Between lakes and mountains, French-speaking Switzerland tells stories that reach far beyond its borders. Behind its calm landscapes stand universal figures: Charlie Chaplin, Friedrich Dürrenmatt, the master watchmakers of Le Locle, and the pioneers of the Olympic spirit.
Each of them has left a mark on this region, shaping a cultural heritage that can still be experienced today. Following this route from Vevey to Neuchâtel reveals another side of Switzerland — creative, sensitive, and deeply human.
Vevey – In the footsteps of Charlie Chaplin
The journey begins in Vevey, a charming lakeside town where Charlie Chaplin made his home after leaving Hollywood. For 25 years, he lived with his family in a beautiful estate, now home to Chaplin’s World. This unique museum immerses visitors in the filmmaker’s universe: sets from his most famous films, personal belongings, photographs, and intimate memories.
The park surrounding the property opens onto a stunning view of the lake and the Alps. It’s a place filled with emotion — and the perfect starting point to understand the bond between Chaplin and Switzerland, a land of peace and freedom.
Lausanne – The universal spirit of the Olympic Museum
Just a 20-minute train ride from Vevey, Lausanne offers another face of Swiss culture: sport, openness, and human connection. As the seat of the International Olympic Committee, the city is also home to the inspiring Olympic Museum. Housed in a modern building overlooking the lake, it tells the story of the Olympic Games from their ancient origins to the present day.
Original objects, torches, and immersive exhibitions bring the history of the Games to life. The gardens surrounding the museum provide a peaceful break, with spectacular views of the lake. This stop shows that Swiss culture is not just rooted in its mountains — it is also about meeting the world.
Le Locle – The art of time and precision
Leaving the shores of Lake Geneva, the road winds gently into the Jura region and leads to Le Locle, the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Together with La Chaux-de-Fonds, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cradle of horological innovation.
The Musée d’Horlogerie du Locle, located in the Château des Monts, tells this fascinating story. Pocket watches, astronomical clocks and intricate mechanisms bear witness to centuries of craftsmanship. In the quiet rooms, with the steady ticking of clocks all around, it becomes clear why time itself has become an art form here.
Neuchâtel – Between Dürrenmatt and the Jaquet-Droz automata
The journey reaches its natural finale in Neuchâtel. This lakeside town has inspired and welcomed many cultural figures over the centuries. On the hills above the city stands the Centre Dürrenmatt, dedicated to the celebrated Swiss writer and playwright Friedrich Dürrenmatt. His former home has been transformed into a museum that blends literature, art and landscape in a truly special way.
Nearby, another treasure awaits: the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, famous for its collection of Jaquet-Droz automata. These 18th-century masterpieces, capable of writing, drawing and playing music, remain as captivating today as they were centuries ago. When they come to life, you can almost feel the spirit of Neuchâtel’s inventors awaken.
Back to the lake – Staying at Hôtel Beaulac
After a journey through Swiss culture, Neuchâtel is the perfect place to unwind. The Hôtel Beaulac, located right on the waterfront, offers an elegant setting to end your trip. Bright rooms open onto the lake, the Lake Side Restaurant serves refined regional cuisine, and the Waves Rooftop Bar offers a spectacular sunset view.
Thanks to its central location, the hotel is ideally positioned for walks along the lake, visits to museums and easy access to the region. It’s a place where culture and relaxation meet — the perfect conclusion to a journey following the footsteps of legends.
From Vevey to Neuchâtel, this route is more than an itinerary. It’s a journey through Switzerland’s cultural heritage, a path shaped by artists, dreamers and innovators — ending where tranquillity and inspiration come together: on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel at Hôtel Beaulac.
👉 Book your stay at beaulac.ch or call +41 32 723 11 11.
