News 
Jaeger-LeCoultre is delighted to unveil Le Chalet, a beautifully restored traditional farm building nestled in the heart of the Vallée de Joux. More than a restoration project, Le Chalet represents an enchanted escape into the serenity of the valley where watchmakers have worked in harmony with Nature for nearly two centuries. Drawing inspiration from the elements of their surroundings, they have shaped their craft in this unique landscape, fostering a deep connection between the Maison’s heritage and the region’s traditions.
This restoration, undertaken in partnership with the commune of Le Chenit – which includes Le Sentier, the home of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre – goes beyond preserving a historic building. Le Chalet offers an extraordinary experience: a secluded retreat surrounded by pristine forests and untouched meadows, where visitors can step into the timeless harmony of this place. Here, amidst the tranquillity of Nature, tradition and craftsmanship exist in perfect symbiosis, creating an environment that feels both authentic and utterly out of the ordinary.
Located at an altitude of 1,360 metres on the western side of Mont Tendre, Le Chalet is a restored 19th-century chalet d’alpage. Now owned by the commune of Le Chenit, it was once the property of a farmer from the valley who would move his cattle up to the high meadows (alpages in French) during summer. This magical location, known as “Les Chaumilles” – a diminutive of the local dialect word chaux or small grazing area – overlooks Le Sentier and the Joux lake.
Typical of all such buildings in the Jura, Le Chalet originally comprised a stable, barn and cheese production area. Embracing its heritage, with much of the original wood carefully cleaned and restored, as well as complemented by additional planks, the main open-plan barn will be used as a space for dining and entertaining, overlooked by a cosy mezzanine lounge area. The simple yet sophisticated décor places full value on the beauty of the space. At its heart is the thuyé – the traditional pyramid-shaped chimney above the heated cauldron where fresh milk was curdled into cheese – its ancient wood beautifully preserved and restored. The chalet’s old milk room – once used for drying freshly-made cheese – has become a kitchen where a chef will prepare special menus for guests, focusing on traditional recipes and seasonal ingredients from the valley – especially cheese such as the local Vacherin.
Time spent at Le Chalet is a one-of-a-kind adventure that blends rustic simplicity with deep sophistication – a treasured opportunity to step away from daily life and connect with the soul of the Vallée de Joux, its culture, history and people. Guests will experience the authentic world of the valley where, in the mid-16th century, Pierre LeCoultre took refuge after fleeing from France and, 10 generations later, his descendant Antoine LeCoultre founded the watchmaking atelier that grew to become the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. Set in the wilderness, yet less than ten minutes’ drive from the Manufacture in Le Sentier, the surroundings are profoundly peaceful – the silence broken only by the sound of cowbells, the sighing of the breeze in the pine trees and sometimes, by the greetings of deer herds. The opportunity to experience Le Chalet will be reserved exclusively for visitors invited by the Manufacture.
August 14, 2025