Neuchatel is a Swiss canton (federal state)on the Lake of Neuchatel
near Bern, in the centre of
Switzerland at the foot of the Jura
Mountains.
A truly sparkling little city with its buildings of yellow sandstone that glitter in the
sun.The town still retains a medieval
aspect with its numerous statues, fountains, and old structures.The lake of
Neuchatel is surrounded by
dairy farms, valuable vineyards and picturesque settlements.
It is a forested region with pastures.
Cattle are raised, and cheese and wine are produced. Watches, mainly
manufactured at Le Locle
and La Chaux-de-Fonds,
have been an important industrial product since the 18th cent. The
population is mainly French-speaking and Protestant. Neuchatel has industries that produce watches, tobacco, paper, and chocolate;
it is home to a significant wine market. It has an
old church 12th–13th century, a castle12th–17th century, and a noted
university (founded 1838).
The city is acclaimed
academically because of its outstanding prep schools and university. It's also
said that the purest French spoken in Switzerland is spoken in Neuchatel.
At the Art and History Museum, ask if you can see the androids -- three
mechanical puppets built in 1774 that are so fascinating that they were invited
to perform in the courts of 18th and 19th century Europe. In tiny towns
clustered throughout the canton, Swiss clocks and watches are made.