Neuchatel lies between the Jura mountains and the largest lake in Switzerland. In fact, there is a «lower» canton and an «upper» canton with almost 1,000 metres between the two and a similar difference in the mentalities! The «lower» canton takes pride in its ten centuries of history, a magnificent old town constructed around a millennial chateau, noble dwellings, wines (some with international reputations), a university and aristocratic origins. The «upper» canton is no less than the world’s cradle of watch-making. The legacy of the golden age of this industry is to be found in examples of exceptional architecture, particularly at La Chaux-de-Fonds which was the Swiss capital of the Art Nouveau movement and home to such outstanding architects as «Le Corbusier». For those interested in nature, Neuchatel has much to recommend itself: pine forests, wild gorges and waterfalls where, according to the legend, fairies speak to those who will listen.

Canton of Neuchatel: all you need to know