A tour round the most beautiful villages

The River Aar is navigable between Biel and Solothurn and is most attractive. Half-way along this stretch of river, Büren an der Aare charms its visitors who stroll along its banks and explore the historic centre of the village with its 17th and 18th century houses typical of the architecture of the Bern region at that time.

We are reminded of its former status as a commercial port by the Maison de Grain on the river bank which was a warehouse once upon a time. Büren has long profited from its fortunate position at the cross-roads of trade routes moving materials by land and river, and its toll station on the Aar. Rebuilt many times since 1275, the village’s covered wooden bridge measures 108 metres in length and today remains one of the longest bridges in Switzerland.

This little character-filled city with its compact triangular centre is included in the national list of cultural sites and has much to offer the visitor - starting with the main street and its arcades, fountains and the town hall with its Gothic façade. The many ancient buildings stand out with their different colours, overhanging eaves and decorated signs. The reformed church and “Spittel” (hospital) now converted into a museum with exhibits drawn from the town and surrounding area stand at the eastern end and are well worth a visit. As you enter the town from the west, the residence of the Bernese bailiff, built in 1620, is one of the most important masterpieces of Bernese architecture. Its façade is particularly striking with the elegance of its turrets and wall paintings.

A few kilometres upstream you enter the wine-producing region on the banks of Lake Biel with its gorgeous villages among the vineyards (Twann and Ligerz, for example). More than 80 vignerons tend vineyards extending over approximately 220 hectares. The views across the lake and of St Peter’s Island are magnificent, particularly in autumn.

The tour now takes us on to La Neuveville.