Down through the Areuse Gorge 🇨🇭

By train 🚂, we traveled via Neuchâtel to the Noiraigue station. Alternatively, you can get off one station earlier at the Champ-du-Moulin station, shortening the hike by about half. But then you’ll miss one of the highlights, the stone bridge, which takes you over the Areuse… 

If arriving by car, you can park at the train station or in the village of Noiraigue. 

Always follow the hiking path towards Boudry. After about 2 hours of walking, you will slowly reach the end of the gorge. Along the way, there are many beautiful rest spots, including a restaurant (Hôtel de la Truite) approximately halfway and a lovely snack bar (Rive Gauche), which may not always be open. Towards the end of the gorge, there’s even a fountain with wonderfully cold drinking water. 

From there, you can either walk to the Boudry or Bôle train station, both about 30 minutes away on foot. However, I recommend Bôle, as you’ll have a fantastic view of Lake Neuchâtel on the way. From Bôle, you can head back up to Noiraigue if you parked there, or go directly on to Neuchâtel. 

THE ideal hiking trip on a hot day. Good footwear is recommended. 

🌟: Stone bridge, gorge

⏰: Walking time approximately 2.5 hours (Noiraigue - Bôle), about 11km (downhill)

💸: Hiking is free 😄

🧩: Neuchâtel; Chappelle d’Ermitage, Botanical Garden, Dürrenmatt Museum, Old Town, Lakeside Promenade, boat trips