Absinthe, nicknamed the Green Fairy, originated in the late 18th century in the Val-de-Travers region of Switzerland. It was in this border region that the first recipes were created, and they were quickly adopted and spread.

In the 19th century, it experienced a spectacular boom. Extremely popular, it became a staple in cafés and had a profound impact on European culture. Artists, writers, and enthusiasts embraced it as a symbol of creativity and freedom.

At the beginning of the 20th century, its fortunes took a turn for the worse. Accused of all manner of excesses, absinthe was banned in Switzerland and then in France. For nearly a century, it disappeared from the public eye. But this disappearance is only apparent.

In the Val-de-Travers, production continues underground. Traditional techniques are passed down, recipes are preserved, and absinthe continues to exist on the fringes.

In the 2000s, it officially made a comeback. The lifting of bans allowed distillers to reconnect with a long-hidden tradition. Absinthe then regained its rightful place, driven by a return to authentic products and artisanal craftsmanship.

Today, between Pontarlier and Val-de-Travers, it embodies a living heritage. Distilleries, landscapes, and local culture bear witness to this unique history.

The Absinthe Route offers a chance to explore this unique evolution, blending heritage, tradition, and renewal.