La Neuveville
Intro
Founded in 1312, La Neuveville, the mediaeval town par excellence, enjoys a perfect setting on the shores of Lake Biel. The numerous towers, including the famous Tour Rouge, surround the old town and bear witness to La Neuveville's rich historical past.
Description
As the gateway to the Bernese Jura, between Neuchâtel in the west and Biel in the east, La Neuveville with its 4,000 inhabitants has a great deal to be proud of. The town perfectly combines relaxation, culture, gastronomy, and active leisure offerings.
Lake Biel’s lake shore offers many opportunities for water-based activities. Those looking to walk or swim will enjoy the shoreline around St-Joux with its various picnic areas, while those looking to be more active can hire pedal boats, canoes, or kayaks. La Neuveville is also the starting point for a wonderful boat trip to Ile St-Pierre, where renowned writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau once stayed.
With the Tour Rouge (or clock tower) to the north, the Tour de Rive, the southern gateway, and the famous Tour Carrée, which was intended as the site of a basilica, a project that never came to fruition due to the Reformation, La Neuveville stands out for its mediaeval past and charming character, still evident in the city’s cobblestone streets.
Visitors to La Neuveville also have the opportunity to linger on sunny terraces, where they can taste the best wines in town. With its numerous vineyards, La Neuveville is home to no less than 10 winegrowers, who produce different types of white, red and rosé wines (including the famous Œil-de-perdrix).
Last but not least, La Neuveville is the ideal starting point for some great hikes. Whether it's discovering the Balade de la Sorcière and the refreshing Cascade du Pilouvi, admiring the panorama of Lake Biel along the Chemin des Vignes or climbing the Chasseral, the highest peak in the region at 1,606 metres above sea level – everyone will find something to suit their taste.
Guided tours in La Neuveville
A host of guided tours and events allow guests to immerse themselves in La Neuveville’s mediaeval history. Discover how the city has developed over the centuries and how the Ile St-Pierre was created thanks to the Jura water correction project.
