The Journey through the French-speaking Switzerland starts in Biel and leads over the Canton of Jura to the clock metropolis La Chaux-de-Fonds and down to the Lake Neuchâtel. After a detour to Val de Travers it goes to town Friborg and across the Friborg and Vaud Alps into Valais. Then we get to the Lake Geneva to Lausanne and to the end point Geneva.
background
What can be said about French-speaking Switzerland is that it has never been a political or historical entity. However, French is spoken throughout French-speaking Switzerland. Some belonged to Bern, some to France, some to Savoy, Neuchâtel to Prussia and the Valais soon did its own thing. Today's French-speaking Switzerland has existed since 1815, when Neuchâtel, Geneva and the Valais also joined Switzerland in that year. The new canton of Vaud was founded as early as 1803. However, the canton of Jura was only separated from the canton of Bern in 1979. Today, French-speaking Switzerland includes the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel and Jura, as well as the French-speaking parts of the cantons of Bern, Valais and Friborg.
preparation
What is certainly important is that you pack clothes for all weather conditions. It could be that it is raining in Delémont, the sun is shining at 25 degrees Celsius in Lausanne, but it is below 10 degrees Celsius on the Moléson, and all of that within a week. It is also advisable to have an umbrella with you. A French phrasebook is also required. In French-speaking Switzerland, however, you pay with Swiss francs (CHF).
getting there
The journey begins in Biel, as Biel is very easy to reach by train and car. Travelers from southwest Germany should travel to Biel via Basel. Hourly express trains (ICN) connect Biel to the Basel SBB train station. Travelers by car take the main route 18 to Delémont and then the A16 to Biel, or the A2 to Luterbach and then the A5 to Biel (approx. 1h-1h30). Travelers from southeast Germany take the A1 across Switzerland to change to the A5 in Luterbach, or take the train from Konstanz (2h 40min) directly to Biel or change in Zurich or St.Gallen.
Here we go
1 day
The first day is the getting there dedicated. The afternoon is for a stroll through the bilingual clock metropolis Biel/ Bienne reserved. There is enough to see, to mention is the center of Biel, which was built in the Bauhaus style and for which the Biel city government made the flat roof mandatory in 1930, which was extremely modern for that time. The old town (15th-18th centuries), one of the best preserved in Switzerland, is also very beautiful, with the Zunfthaus zur Waldleuten (late 16th century), the late Gothic town church (1451-1470) and the castle tower. Or you can go hiking in the fountain - there are over 70 in all of Biel. Do you fancy a museum? The Omega Museum is interesting for every watch lover.
2 day
On the second day, it's off to Delémont in the Jura. In Biel there are trains every half hour Delémont (30min.) Motorists take the A16. Well worth seeing in Delémont is certainly that Jurassic Museum After this visit we go to the old town, which shines with two beautiful city gates and a baroque-classicist church. Then we take the train or the car and drive down to the Doubs Saint-Ursanne (30 min). Saint Ursanne is one of the highlights of this trip. The old town shines with its compactness, all three city gates have been preserved. The late Romanesque-early Gothic monastery with collegiate church and cloister as well as the old bridge over the Doubs with the Nepomuk statue are also worth a visit. You can stay in a hotel in Saint-Ursanne or you can take the trip to La Chaux-de-Fonds (by train, change in Glovelier, 1h 40 min.) And look for a hotel there. The journey from St-Ursanne to La Chaux-de-Fonds leads through the Franches-Montagnes, a very scenic region.
3rd day
Now you are in the Upper Jurassic La Chaux-de-Fonds lies at approx. 1000 meters above sea level. The city shines with a chessboard-like floor plan, atypical for Switzerland, with an architecturally very valuable development and the many Art Nouveau buildings. The houses in the city are designed in such a way that optimal sunshine conditions for watchmaking can be had for as long as possible. The city has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2009. Admittedly, the one-way streets make drivers desperate, so they prefer to leave the car behind for sightseeing. Also worth seeing is the Villa Turque, built by Le Corbusier. That is also a compulsory program International watch museum and the Grand Temple, the main church in the city. Art nouveau fans will also get their money's worth in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
For today there is also the Saut-du-Doubs on the program. This waterfall pours over 27 meters. into the depths of the Lac de Brenets. On the Lac de Brenets you can Boat tours which also lead to the Saut-du-Doubs.
4th day
Now the high Jura is left and you go to the warmer climes of Lake Neuchâtel. The next goal is Neuchâtel (Neuchâtel), which already exudes a Mediterranean touch and can be reached in 30-40 minutes by train or by car. Neuchâtel shines with its late Gothic collegiate church and the associated castle. In the old town there is also the beautiful Tour de Prisons. Place Pury, the city's main square, shouldn't be missed either. Then you can go down to the promenade. If you want a grandiose view over Neuchâtel, you should go to the Chaumont, which is through a Funicular (Funiculaire) is developed. The valley station La Coudre can be reached with the trolly bus line 7 from the train station or the Place Pury. Another museum is on the plan: That Center Dürrenmatt tells the story of the author of the same name and is a must. If you still have time, you can Wine museum in the neighboring municipality Boudry (about 15 minutes away by tram, departure point is Place Pury).
5th day
It goes up again. The next goal is that Val de Travers with the Creux du Van. With the regional train you can reach Noiraigue from Neuchâtel in about 20 minutes. Noiraigue is the starting point for a hike to the Creux du Van. The hiking time is around 4 hours and 20 minutes. The Creux-du-Van is circled once. These Website has more information. After that, whoever still likes can Asphalt mines in Travers, from Noiraigne it's only nine minutes or two stops on the regional train. Get off at La Presta Mines d'asphalte.
Extra detour
If you like, you can take a detour to the French city Pontarlier do. Travel time 50 minutes The city shines with the Porte de Pierres and the castle and has a beautiful old town. That is also worth seeing Absinthe Museum at the Armand Guy distillery. However, this detour is a separate day and is not included in the 14 days.
6th day
The 6th day begins in Grandson. This little town is picturesquely situated on Lake Neuchâtel and has a beautiful one lock, which can be visited. The current building dates from the 13th century. This also includes an automobile museum. The town hall, which was built between 1765-69, and the Romanesque-Gothic town church are particularly worth seeing in the old town.
You then reach around noon Yverdon-les-Bains. Either by bus (20 min.) Or by car. Few trains depart from Grandson Station. Yverdon has one of the few baroque churches in French-speaking Switzerland. It was built in 1775 and is located on Place Pestalozzi. That is also worth seeing lock from 1260, which can also be visited. Place Pestalozzi, the city's main square, is one of the most beautiful in Vaud. If you are into science fiction, you should Maison d'Ailleurs not to be missed. Yverdon is also great for swimming. The modern one Thermal bath stands on Av. des Bains 22 and costs CHF 19.- for 3 hours.
7th day
Halftime! This day is all about Romanesque architecture. First go to Romaimmôtier. The drive from Yverdon takes about 30 minutes. Take the train to Cossonay-Penthalaz (S1), change there to the S2, drive to Croix-Romainmôtier and take the bus to Romainmôtier Eglise (total approx. 40 minutes, approximately every hour). When you arrive in town, you think that time has stood still. The main attraction is the Abbey Church of St-Pierre et St-Paul from the 11th century. This is followed by the monastery. This complex is the most important Romanesque building in all of Switzerland. Important info: On Sat / Sun there are no buses from the Croy-Romainmötier train station to Romainmôtier, then you have to walk 30 minutes from the train station.
Then it goes to Payerne. Reachable by car via the A1 in 45 minutes or you can take the bus to Croix-Romainmôtier, take the S2 to Cossonay and the S1 to Yverdon and then take the S 30 to Payerne (1h 15min.). Payerne has a beautiful old town with typical Bernese houses. The main street is the Grand-Rue. Payerne shines with its Romanesque Abbey church from the 11th century. If you want to experience a little "action", that's it Payerneland recommended, with the longest indoor karting ban in Europe. With the Military Aviation Museum Payerne also has a very exciting museum. Those who travel by public transport have the alternative of traveling from Yverdon-les-Bains to Payerne and have a look Avenches with its beautiful amphitheater. In addition, Avenches has a very beautiful old town and a small castle. From Avenches it is not far to Friborg, there are direct trains.
8th day
Anyone who is a fan of Gothic architecture will get their money's worth today! The next destination of the trip is Friborg. A whole day is reserved for this city. The city lies in a wide bend in the river Saane and has one of the largest contiguous old towns in all of Europe. The main attraction is the Gothic one Saint Nicolas Cathedral, with its extremely beautiful tower that can also be climbed. This is highly recommended because the view over the city is terrific. The town hall of Friborg is also Gothic. Friborg also has numerous beautiful bridges, such as the Zähringerbrücke, a viaduct-like bridge with huge arches, and the Bernbrücke, a covered wooden bridge. The Poya Bridge is new, an architecturally very beautiful cable-stayed bridge. The Augustinian Church and the Mattenkaserne should not be missed either. The Magerau Abbey is a bit remote, but still in the immediate vicinity of the city directly on the Saane. If you like shopping, you can go down Avenue de la Gare, Rue de Romont or Lausanne and find everything your heart desires.
9th day
Now it's on to the Freiburg Pre-Alps. The next stage is Gruyeres (Gruyères). It can be reached by car (40 min.) Or by train to Bulle and there change to the bus to the town (around 1 hour). The town actually only consists of Marktgasse, on the left and right there are fortified houses from the 15th-17th centuries. Century. The degree represents that lock from the 13th century. This can also be visited. A little below is the parish church of St-Théodule.
Then you can click on the Moléson drive up. The mountain is 2000 meters high and you have a magnificent view. From the Gruyères train station and the town, a bus goes to the holiday village of Moléson Village and from there a cable car goes up to the mountain. For the next stage, Montreux, you have to change trains in Montbovon. The journey from Gruyeres to Montbovon and on to Montreux is a very scenic journey, from Montbovon the route is part of the Goldenpass Panoramic Line. (1h 15 min). It takes about 40 minutes by car.
10th day
Bienvenue sur le Lac Léman! One is in Montreux arrived. Above all, Montreux shines because of the promenade and the hotel palace. That is in the immediate vicinity Chillon Castle. It is the largest castle in Switzerland and was built by the Savoy in the 12th century. It can be visited. You can then access the Rochers de Naye. There is a direct train from Montreux station and you can be there in 45 minutes.
11th day
Now let's go Valais. Sion is the next goal. By train you have about 40-50 minutes, like by car. The two castle ruins, the Valère and the Tourbillon, are worth seeing. The oldest still playable organ in the world is located there. The Notre-Dame-du-Glarian cathedral is also well worth a visit. The town hall has a beautiful clock tower. The whole old town is very picturesque. There are vineyards around the city.
Then it's back to Lake Geneva to St-Gingolph or Le Bouveret. Rail travelers can take the regional train (1h 18), if you take the IR to St-Maurice VS and change to the regional train, you are slightly faster (around 1h). There you take the ship Vevey (1h) In summer there are 10 connections in spring & autumn 5 connections and in winter 3.
12th day
This day is for Vevey and the Lavaux reserved. There are several places there that are very worth seeing. Vevey shines with a beautiful promenade and a beautiful old town. Saint-Saphorin is probably the most beautiful place in Lavaux. It nestles against the hill and the lake and has an interlaced townscape. Also in Lutry you will find a beautiful old town with typical Vaudois houses. That is why these three places are highly recommended. Trains also stop in all three locations. In the evening you come in tired Lausanne at.
13th day
This day belongs Lausanne! Lausanne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. The lake district is called Ouchy, where the city meets in summer, in winter this district is almost extinct. The oldest Gothic cathedral in Switzerland from the 12th century, the castle of Lausanne, where the Vaudois government is located, the town hall with the Place de la Palud, the Bel Air tower, the first high-rise in Switzerland and the federal court are all worth seeing. Two museums are also very worth seeing: that Olympic Museum and the Collection de l'Art-BrutIt never gets boring in Lausanne, there is also a good nightlife scene. If you like shopping, the Rue de Bourg in the old town is warmly recommended, and if it rains, head to the Terreaux shopping center.
14th day
We'll end the trip in Geneva. Half an hour from Lausanne by train. One morning you can explore Geneva wonderfully, then you have the afternoon to leave. The program includes the Gothic cathedral, the old town, the lake promenade with its beautiful hotels, the Palais des Nations, the Jet d'eau (fountain), the Jardin Anglais and the Jardin botanique. Then it's home, it takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes to get to Basel.
security
If you observe the common security measures you are certainly in a good position. The number for the police is 117.
trips
Most people will have had enough after 14 days of traveling. If you still feel like it, you can travel from Geneva to Annecy go or even continue until after Lyon or Dijon or to the French coast of Lake Geneva.
literature
- "Lake Geneva Region" travel guide from Michael Müller Verlag - the entire Lake Geneva region occurs here, but also Yverdon and Neuchâtel.
- "French and Swiss Jura" travel guide from Oase-Verlag. Among other things, La Chaux-de-Fonds and St-Ursanne are described here.
