THE CANTON OF NEUCHÂTEL
Ask the average person what Switzerland is known for and you’ll get “Cheese, Chocolates & Watches” as a reply- not necessarily in that order. When it comes to watches the Canton of Neuchâtel with its two famous watchmaking towns of La Chaux-de-Fonds & Le Locle automatically come to mind. The Neuchâtel region is recognized as the cradle of the world’s watchmaking activity. The industry was handed down by farmer watchmakers who during the harsh winter months busied themselves by repairing farming tools and, as the first time pieces appeared, repairing them & ultimately making their own. Two neat places to visit to learn more are the “Musée Paysan et Artisanal” (a farming & craft museum housed in an old 17th century farm) and the International Museum of Horology of La Chaux-de-Fonds.
The Canton of Neuchâtel lies in the central Jura Mountains bordered in the north by France and in the south by the lake of Neuchâtel & the Cantons of Vaud & Bern. It was admitted to the Swiss Confederation in 1815 as the 21st canton; however, it wasn’t until the “Neuchâtel Crisis” that the King of Prussia finally renounced his claim to sovereignty in 1857. The crisis was precipitated by an unsuccessful pro-Prussian coup d’état in Neuchâtel lead by loyalist aristocrats. The canton’s capital, the City of Neuchâtel, is located on the lakeshore. It celebrated its millennium in 2011. The old town is dominated by its attractive medieval castle. We will take a closer look at the City & its lake in a future spotlight.
Neuchâtel is a rural canton offering many attractive hiking trails and panoramic views over the Jura mountains and the Alps. One of the favorite areas for hikers is the Val de Travers with its many trails, streams, and deep gorges such as the Areuse Gorge. The countryside is dotted with lovely old farmhouses which have been converted into guesthouses. Called “Métairies”, they are a great place to stop off for a nice meal and a great experience. The region is well known for a famous distilled alcoholic beverage invented by Mère Henriod & her sister in the mid-18th century. Called by many names - “Green Fairy”, “La Fée Verte”, the “Green Goddess” and of course “Absinthe” – it was for many years banned. Today it’s legal and there is an annual Festival held in its honor in the Val de Travers.
We’ll come back for another visit to the Canton of Neuchâtel in a future spotlight to introduce you to its wines, a unique regional recipe, & a couple of Neuchâtel’s native sons.
Checkout the videos & web sites by clicking on the highlighted links above.
Ask the average person what Switzerland is known for and you’ll get “Cheese, Chocolates & Watches” as a reply- not necessarily in that order. When it comes to watches the Canton of Neuchâtel with its two famous watchmaking towns of La Chaux-de-Fonds & Le Locle automatically come to mind. The Neuchâtel region is recognized as the cradle of the world’s watchmaking activity. The industry was handed down by farmer watchmakers who during the harsh winter months busied themselves by repairing farming tools and, as the first time pieces appeared, repairing them & ultimately making their own. Two neat places to visit to learn more are the “Musée Paysan et Artisanal” (a farming & craft museum housed in an old 17th century farm) and the International Museum of Horology of La Chaux-de-Fonds.
The Canton of Neuchâtel lies in the central Jura Mountains bordered in the north by France and in the south by the lake of Neuchâtel & the Cantons of Vaud & Bern. It was admitted to the Swiss Confederation in 1815 as the 21st canton; however, it wasn’t until the “Neuchâtel Crisis” that the King of Prussia finally renounced his claim to sovereignty in 1857. The crisis was precipitated by an unsuccessful pro-Prussian coup d’état in Neuchâtel lead by loyalist aristocrats. The canton’s capital, the City of Neuchâtel, is located on the lakeshore. It celebrated its millennium in 2011. The old town is dominated by its attractive medieval castle. We will take a closer look at the City & its lake in a future spotlight.
Neuchâtel is a rural canton offering many attractive hiking trails and panoramic views over the Jura mountains and the Alps. One of the favorite areas for hikers is the Val de Travers with its many trails, streams, and deep gorges such as the Areuse Gorge. The countryside is dotted with lovely old farmhouses which have been converted into guesthouses. Called “Métairies”, they are a great place to stop off for a nice meal and a great experience. The region is well known for a famous distilled alcoholic beverage invented by Mère Henriod & her sister in the mid-18th century. Called by many names - “Green Fairy”, “La Fée Verte”, the “Green Goddess” and of course “Absinthe” – it was for many years banned. Today it’s legal and there is an annual Festival held in its honor in the Val de Travers.
We’ll come back for another visit to the Canton of Neuchâtel in a future spotlight to introduce you to its wines, a unique regional recipe, & a couple of Neuchâtel’s native sons.
Checkout the videos & web sites by clicking on the highlighted links above.