Temple

The Protestant Church (Temple) in Les Verrières is the Reformed parish church of a high-altitude border village in the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, right next to France. It stands at 46.90338 N, 6.46805 E. The Swiss ISOS heritage inventory describes the village as a long street dominated by a church at the frontier.

What is this church and how old is it?

The parish of Les Verrières dates back to around 1300 and belonged to the diocese of Besançon until the Reformation. A church dedicated to Saint Nicholas is first recorded in 1324, and it was rebuilt before 1517. After the canton turned Protestant, the building became a Reformed temple, a plain place of worship typical of French-speaking Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Archives hold files on restoration campaigns running from 1946 to 1990, so the building has been repaired more than once.

What is there to see nearby?

Les Verrières is a street village about 3 km long, stretching between 910 and 1,286 m above sea level. The church is its natural landmark. Around it you will find traditional Jura farmhouses and open pastures, and the border is close by, where a federal customs post has operated since 1850. Goods travelled along the old road to France until a railway between the two countries opened in 1860.

Why does the village matter historically?

The local economy began with farming and forestry, then expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries into lace-making, watchmaking, cheese-making, printing and absinthe distilling. The population peaked at 1,765 in 1900 and fell to 735 by 2000. In February 1871 the Franco-Swiss convention on interning General Bourbaki's army, which had fled Prussian forces across the Jura, was signed here. It remains the best-known event in the village's past.

How do you get there?

The village lies in the Val-de-Travers district, on the main road toward Pontarlier in France. Drive from Neuchâtel through the Val-de-Travers, or take the train line that runs to the border. The church stands on the village's main street, so it is easy to find. The interior is usually open during services and parish events; at other times, the exterior is worth a look on its own.

When should you visit?

At nearly 1,000 m, winters are long and snowy. Summer and early autumn suit walks across the Jura pastures. In winter the area is good for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Protestant Church the same as the Catholic chapel in Les Verrières? No. The Catholic wooden chapel was founded in 1942, while the Reformed temple is the village's historic parish church.

Is the church close to the French border? Yes. The village sits directly on the frontier, and the church stands on its main street near the crossing.

How long has a church stood in Les Verrières? A church is first mentioned in 1324, and the parish existed around 1300. The building was rebuilt before 1517.

Are services held in the church? It serves the local Reformed parish. Check the parish or municipal notices for service times.