The start of this section is simply peaceful. The Jura Bike route passes through the lovely area of the Franches Montagnes between Saignelégier, Tramelan and Les Breuleux. Small forests alternate with moors, and pastures are followed by solitary farms – this is the Jura, just as you would expect it.

But suddenly an eerie whirring sound fills the air. It comes from the huge wind power station on Mont Soleil, the largest in Switzerland with a total of 16 wind turbines. The sight of these fast turning rotors is fascinating and scary at the same time. Somehow they don’t fit into the lovely scenery, but they are a symbol of renewable energy and as such, they are consistent with a world of intact nature.

But the real contrast is still to come with today’s destination of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The town forms the vibrant regional centre. It has obviously seen better days during the boom years of the watch industry, and as we arrive, a tide of traffic is forcing its way through the town. But the urban flair is also a welcome change from the earlier remote and out-of-the-way places we’ve visited.