I have just returned from a lovely day in Neuchatel. We had lunch at a very nice place in town, then had a walk along the lakeside watching all the families and people walking their dogs. We then sat looking at the lake which was like a millpond and all the mountains were out and looked spectacular. We then wandered into one of the lakeside hotels, went to the bar and sat out on the balcony drinking Swiss wine
Thought I would share this with you as it was really a perfect day
Snap! - well almost. Must've been "Neuchatel week". I stopped off there on Friday afternoon on the way back from Murten. Had a relaxing drink in the warm sunshine in the Place des Halles. The sunshine on the honey coloured sandstone buildings was awesome and the town had a real buzz about it. I'd forgotten how mellow Neuchatel can feel compared to say Geneva and Lausanne.
Just to add agreement with all the above - Neuchatel is sleepy, quiet and feels safe. The people are really nice but be aware that unlike the larger towns fewer locals will speak English. Summer really is sensational by the lake. As far as ex-pats are concerned, Phillip Morris is the biggest employer in the Canton and if you or your husband work or meet people from there you should get into one of the circles. Also the wines from the Neuchatel area, particularly the rosés, are fantastic
Chaux-de-Fonds is 10 mins away (via the tunnel) from Neuchatel and is the largest town in the canton, and sits just under 1000 meters altitude and has less of the lake fog, though it is colder in the winter. It has an active cafe and restaurant scene. The canton is a great place for outdoor activities inc hiking, fishing, white water, and cross country skiing (mecca). Zurich has far greater cultural activities than any other city in Switzerland.
Thanx for the welcome...Didn't realize this was a thread from April. For Switzerland2009, my social circle revolves around local residents so I have limited exposure to other expats. I don't belong to this Neuchatel organization for expats, but have been told about it: http://www.thenic.ch/ .
If you have decided to go for Neuchâtel, I have just created a website where I list all events happening in Neuchâtel and its surrounding. neuchatelforexpats.weebly.com It's a 100% free and a 100% in English!
Check it out and do not hesitate to give me feedback!
I think the question that might help you is do you prefer larger cities or small ones? If you don't have a strong reaction or answer to that question, I suspect you would be fine in either city.
I love Neuchatel because the climate is varied, but lovely. The geography is stunning (this week the lake feels like paradise to me). For me the shopping is more than adequate. People are friendly. It is multi-cultural. Close to Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Basel, without the prices of a big city. There are a LOT of young famlies here. Close to a lot of cross-country skiing/roadbiking/mtnbiking. I feel safe here, even at night.
Have you clarified for yourself what your needs are in a new city?
Glad some of you like my home town - and Mud, sorry but Neuchatel is not a village- but a small but perfectly formed town. A perfect mixture of Lakes and mountains - with excellent connections to Bern, Lausanne and the whole of Switzerland. Plenty of good restaus, bars and beautiful villages and bistros all around the lake and up in the mountain district. Great walking, cycling, skiing, and all the water pursuits. If you are a crazy clubber, maybe not the best place. Plenty of culture, concerts of any kind, excellent Museums, theater, markets, Fetes of every kind. As a native, I know I am biased- but as I lived away for more than 40 years, I am more than ever convinced it's a great little place.