Anyone who goes to La Chaux-de-Fonds via the Vue des Alpes tunnels (either by car or by train) will not miss between the two tunnel sections (Les Loges and Mont Sagne) a curious rocky outcrop topped by a figure. This is the Roc Mildeu. The name of this rock is often misinterpreted as Roc Mille-Deux. The topographic name comes from an animal, namely the owl. This rock also forms the tip of the cantonal border between Bern and Neuchâtel.
Having regularly passed by this rocky outcrop, I wondered whether it was possible to access it. However, I did not want to explore the place during the opening of the motorway, because the noise there is deafening. As the tunnels were under maintenance for a good while, I thought it would be interesting to go there.
So, I left La Chaux-de-Fonds to follow the Vue des Alpes trail. Following the trail, I was first surprised by the fact that all the traffic passing through the tunnels had been diverted to the pass, so it was sometimes very complicated to cross the road, which one must do three times: once below the Reymond, once at Boinod and once under the Col de la Brûlée. Once I had reached Les Combes, I was surprised by the calm there. Only a construction vehicle passing through the tunnels disturbed the peace.
I then had to go over the gate of the Loges tunnel to follow the Grande Combe trail. Very quickly, I had to leave it to follow a trail marked on the map that goes up to the crest. Unfortunately, the passages through the fence are either non-existent or inoperative. It is only along the crest that the passages are practicable. Following the crest, one reaches the highest point, which is not the tip topped by the figure. One only reaches the figure at about 50 metres. To reach it, one would need climbing equipment.
For the return, I had gone down to Les Convers to follow a trail going up towards Mont Cornu. To get back to the town, I again passed in front of the magnificent building of the Ferme des Brandt.
Route: La Chaux-de-Fonds – Le Bois du Couvent – Le Reymond – Boinod – Col de la Brûlée – Les Convers – Roc Mildeu – Mont Cornu – Ferme des Brandt – Les Arêtes – La Chaux-de-Fonds
Distance: 14.8Km
Elevation gain: 670m
Duration: 4h30
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