In Neuchâtel, spring often announces itself along the water first. The air softens, the lakeside paths come back to life, and getting back on the bike feels less like a goal and more like a natural habit. Not about chasing performance — more about moving through landscapes, feeling distance again, and ending the day pleasantly tired.
If you’re looking for a calm, central base that makes it easy to head out early or roll back late without overthinking logistics, Hôtel Beaulac sits naturally in that rhythm. Right by the lake, close to the old town, and well placed for days built around riding.
A lakeside classic: riding around Lake Neuchâtel
Some routes work simply because they are clear and intuitive. The Tour of Lake Neuchâtel is one of them — a large loop that keeps the lake as a constant reference point. At roughly 107 km, with a mostly gentle profile, it suits riders who want distance without technical stress, whether on a road bike or an e-bike.
Rather than treating it as a performance challenge, it’s more rewarding to see it as a long day out. Vineyards line the northern shore, quieter natural areas appear further along, and small towns offer easy opportunities to pause. It’s the kind of ride that works best when you allow time for breaks — not because you have to, but because you want to.
Climbing for perspective: Chaumont, forest trails and open views
One of Neuchâtel’s quiet advantages is how quickly the terrain changes. In a short distance, the scenery shifts from lakeside to forest to Jura ridge. The climb towards Chaumont starts among trees, builds steadily, and eventually opens onto wide views that almost force you to slow down.
For a sporty VTT or gravel option, Chaumont Bike offers around 25 km of varied terrain, mixing effort, natural surfaces and rewarding scenery. The balance feels right: enough climbing to make it engaging, enough flow on the descent to keep it playful.
If you prefer structured route data, the SuisseMobile version provides a clear overview of the profile and trail composition — useful if you want to adapt the outing to your energy or the day’s conditions. Chaumont Bike (SuisseMobile)
A fuller Jura experience: Neuchâtel Bike as a point-to-point ride
If you’re in the mood for a ride that feels like a journey rather than a loop, Neuchâtel Bike is a strong spring option. The stage from Neuchâtel to La Chaux-de-Fonds is listed at around 49 km, with substantial elevation gain — a route better suited to a day with stable weather and a bit of energy in reserve.
What makes it special is the sense of transition. You leave the lakeshore behind, climb into the Jura landscape, ride through open pastures, and eventually arrive in a town with a distinct character of its own. It’s less about ticking off kilometres and more about the feeling of moving through changing environments.
The route description on Suisse Tourism gives a solid overview of this stage:
Neuchâtel Bike – Neuchâtel to La Chaux-de-Fonds
For a broader look at the full itinerary and additional stages, the SuisseMobile overview helps tailor the experience to the length and intensity you want.
Neuchâtel Bike (SuisseMobile)
Planning without overplanning: routes, infrastructure and bike hire
In spring, the difference between a great ride and a frustrating one often comes down to small details — wind along the lake, temperature shifts between lowland and Jura, or trail conditions after rain. That’s where official route platforms are useful: not as rigid plans, but as a reality check before heading out.
A good starting point is the overview of cycling routes around Neuchâtel on Switzerland Tourism:
All cycling routes – Neuchâtel
If you’re curious about the broader cycling network and local infrastructure, the canton’s mobility pages offer insight into how routes are developed and maintained — helpful if you combine leisure riding with everyday cycling.
And if you’re travelling without your own bike or just want a relaxed lakeside spin, Neuchâtelroule provides an easy way to rent bikes for short rides around the city.
Closing note
Spring in Neuchâtel feels made for cycling. The lake sets a calm rhythm, the Jura adds contrast and challenge, and there’s always a route that fits the mood of the day — from a long lakeside loop to a steady climb towards Chaumont or a full stage into the Jura.
Having a base that lets you ride freely — early starts, late returns, plans shaped by the weather — makes a difference. For that kind of stay, Hôtel Beaulac sits comfortably at the centre of the experience.
