chaux-de-Fonds). On foot from the centre of Le Locle about 1.8 km via Rue du Temple and Rue de France.

Amenities & dining

Eating and drinking are not permitted inside.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit