There are two wonders of nature in the environs of Noiraigue: the natural rock arena of the Creux du Van, and the Areuse gorge. The village is located in the eastern part of the Val-de-Travers valley. Noiraigue means "black water". Its name can be attributed to the peaty soil in the Vallée des Ponts, in the catchment area of the karst spring: this often gives a dark tint to the waters of the Noiraigue river. The rail station is the departure point for this hike to the Swiss version of the Grand Canyon. Beads of perspiration will appear as you climb up to Les Oeillons, right at the start. But the path becomes even steeper as it zig-zags its seemingly endless way to the Creux du Van. By the time you arrive, you will have been hiking for well over two hours.

Nevertheless, the effort is certainly worthwhile: the Creux du Van amphitheatre, created by nature, is a spectacular sight. The rock walls plunging vertically downwards amid the gentle Jura landscape make a memorable picture. Cliffs that sometimes rise to heights of 160 meters enclose a valley basin that is four kilometers long and over one kilometer wide. The largest nature conservation area in the canton of Neuchâtel is home to many species including lynxes, ibex, chamois and hares. You will find a series of viewing pulpits along the ridge and the drystone wall. From Le Soliat (1,400 meters above sea level), for instance, you can gaze at the Alps in the distance as well as Lake Neuchâtel.

You walk downhill across a Jura meadow to reach the Métairie de la Baronne, a mountain hostelry. After branching off, you will leave the hordes of tourists behind you: follow a beautiful forest path, cross more Jura meadows and walk along an avenue of trees until you reach the highway with its heavy traffic. Hike along this road for about half an hour until the path branches off to the right. Then you cross more enchanting meadows and lovely stretches of forest until you reach Les Rochats restaurant a little later.