Experience the best of Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel stretches along the north-west shore of Lake Neuchâtel, with the wooded ridges of the Jura rising behind. A hilltop castle and Romanesque collegiate church overlook the old town, whose narrow streets are decorated with painted fountains and tall yellow-stone houses. Watchmaking has been a local craft in the Jura valleys for centuries, and the city is part of the Swiss watch heartland.

The Laténium archaeology museum on the lakeshore tells of the La Tène culture, named after a nearby site. The Val-de-Travers valley to the west is the birthplace of absinthe, and the rock amphitheatre of the Creux du Van is a longer walk in the hills. Boats link the three lakes of the region, and Bern is a short train ride to the east.

Cheese fondue, the local saucisson and perch fillets from the lake are the dishes to expect, with white Chasselas wine and the pale Œil-de-Perdrix rosé from the sunny slopes above the water. The funicular up Chaumont gives views over the lake to the Alps on clear days. Summer swimming and autumn vintage walks suit the town.