Capital of the Franches-Montagnes

Saignelégier lies in the heart of the Franches-Montagnes at the intersection of Delémont – La Chaux-de-Fonds. From the capital of the Franches-Montagnes southwards, one reaches the large community of Tramelan; to the north lies Goumois sur le  Doubs, the Swiss-French border divides the community. A small railway connects the Franches-Montagnes to the valley of Delémont in the east. To the west is La Chaux-de-Fonds, an important hub of the watch making industry. Bus lines travel to Glovelier, Lajoux, Goumois and Tramelan.

In addition to the main centre, the community of Saignelégier possesses amongst its numerous hamlets a few isolated farms such as Les Cerlatez, La Theurre, and Le Chaumont. Though Saignlégier lies on a high plateau in the Franches-Montagnes the river Doubs, which flows into a deep canyon, surrounds it.

The river is the only waterway. For this reason, the oldest farmhouses were constructed with large roofs, which kept them safe from the winter cold and collected valuable rainwater for people and livestock.

However there are countless subterranean waterways, which can be seen emerging from the karstic earth onto the natural swales. Such places are nicknamed „conic“ in the local dialect, which refers to their cone-shaped form. One of these sources supplies Saignelégier with a fresh water of excellent quality.