Switzerland is of course famous for its fairy-tale winter landscapes. The mountains of Neuchâtel are famous for their cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fondue. But have you ever visited Neuchâtel in autumn?The flamboyant colours of the trees and our deep blue lake are just like those of Blausee! If you're staying in La Chaux-de-Fonds this autumn, for example, here are five ideas for making the most of the season.

The Neuchâtel grape harvest festival

 

In 2022, the 95th edition of the grape harvest festival took place. With its three hundred stalls, flower corsos, music (a little), wine (a lot), confetti (to the point of choking) and a sublime pyromelodic show, this celebration attracts visitors from all over the canton and further afield! Don't miss the next edition and book your stay in La Chaux-de-Fonds now.

The Neuchâtel torrée

 

This local tradition invites participants to gather around a large fire to cook the famous Neuchâtel sausage and potatoes under the ashes.The sausage is wrapped in cabbage leaves, then covered with butcher's fat paper and newspaper (two double sheets). The whole thing is immersed in water and tied with string before being buried under the hot coals.Fir branches are then thrown on top to give the sausage its typical woody taste. It is left to braise for 50 to 60 minutes. Then comes the moment of tasting. The potatoes are cooked under the embers in aluminium foil for 20 minutes.You can buy pre-prepared torrées at the butcher's shop in La Chaux-de-Fonds or at the Schneiter butcher's shop. Specific locations have been designed to allow you to make a flaming torrée without risking damage to the forest, such as at Mont Racine, La Robella, La Sagne etc....

The Tourbières educational trail in Les Ponts-de-Martel

 

This lovely family walk is lined with educational panels that explain in simple terms how the peat bogs were formed and how they were used by the inhabitants of the last century. Parking is free and the route is accessible with a pushchair. Take a bath in nature just a few kilometres from our hotel.

The Nature Trail in Le Locle

 

Three kilometres of forest path will take you along a small river, through the trees and on benches at the edge of the forest. This trail is pleasant in almost all seasons. It is one of the most beautiful places to admire the autumn and its red and gold colours. You can easily park at the entrance to the Combe-Girard.

Boudry Vine and Wine Museum and Tasting Room

 

The Château de Boudry dates from the 19th century and houses both a museum and the cantonal wine library. Learn more about the workings of wine, from the vine to the bottling process, and finish your visit with a tasting in the wonderful cellar (only from 20 May to 31 October).

The Neuchâtel region is full of picturesque places and unusual activities to do this autumn. Book your weekend or holiday in October at our hotel Les Endroits in La Chaux-de-Fonds.