Every summer, the Neuchâtel region takes on a different rhythm. The days stretch longer, the terraces fill up, and certain events draw visitors from across Switzerland and beyond.
One of them stands out: La Plage des Six Pompes. For a few days, La Chaux-de-Fonds turns into a vast open-air stage. People come for the performances, but what stays with them is the atmosphere.
For those looking to combine this vibrant experience with a more relaxed setting, Neuchâtel, by the lake, offers the perfect place to stay and unwind.
👉 Book your stay at Hotel Beaulac and enjoy the region at your own pace.
A unique festival in the Swiss mountains
From 3 to 8 August 2026, La Chaux-de-Fonds hosts one of Switzerland’s most distinctive cultural events. Set at nearly 1,000 metres above sea level, the city provides a striking backdrop with its grid layout and industrial heritage.
During the festival, the entire city becomes a stage. You move through it freely, stopping for a performance, then continuing on to discover something entirely different just a few streets away.
Each year, around 50 companies from across the world perform close to 200 shows.
A wide range of performances, open to everyone
What makes the festival so engaging is its variety.
Circus, theatre, dance, puppetry and hybrid performances follow one another throughout the day. There is no traditional stage, no distance between performers and audience.
You are often just a few metres away. Sometimes, you are part of it.
This creates a different kind of experience. More direct, more spontaneous, and often more memorable.
Free access and a different way of experiencing culture
A defining feature of La Plage des Six Pompes is its open-access format.
There are no tickets. At the end of each performance, the audience contributes freely — a “pay what you feel” approach.
It creates a strong connection between artists and spectators, while keeping the festival accessible to all.
A lively atmosphere throughout the city
Beyond the performances, the atmosphere is what defines the experience.
Food stands, bars and gathering spots spread across the city. From afternoon to late evening, the energy builds naturally.
It is as much about meeting people and enjoying the moment as it is about the shows themselves.
Why stay in Neuchâtel during the festival
La Chaux-de-Fonds is only around 30 minutes from Neuchâtel. Staying by the lake offers a completely different pace once the day winds down.
After the intensity of the festival, Neuchâtel brings calm, open views and a more relaxed setting.
It is an ideal balance: lively days, quieter evenings.
Hotel Beaulac: the perfect base between lake and festival
Located directly on the lakeshore, Hotel Beaulac offers exactly that contrast.
A morning by the lake.
A day at the festival.
An evening back in a calm and comfortable setting.
The location makes it easy to explore the region while enjoying a higher level of comfort throughout your stay.
👉 Book your stay at Hotel Beaulac and combine the festival with a relaxing experience by the lake.
An experience worth extending over several days
La Plage des Six Pompes is not something you fully experience in just a few hours.
Each day brings different performances, new discoveries and a changing atmosphere. Staying a little longer allows you to take it all in.
Combined with time in Neuchâtel, it becomes more than a visit — it becomes a well-rounded summer stay.
Plan your summer 2026 stay now
The festival attracts a growing number of visitors every year. Accommodation fills up quickly during this period.
Planning ahead gives you more flexibility and a smoother experience overall.
👉 Check availability at Hotel Beaulac and plan your stay around La Plage des Six Pompes.
