Pays de Trois Lacs

Most of this region sees few tourists, but with gorgeous lakes, picture-perfect villages in the vineyards, and expansive views of the Alps, the “land of three lakes,” which straddles the border between German- and French-speaking Switzerland, has plenty to offer. The city of Neuchâtel (Neuenburg), on the lake of the same name, has a distinctive look, as most of the old city is constructed of orange-tan local stone. The nearby village of Auvernier is a splendid place to sample regional wines, especially the delightful dry rosé known as Oeil de Perdrix. Murten (Morat), the only really famous tourist destination in the region, is a ...

Most of this region sees few tourists, but with gorgeous lakes, picture-perfect villages in the vineyards, and expansive views of the Alps, the “land of three lakes,” which straddles the border between German- and French-speaking Switzerland, has plenty to offer. The city of Neuchâtel (Neuenburg), on the lake of the same name, has a distinctive look, as most of the old city is constructed of orange-tan local stone. The nearby village of Auvernier is a splendid place to sample regional wines, especially the delightful dry rosé known as Oeil de Perdrix. Murten (Morat), the only really famous tourist destination in the region, is a perfectly preserved medieval market town, with a complete set of city walls and an arcade-lined main street that resembles a smaller version of Bern’s. Grandson’s medieval castle is one of many in the area, a legacy of centuries of war between the Bernese and the Savoyards. The intact roman amphitheater at Avenches is the site of a yearly rock festival.

About the Expert

Charlie Morris is the author of the Open Road guidebooks Best of Honduras, Best of Costa Rica, Best of Belize, and Switzerland Guide.