Autumn 2025 is packed with ideas. A panoramic tourist train through the old town, a backstage tour of Switzerland’s oldest working theatre, and several foodie festivals less than an hour away – all the ingredients for a surprising, delicious weekend.
Neuchâtel by tourist train: 45 minutes of old town (22 September 2025)
Hop on the tourist train to roll through pedestrian streets and golden-stone facades, climb up to the Castle and Collegiate Church, then descend to the lake. The glass roof gives a true panoramic view of the city.
When: Mon 22/09/2025, departures 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30
Duration: 45 min, with stop at the Castle
Start/finish: Place du Port
Prices: Adult CHF 9 • AVS/student/child (3–16) CHF 6 • Family (2 adults + children) CHF 25
Good to know: does not run in very bad weather.
Beaulac tip: it’s a short walk from the hotel to Place du Port – ideal before a lakeside coffee.
Backstage at a living monument: Maison du Concert (4 October 2025)
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Association, enjoy a guided backstage tour of Switzerland’s oldest theatre still in operation (1769). From dressing rooms to stage, from the former cabaret to the attic, with Maxime Jeannerat (dancer & choreographer, Cie La Méthode).
When: Sat 04/10/2025 at 11:00
Where: Maison du Concert, Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville 4, Neuchâtel
More: reservation recommended (via organiser’s booking link).
Pacing idea: follow with lunch in town, then a slow stroll along the quays.
Taste of the land: Festival Terroir Suisse, Courtemelon (27–28 September 2025)
In Courtemelon (Jura), more than 1,000 products from across Switzerland compete for bronze, silver or gold. Alongside, a large market gathers 150 producers.
When: Sat 27/09 (11:00–18:00) & Sun 28/09 (09:00–17:00)
Mobility bonus: free shuttle bus from Delémont station.
Expect tastings, chats with artisans and – inevitably – a full shopping bag.
Handcrafted at Biel’s Ring: handmade only (27/09, 18/10, 29/11, 13/12)
On Biel’s oldest square, the artisan market brings together makers and crafts: textiles, jewellery, sculpture, traditional crafts. A chance to buy local and one-of-a-kind.
When (8:00–14:00): Sat 27/09, 18/10, 29/11, 13/12/2025
Setting: narrow lanes, historic facades, cafés nearby for a break.
Tip: arrive at opening to chat with stallholders.
A seasonal cheese and its festival: Vacherin Mont-d’Or, Les Charbonnières (27 September 2025)
In the Vallée de Joux, the Vacherin Mont-d’Or Festival officially launches the season of this AOP soft cheese matured in spruce-wood boxes. On the programme: désalpe (cattle down from the alpine pastures), terroir market (60+ producers), alphorns, tug-of-war, and the first Vacherin tasting.
When: Sat 27/09/2025, 09:00–18:00
Logistics: free shuttles (8:00–19:00) L’Abbaye – Crêt-Blanc – Le Pont – Les Charbonnières
Traffic: road closed in Les Charbonnières 06:00–20:00 (detour via south shore of Lac de Joux)
Guest of honour: AOP walnut oil from the Moulin de Sévery (around eight centuries of history)
Highlights: 9:30–12:00 désalpe • 11:30 tug-of-war • 12:00 official ceremony • 17:00 Écho du Joran concert
How to enjoy it: Vacherin is in season Sept–Apr, delicious cold… or oven-baked.
Build your weekend from Hotel Beaulac
From the port (right next door): tourist train on 22/09, cruise on Lake Neuchâtel, or an easy walk along the quays.
By train: Erlach, Biel/Bienne, Ligerz/Gléresse are straightforward to reach.
By car: head to Courtemelon or the Vallée de Joux for a terroir-rich day.
Evening means calm by the water: dinner at the Lake Side Restaurant, a cocktail at the Waves Rooftop, or a room with a view to round things off.
Book: beaulac.ch • +41 32 723 11 11
