A tour round the most beautiful villages
In 1476 Grandson witnessed the famous battle between Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy and the Swiss Confederates. Start your exploration of the town at the castle, of course, the second largest one in Switzerland. Officially classed as a historic monument, the fortress dominates Lake Neuchâtel and contains an astonishing collection of arms, armour, cross-bows and ancient vehicles. Bolder visitors can walk round the ramparts and enter the torture chamber.
Even though hardly any of the booty seized from the Burgundians has survived, Grandson harbours many hidden treasures. Start with the town’s old centre which you can explore after climbing the Rue Haute where restoration of the heritage buildings has recently been completed after several years of extensive work. As you walk along the road the Maison des terroirs will tempt you to sample local wines and other products. The church of St John the Baptist, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, stands proudly between two fountains, one octagonal and the other with double basins. A little further away as you descend the slope towards the town hall you will take the delightful Ruelle de Montagny, reminiscent of a miniature Montmartre.
The city of Othon reveals different facets of its architectural heritage. Not counting the many festivals which take place here throughout the year including the medieval festivals and the Brandon festivals which make Brandon one of the most lively and busy villages in Switzerland.
The route continues towards Valangin following the shore of Lake Neuchâtel. The itinerary offers perfect scenery for anyone wanting to combine holidays spent enjoying nature as well as gracious living - scented meadows and vineyards as far as the eye can see.
Grandson' Castle (onesime.ch)
Visit of Grandson Castle (Guillaume Perret)
Visit of Grandson Castle (Guillaume Perret)
Castle of Grandson (Artgraphic Cavin SA)
Panorama of the vineyard, Bonvillars (Claude Jaccard)
Visite guidée du Bourg à Grandson
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Grandson, member of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland”
Above all, its old town that can be discovered walking up “Rue Haute”, whose historic heritage was successfully restored during years of extensive work. Along the way, “Maison des Terroirs” offers wine and terroir products. A jewel of Romanesque architecture, the Church of Saint John the Baptist is located between two fountains, one octagonal, and the other with a double basin. Further along, the Hotel-de-Ville can be reached on the enchanting alley of Montagny that is somehow reminiscent of Montmartre.
“Othon’s town”, as it is sometimes called, thus reveals various facets of its architectural heritage. Not to mention the countless festivals that take place throughout the year: a medieval festival and the “Brandons” (carnival) among them. All these celebrations make Grandson one of Switzerland's most lively and active villages.
In 2017, Grandson received the Award of Merit awarded by the Association “The Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland” for its enhancement of its historical heritage and the renovation work undertaken in the old town.
Visite guidée du Bourg à Grandson
Grandson' Castle (onesime.ch)
Castle Grandson (©Swiss-Fly, Boris Bron)
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Grandson Castle
Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the castle of Grandson played a central role in the Burgundy Wars and the Battle of Grandson (1476). The Duke of Burgundy Charles the Bold, defeated by the Confederates, left behind a prestigious spoils, including numerous pieces of artillery.
The Castle of Grandson - a site of national importance - is currently being renovated and will house a new museum in 2026. During this transition period, the monument remains open to the public.
Visits, animations and events are organised regularly for the whole family.
Grandson Castle (Swiss-Fly Boris Bron)
Grandson' Castle (onesime.ch)
Castle Grandson (©Swiss-Fly, Boris Bron)
Castle Grandson (©Swiss-Fly, Boris Bron)
Grandson Castle (© Fondation du Château de Grandson)
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The "Maison des Terroirs"
In the centre of Grandson, near Lake Neuchâtel, the Maison des Terroirs is located in an old refurbished building which has retained all its charm and character.
Here, visitors can get all the information they need for a perfect holiday from the local tourism professionals. With wine tourism as its focus, the centre not only offers information about places to visit but also has local products for visitors to sample, like the truffle from the north of the region. Thanks to the proximity of the Bonvillars AOC vineyard, the Maison des Terroirs has a selection of the finest local wines which it serves to its guests, with delicious cheeses or cold meats as an accompaniment. With its welcoming atmosphere, the Maison des Terroirs is also a meeting place for the local population and visitors.
Maison des terroirs (Didier Hauswirth)
Maison des terroirs (ISO Agency)
Maison des terroirs (Didier Hauswirth)
Maison des terroirs (Didier Hauswirth)
Maison des terroirs (Didier Hauswirth)
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Museum of vine and wine
Learn all about the evolution of winemaking and viticulture within the walls of a majestic castle – also home to the Canton's wine centre where you can sample Neuchâtel's finest vintages.
Vine and wine museum (Tourisme neuchâtelois)
Vine and wine museum
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Auvernier
Between hillsides and lake shores, the historic village of Auvernier invites you to stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with elegant winegrowers' houses and dotted with old fountains. The Château d'Auvernier and the many other wineries can look back on a long winemaking tradition. Also not to be missed: a swim on the magnificent beach to the south of the village and a walk along the banks towards the marina.
Auvernier (Switzerland Tourism / david&kathrin Photogtraphy and Film GmbH)
Auvernier (Switzerland Tourism / david&kathrin Photogtraphy and Film GmbH)
Auvernier (Switzerland Tourism / david&kathrin Photogtraphy and Film GmbH)
Auvernier (Switzerland Tourism / david&kathrin Photogtraphy and Film GmbH)
Auvernier, village square (Switzerland Tourism / david&kathrin Photogtraphy and Film GmbH)
Auvernier, port (Switzerland Tourism / david&kathrin Photogtraphy and Film GmbH)
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Truffle excavation and truffle cuisine course a la Sauvageraie
The day starts at 10.00 am at the Cour de Bonvillars. Rendez-vous with Frank Siffert and Annie Riter accompanied by their truffle hounds. Forest walk (lasting about 2 hours) to look for the various types of truffles which grow in the region. Lulu will excavate the truffles.
On your return to the village of Bonvillars you will prepare a meal using truffles found during the morning (more will be added if the morning’s search is not so successful).
The group and guides will join forces to prepare a meal consisting of 3 appetizers, 5 main courses, 1 cheese and 1 dessert, all featuring different truffle varieties.
The course will end at about 5.00 pm.
Truffle excavation and cuisine days can be organised on request for a group from 5 people; please contact info@truffesuisse.ch.
Dates 2022 :
- 5th November / Sold out
- 26th November / Sold out
- 3rd December / Sold out
La sauvageraie truffe
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