Most famous monuments to see in Neuchâtel

The Hotel DuPeyrou, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, lies amidst a well-maintained French garden. The wonderful manor house in a Louis XVI style was built over the period from 1765 to 1770 for Pierre-Alexandre DuPeyrou by a Bernese architect who had been trained in Paris. Together with its annexes, the hotel forms a typically baroque estate, ringed by gardens with a symmetrical design.

In the 18th century, the estate’s gardens stretched all the way down to Lake Neuchâtel, which at that time flowed around the area of Seevorstadt. The building beyond the street that has undergone significant renovations is the former greenhouse, from which the shore of Lake Neuchâtel could once be reached. This is where DuPeyrou had the first of the lake promenade’s trees planted.

The Château is one of the high points of a visit to Neuchâtel (which, by the way, means "new castle", from the Latin "novum castellum"). By following the circular path at the base of the outer walls, you get a general idea of the different parts of the building erected around a large courtyard and a smaller one, to the south. It can be accessed from Rue de la Collégiale or the cloisters.

The construction of the Church began at the end of the 12th century and was completed in 1276. Facing the gates of the Château, the three apses are striking by the beauty of their Roman design. Only the south clock tower is ancient, the spire and the north tower being built in 1869.

On a hill overlooking the town and lake, the must-see historical monument of Neuchâtel.

Dating from the late 10th century, this majestic turreted structure is the perfect icon for the city. Now the seat of the Canton's government, the interior of the Castle is open to visitors from April to September. But from its ramparts, visitors can always admire the stunning view of the city's rooftops, the lake and the Alps.

Good to know

• Access by public transport: bus n° 101 (stop Saint-Nicolas)
• 01.04 - 30.05: guided tours on weekends and bank holidays at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• 01.06 - 30.09: guided tours from Tuesday to Sunday at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Languages: English, French and German
• The visit of the Prison tower is included in the guided tour of the castle at 5 p.m.
• Private guided tour possible all year round

Prices

• Single price
  Entrance (from 16 years old): CHF 5.-
• Guided tour (min. 10 persons)
  Up to 20 persons per guide: CHF 70.-

Viticulture – a historical perspective. Changing exhibitions. The museum is situated in the beautiful Boudry Castle, centrepiece of the Neuenburg vineyards. Oenology library. Opportunities to sample wines and regional products.