Philippe Suchard (1797 - 1884)

A pioneering entrepreneur from Neuchâtel
Born in Boudry in 1797, Philippe Suchard trained as a confectioner with his brother in Bern. After travelling to the United States in 1824, he opened a confectionery shop in Neuchâtel in 1825. A year later, he established a chocolate factory in the Serrières valley, where the river's water power was used to operate the machinery required for production.

This small factory marked the beginning of an industrial adventure that would leave a lasting impression on Neuchâtel. Over the decades, Suchard expanded far beyond Serrières and contributed significantly to the transformation of the neighbourhood, its urban development and its social life. The company name would later become internationally renowned.

But Philippe Suchard was far more than a chocolatier. A tireless entrepreneur and keen traveller, he pursued numerous projects and experiments. From 1834 onwards, he became involved in steam navigation on Lake Neuchâtel. He also took an interest in silk, asphalt from the Val-de-Travers and river navigation between Basel and Rotterdam. At the age of 76, his curiosity even led him to embark on a journey around the world.

Two centuries after the creation of his chocolate factory, Philippe Suchard's legacy can still be seen throughout the Neuchâtel region. Serrières' industrial heritage, navigation, landscapes and places connected with his life and work offer visitors the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of one of the great pioneers of his time.