Sainte-Croix Tourism

La Industrial Ballad Sainte-Croix immerses visitors in the recent past of the industrial and manufacturing town of Sainte Croix, this industrial heritage being today valued at UNESCO.Reuge, Bollex, Paillard... so many famous brands all originate from Sainte-Croix in the North Vaudois.

From the 19th century onwards, Sainte-Croix became one of the major industrial centers of the Canton of VaudTaking advantage of hydroelectric power, the proximity of forests, and above all, a highly skilled workforce, the town specialized in precision mechanics. Initially focused on watchmaking and the manufacture of music boxes, it quickly distinguished itself through the production of automata, phonographs, and later typewriters and measuring instruments. These products, exported worldwide, brought renown to Sainte-Croix far beyond the borders of Switzerland.

Inauguration of the Industrial Walk

The Genius loci industrial walk Following the old production routes, one discovers imposing factory buildings with understated facades, workers' houses clustered around the workshops, and traces of the water networks that supplied the machines. Each stage recalls the ingenuity of local artisans and engineers, capable of adapting their production to technological developments and economic upheavals.

But this walk is more than just a look back at the past. It also shows how Sainte-Croix has reinvented its industrial heritage. The former factories now house cultural spaces, museums, and innovative businesses, perpetuating the spirit of precision and creativity that characterizes the region. The industrial walk thus becomes a link between memory and present, offering visitors a meaningful understanding of the local identity.