 Tips for the wide-awake traveller: where to get the best value-for-money and novel ideas to discover Neuchatel without, necessarily, breaking the bank.
|
Les Bains des Dames |
|
|
 This building, rich in lush Oriental shapes, was recently renovated (July 2006). A jewel of heritage, it was created at the end of the 19th century to offer a haven of intimacy to bathers, and has now been turned into a public bath. The bathing area is not actually connected to the very close mouth of the Seyon anymore, but the place has its own appeal. The terrace extends partially over the pool, bordered by tomato plants, and is in competition with the very retro interior, straight out of the '50s. They serve grills, salads, steak tartares and fondues. The place is trendy, a little odd, full of charm and very welcoming. It's strongly recommended that you call to make reservations.
Les Bains des Dames, Quai Louis-Perrier 1 (locate), 2000 Neuchâtel, Tél + 41 (0)32 721 26 55, open 7/7, 08h-01h. Fr&Sa: 08h-02h. Terrace on lake. Coffee-sun cream. Apero-tapas-cocktail. Brunch during week-end.
Photo: CCA |
|
Alpes et Lac |
|
|
 Its name characterizes this restaurant's splendid view of the Alps, lake and Neuchâtel City. Bordering a 19th century building, it's certainly one of French-speaking Switzerland's most beautiful outdoor cafes. Young chef, Sylvain Paratte, is an old emulator of Georges Wenger and shares his talent. Savour the menu's regional delicacies in this magical place. The service is welcoming and attentive, making your experience even more enjoyable. This exceptional establishment is a real favourite.
Alpes et Lac, Place de la Gare 2 (locate), 2001 Neuchâtel. Tel + 41 (0)32 723 19 19. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Possible to have lunch between 11h45 and 17h in winter and spring. www.alpesetlac.ch
Photo: CCA |
|
L'Orient Express: long-distance aperitifs |
|
|
 A bar lounge (yet another!), named after a mythical train in the Neuchâtel station. A complete cocktail menu, a selection of vintages by the glass, and comfortable armchairs on an improvised terrace. Here's an ideal place to wait for a loved one, drink a small tonic before your trip, watch passer-bys, or enjoy an aperitif with friends. Interesting programs during the weekends.
L'Orient Express, Place de la Gare 1, 2000 Neuchâtel, Tél + 41(0)32 724 94 66, www.oex.ch.
Photo: CCA
|
|
Le Bistrot du Concert: art and pleasure |
|
|
 A trendy terrace during the summer and retro charm all year. The old bar « L'Escale », is now «Le Bistrot du Concert », and has had a complete make-over. A bar, a black-and-white-tiled terrace, wooden chairs, and delicacies created by Valérie Vaucher, who previously worked at Le Boccalino in Saint-Blaise. A set lunch menu for 16.50 francs, and tapas in the afternoon. Their dishes change frequently, mixing Mediterranean flavours with brasserie-cafe favourites. This beautiful establishment also pays the rent for La Maison du Concert, which showcases independent Neuchâtel theatre behind Le Bistrot.
Bistrot du Concert, Rue de l'Hôtel de ville 4 (localiser), 2001 Neuchâtel, Tél + 41 (0)32 724 62 16, Open 7 days, kitchen closed Sunday.
Photo: CCA
|
|
Le Silex |
|
|
 Cap on the lake! An old pump room, built in 1991 in order to complete the infrastructure of the Laténium Museum, was extended shortly after the year 2000 and has grown in beauty. The all-wooden «Le Silex» opens out onto a terrace spangled with larch trees along the water, blending together sky and lake. The glass-adorned dining hall is the perfect place to lounge about on rain days. And as can be expected, the perch meunière filets and the Neuchâtel fresh-water salmon filets are favourites on the menu, which highlights fish fresh from the lake.
Le Silex, Port d'Hauterive (locate), 2068 Hauterive NE. Tel + 41 (0)32 725 03 25. Closed from October to April, sunday evening and monday. Photo: CCA |
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
|
| Results 1 - 5 of 9 |
Switzerland, french part 
Haut