Discovering Neuchatel

On Thursday 11 June 2015, 15 members of ZIWA's Discovering Zurich and Switzerland group visited this charming town in the French part of Switzerland. After meeting at Zurich's main station we found our reserved seats on the train to Biel. Anne-Marie, our chairlady, had taken care of all the details for us. From Biel, we took a local train to Neuchatel, a city on the shores of the lake of the same name. Lake Neuchatel is the largest lake completely within Switzerland, we learnt from our guide, Veronique, who met us at the train station. She led us up and down on a fascinating walking tour, culminating in lunch in the market square. Always a great way to end a ZIWA tour!

First we walked down steps to the newer part of the town and learnt about the 18th and 19 century architecture. Many fine buildings had been built in the local yellow sandstone, which French writer Dumas described as being carved out of butter. Maximilian de Moreau and Alexandre du Peyrou were responsible for two of the private houses with nicely laid-out gardens. We noted that the original lakeside receded due to water management in the Rhine, and a harbour was not built until 1840.

We were then able to visit inside the city hall, which was undergoing renovation. This building owes its existence to David de Purry (or Pury) who came from a wealthy family and also founded a poorhouse and hospital. We saw a fascinating model of the city as it was at the end of the 18th century. After this, we again ascended up steps and a steep road to the castle and collegiate church. The latter was built in the 12th and 13th century but were unable to see inside due to a prior booking by a bank! We saw the castle from outside and discovered it has been restored in the 15th and 16th centuries after a fire. Inside the Council Hall we noted the shields of the founding families of the city.

Neuchatel was originally owned by the French from Burgundy and later by the Orleans-Longueville family.  It then became the property of the King of Prussia after 1707.  It joined the Swiss confederation in 1815 during the time of Napoleon, but eventually the canton became independent in 1848. Nowadays it is a watch and clock research centre and is in the centre of a wine area.

After this comprehensive tour from our very knowledgeable guide, we descended to the market place and saw the Thursday market in full swing. We had a lovely lunch on the terrace of Le Marche before taking the train back to Zurich. Many of the group however decided to take a slow boat back to Biel to prolong the pleasure of another ZIWA Discovering trip on a sunny June day.