Ste-Croix

Ste-Croix is a village in the Vaud Jura region of Switzerland, sitting at over 1,000 metres above sea level, close to the French border. The area is historically renowned for its watchmaking heritage and the craftsmanship of music boxes and automata, a tradition showcased at the CIMA Museum (International Centre for Mechanical Art). The village also serves as a gateway to the Chasseron massif, a summit offering sweeping views over Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps on clear days. Along with the neighbouring hamlet of Les Rasses, the region is popular for hillwalking in summer and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, thanks to generally reliable snow cover. The surrounding landscape of pastures, pine forests and limestone cliffs draws visitors seeking peace and unspoilt nature. Ste-Croix retains a rural, authentic character, far removed from the bustle of larger alpine resorts, while offering a distinctive cultural heritage rooted in precision mechanics and local craftsmanship.