The best place to start this attractive hike is in the small village of Noiraigues. The upper entrance to the Gorges de l'Areuse is only a few hundred meters (yards) from here. Follow the yellow signs pointing towards Boudry. The route follows the train line and then all of a sudden the valley becomes more gorge-like. Up to the Champ du Moulin (Field Mill) it is still a narrow valley, but at the Mill, the path changes over to the other side of the gorge. It is here where the gorge becomes its true self, with high cliffs rising on either side of hikers. Then, as quickly as it began, the passage ends and the gorge opens into the expansive vineyards of Boudry.
Starting point: Train station Noiraigues.
Destination: Train station Boudry.
Take the train to Noiraigues; return from Boudry to Couvet by train, passing through Auvernier.
Walking time: 2 h 20 min
Season: March through November
Altitude difference/Condition: 300 m descent / easy
Place to eat: Noiraigue, Champ du Moulin, Boudry
Hiking map:
Hiking maps SAW Val de Travers 1:50'000 and Avenches 1:50'000