Les Moulins Souterrains du Col-des-Roches au Locle

Useful Information

Location:	2km from the center of Le Locle.
Open:	MAY-OCT daily 10-17:00, tours at 10:15, 11:30, 13:30, 14:45, 16:00. NOV-APR Tue-Fri 14-17, tours at 14:15, 15:45, Sat-Sun 14-17, tours at 14:15, 15:45, 16:15. Closed on 24-DEC, 25-DEC, 31-DEC, 01-JAN. [2005]
Fee:	Adults SFR 12.50, Children (6-18) SFR 7, Students SFR 10.50, Family (2+2) SFR 28. Groups: Adults SFR 8.50, Children (6-18) SFR 4, Students SFR 7. [2005]
Classification:	limstone cave, river cave
Light:	electric
Dimension:	T=7°C.
Guided tours:	D=50min.
Bibliography:
Address:	Ville du Locle, Secrétariat aux Musées, 2400 Le Locle, Tel: +41-32-9316262, Fax: +41-32-9318989. Fondation des Moulins souterrain du Col-des-Roches, 2400 Le Locle, Tel: +41-32-9318889, Fax: +41-32-9318915.
Last update:	$Date: 2007/08/09 07:51:18 $

History

Description

A factory in a cave! The underground mills of Col-des-Roche, are unique in Europe and a testimony to man's ingenuity and courage. On a 400 year old historical site 2km from the centre of the town, visitors can plunge into an underground world to discover an astonishing use of hydraulic energy. Formerly, the water forced its way through the mass of limestone that blocked its path. Gradually, generations of millers hewed away the rock, dug wells and aqueducts so as to build, perfect and power an impressive system of hydraulic wheels, mills, paddles and saws. The history of these men is illustrated throughout the cave and in its museum.

Text by Tony Oldham (JUN-2001). With kind permission.

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