Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Southwest of Basel, the gentle green slopes and dense dark forests of the Jura Mountains spill picturesquely along Switzerland's border with France. It is amidst this natural masterpiece that Neuchâtel, the largest town in the vicinity, stands out. Neuchâtel is a town in western Switzerland, the main administrative center of the canton of Neuchâtel, situated on the northern shore of the beautiful Lake Neuchâtel.

The first records of Neuchâtel date back to around 1011, when a settlement existed there at that time - in that year a castle was built on these present-day lands. Neuchâtel was a small university town, which Alexandre Dumas described as "a toy town carved out of butter". The reason for this comparison is the appearance of the town - old craftsman houses of yellow limestone, streets without cars, picturesque squares decorated with magnificent fountains. The French influence is clearly evident in Neuchâtel, both in the architecture and the cuisine.

Neuchâtel has long been an important center of watchmaking and fine mechanics. In addition, the Huguenots, who fled France in the 16th century, made it a town famous for its textile industry.

The old town is extremely accessible and easy to explore on foot, although there are streets that scare with their steepness. The challenge for the keen sightseer is the eight hiking trails, which are very well marked and signposted.

In Neuchâtel, the two main symbols of the city towering above it - the Renaissance castle and the predominantly Gothic church of Eglise Collegiale - are a must. Descending down the hill from the church square, the medieval Prison Tower makes an impression.

As Neuchâtel is surrounded by vineyards, it is understandable that there are well-developed wine cellars in the area. That's why from Monday to Friday, the wines produced in the region can be tasted in the wine cellars of Neuchâtel, located near the elegant 19th-century French-style residence of the Otel Dupeiroux. You shouldn't be a tourist and not visit the ornate floral Fountain of the Gryphon, the Place des Chalets, where the morning farmers' market is located, and the Museum of Art and History.