
If you’re traveling to Switzerland soon, be sure to add these Swiss towns to your itinerary – Le Locle, Neuchatel, Murten, Gruyères and the Montreux Riviera. They are some of the most enchanting and well-preserved medieval towns in Switzerland.
These areas are picturesque with rolling hills, mountains and forests, rivers and gorges, idyllic pastures, remote valleys. Vineyards slope gently to the edges of tranquil lakes, while local people live by the rhythm of the seasons, by their deep-rooted culture and their traditions. Small towns and villages display a typical and unique architecture. A splendid area, which sets itself apart from the rest of the Switzerland, and includes four of the twelve Swiss UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This unforgettable journey took us from the Jura Mountains, at the border with France, to the serene pastures of Gruyères, and onward to the sophisticated and Mediterranean ambience of the Swiss Riviera, on Lake Geneva. We visited the birthplace of Swiss watch making and of famous architect Le Corbusier. We hiked on scenic trails to mountaintops and amongst manicured vineyards, with spellbinding panoramas spanning from the Swiss to the French Alps. We discovered the art of cheese making, and visited small medieval towns and archaeological sites. The local gastronomy and the exceptional wines of each area are noteworthy. We savored a typical “moitié-moitié” cheese fondue, accompanied by excellent Chasselas wine and overnighted at hotels that ranged from historic and family-run lodging to luxurious boutique accommodations. This is a perfect tour, whether you are visiting Switzerland for the first time or you are returning to discover a different area of this multi-faceted country.
Sharing our itinerary with you to inspire your travels to Switzerland.
Day 1 Le Locle is a small town located in the Jura Mountains – the birthplace of the watchmaking industry, dating back in the 17th century. The watchmaking towns – Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Be sure to make a reservation at the Zenith watch manufacturer at Rue des Billodes 34, 2400 in Le Locle. You’ll learn about the various watchmaking professions and the entire watch the
manufacturing process, from designing the movement to assembling the components.
In the afternoon, take a Street art walking tour and admire the different artwork in Le Locle, that highlights the local heritage: watchmaking, lace-making and other regional specialties.
Looking for a guide in Le Locle? Contact guide Mr Wolfgang Carrier (T. 079 693 91 75)
We recommend staying at Boutique-Hotel La Fleur de Lis.
Day 2 La Chaux-de-Fonds to see watchmaking architecture at Espace de l’Urbanisme horloger – be sure to see the multimedia presentation with a film and an exhibition featuring the city’s impressive industrial heritage and unique urban design. Also, the best way to understand the unique influence of watchmaking on urban development is this bird’s-eye view from the Espacité Tower!
Visit the private residence Maison blanche by Le Corbusier Chemin de Pouillerel 12 – 2300 Built for his parents in 1912, this was Le Corbusier’s first project as a freelance architect. The house was decidedly avant-garde for its time – a work from the architect’s youth that sheds much light on his later designs. Also, this town is the birthplace of Louis Chevrolet, founder of the car company, and Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, the famous architect known worldwide as Le Corbusier. Influenced by the surrounding natural environment and by the watchmaking industry, Jeanneret became a creative pocket-watch designer and a painter, and his work reflected his love for nature. Only later in time, he began his career as an architect. On an explorative walk, under the guidance of an expert local guide, we admired the unique architecture of the town, the exquisite Art Nouveau details, Le Corbusier’s native place and some of his most famous villas and buildings. We learned alot and came to appreciate the world of watchmaking and of Le Corbusier’s vision.
Later this day, we went on a hike at Pouillerel to discover a summit close to the city center of La Chaux-de-Fonds and the typical Jura landscape with a view of the Alps with extended forests, endless dry-stone walls, serene pastures, fossils, river gorges. Ancient small towns and villages dot isolated valleys with ibex, chamois, lynx and marmots wandering its hills. It is common to hear or spot ibexes on the cliffs. Val de Travers, at our feet, and precisely the village of Couvet, is the birthplace of absinth, also known as “the green fairy”. In 1910, the legendary alcoholic spirit was banned in Switzerland, under the belief that it induced madness and it was a hazard to public health. In 2005 the ban was lifted, the legal production has successfully resumed, and we enjoyed a tasting of this controversial drink.
After, we transferred to the beautiful lively town of Neuchatel on the shores of the largest lake in Switzerland with a university and a variety of year-around activities, such as theatre, concerts, and museums. Don’t Miss! this self-guided walk through town.
Recommend staying at Hotel Beaulac located at Esplanade Léopold-Robert 1, 2000 Neuchâtel – with an exceptional lakeside location and harmoniously combines an urban atmosphere with a haven of peace.
Day 3 Murten/Morat – We arrived by train and went directly to a tasting of the Nidelkuchen. This pastry is famous for the region. Recommend visiting Aebersold Bakery at Hauptgasse 40. Our guide Barbara met us and took us on a City Tour in Murten/Morat where, in 1476, a great battle ensued between Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and a Swiss Confederate army. The result was a crushing defeat for the Burgundians at the hands of the Swiss.
If time allows, suggest taking a walk to the archaeological site of Aventicum (today’s Avenches). Founded in 15 B.C.E., it was the capital of Roman Helvetia, with a population of close to 20,000 people, and its territory included most of the Swiss plateau. Today, it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland. The magic of Avenches lies in the Roman sites immersed in the countryside, with no fences or entrance fees, free for everyone to visit, surrounded by tranquility. You can walk along part of the wall that enclosed the Roman city, of which 3.5 miles still exist, and enter from the Porte de l’Est (eastern door). Visit the thermal baths, the theatre for 9.000 spectators, the remains of a temple, and the amphitheater with 16,000 seats.
Later we went to a wine tasting in cave Couronne at our hotel.
Recommend staying at Hotel Murtenhof & Krone located at Rathausgasse 1-3 in Murten.
Day 4 Gruyères – we took the train from Murten to the fortified town of Gruyères, strategically positioned on a hill and visible from afar. Don’t Miss! the famous meringues with “crème double” (very thick, delicious cream) of Gruyères.
To walk off this cream, take a hike on the Agriculture trail from Charmey – La Valsainte: From Charmey, there’s a beautiful walk along the Blancs Ruz hedges, crossing the Javroz by the wooden footbridge. There are green pastures, verdant hills, high mountains and farm houses as we hike along this trail. With breath-taking panoramas, silence, interrupted only by cowbells, and tranquility awaited us. Look for the art of “tavillonage”, the skill of covering the roofs of farms and barns with wooden tiles, an art that dates back to the 13th century. The charterhouse, in the heart of the valleys of the Javroz and the Jogne, was founded in 1295 by Girard I, lord of Corbières. Carthusian monks have lived in the La Valsainte monastery and in the Part Dieu monastery in the region of Bulle for over 700 years. The trail starts on a road then on a hiking trail from La Charrière. Please note that La Valsainte is closed to the public. You can walk around the monastery, but not go inside.
Remember to bring a picnic basket – highly recommend Boulangerie Audergon in Charmey
Book dinner at the Chalet de Gruyères, order the “moitié-moitié” cheese fondue at this typical restaurant, overlooking the ancient ramparts.
We recommend staying at Hôtel de Gruyères Ruelle des Chevaliers 1
Good to note! Fribourg, the cradle of fondue: In November and December 2024, anyone staying at least two nights in a member hotel of the Association fribourgeoise des hôteliers will be offered a GastroFribourg voucher for a fondue moitié-moitié, worth CHF 25, at check-in. The fondue can be enjoyed during the stay in one of the partner restaurants.
Day 5 Gruyères – Vevey – don’t leave until you visit the Gruyères Castle set amidst a magnificent landscape, Gruyères Castle takes you on journey through eight centuries of history and legends.
And be sure to visit of the cheese dairy La Maison du Gruyère a village cheese dairy providing the
opportunity of viewing the hand-made production of the cheese “Le Gruyère AOP” and much more…
No matter where one hikes or visits, Gruyère and Vaucherin cheese. They are also the key ingredients for a true Cheese Fondue. From May until early September, farmers produce both cheeses in the higher pastures, where cows graze freely and eat fresh grass and wildflowers grow abundant.
Visit of the Swiss chocolate factory Maison Cailler in Broc and plunge into the world of an authentic
chocolate factory where you can learn the story, process of manufacturing and enjoy a tasting!
We took the train to Vevey and checked in for a few nights to explore the Montreux Riviera.
Recommend staying at Hotel du Lac Vevey!
Day 6 Vevey is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, and considered one of the “pearls” of the Swiss Riviera. Vevey came into fame during the Belle Époque. It is a lively town, with a beautiful lakeshore promenade lined with flowers and palm trees. Charlie Chaplin chose it as his residence for the last twenty-five years of his life. It is home to the famous Fête des Vignerons, a festival unique in the world. Recognized by UNESCO on its list of intangible cultural heritage, the Fête des Vignerons takes place once every twenty to twenty-five years, and it is a hymn and tribute to the hard work of the vineyard workers of the region.
In Chexbres, learn about the local heritage regarding these unique vineyards and the Lavaux UNESCO site. Visit Vinorama for a discovery of wine making and a degustation.
Recommend lunch at Auberge de Rivaz!
The Lavaux vineyards are an extraordinary landscape rolling steeply to the shores of Lake Geneva. Monks began cultivating the vineyards in this region in the 11th century. Today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage site. In fact, they are a cultural landscape representing evolution and development, which took place, over a thousand years span, thanks to a balanced interaction between the local inhabitants and their environment. They consist in 400 km/249 miles of stone walls, ten thousand terraces spread over forty levels, and they encompass fourteen enchanting villages. They are one of the largest areas cultivated with vineyards in Switzerland, and one of the most impressive in the world.
Walk or bike a trail through the vineyards and from one charming village to the next. Every door and window bear the name of a wine producer. Chasselas is the predominant grape. However, the area yields some extraordinary Pinot Noirs and blends, as well.
Day 7 Montreux Riviera
Montreux…visit the Old Town & St Vincent’s Church walk. The Old Town is located above the busy city of Montreux. Old winegrowers’ houses line the streets and among these old buildings is the Maison Visinand, today a cultural center. Another place worth visiting is St Vincent’s Church, built in the 15th century and dedicated to the patron saint of winegrowers. From there, you have a beautiful view on the lake.
A popular destination during the Belle Époque, just like Vevey, Montreux enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Today it is famous for its jazz festival, which takes place in July. Take a promenade along the lakeshore fringed by hotels standing in testimony of a past era before returning to Vevey. Click here to read more about this area.
Day 8 Rochers de Naye High above the Swiss Riviera is a hiker’s paradise, on the watershed between the Rhone and the Rhine, with trails for all tastes and fitness levels. Regardless of which route you choose, you can reach the top of Rochers de Naye, a sublime vantage point for extraordinary views spanning from the Jura Mountains and the Gruyères, to Lake Geneva and the Swiss and French Alps. You gain elevation by cogwheel train, before starting the hike. Then continue through the forest and a more barren landscape and reach the top. Following a panoramic ridge, you arrive to a more secluded spot and can see Le Moléson, in the distance, and the Gruyères region. On one side Lac de l’Hongrin, on the other, the great expanse of Lake Geneva in all its glory. From an altitude of 6,700 ft., if the day is clear, you can admire the icy giants of the Bernese Oberland, Valais and the Alps of Savoy with Mont Blanc.
Every time we visit Switzerland, we learn there’s more to discover and many more towns and trails to explore. Already planning our next trip and mapping out more Swiss villages and hikes!
Global Adventuress thanks My Switzerland Tourism for hosting us on this trip.