Discover Boudry

Boudry combines a long history with museums, theatre and landscapes along the Areuse. If you are looking for a hotel in Boudry, these different highlights can help you choose a destination: are you especially interested in historic buildings and collections, wine and culture, or riverside trails? The following highlights show what makes the town distinctive.

Château, town centre and history

The Château de Boudry dates from the 12th century and stands on a natural acropolis between two waterways. A cantonal webpage updated on 9 March 2026 describes the Château de Boudry as having been open to the public since 1957. The Musée de la Vigne et du Vin is housed in the château. Its permanent exhibition includes two 18th-century wine presses, a collection of wine labels, contemporary wines and a wine library. One of Jean Lurçat’s largest tapestries is also on display: it depicts the grape harvest. This brings historic equipment, wine and visual art together in the same museum.

The historic town centre is laid out as a single-street settlement on a spur above the Areuse and was founded shortly before 1301. At its upper entrance stands the Porte des Vermondins: it dates from 1606 and was partly reconstructed in 1741. A later phase of construction can also be seen at the Temple de Boudry. The church was built between 1645 and 1647; its Neo-Gothic gable with a roof turret was added in 1894. The different dates give the townscape a clear historical depth, without suggesting that all the buildings belong to the same period.

Museums and culture in Boudry

The Musée de l’Areuse is located in Boudry and is dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Areuse region. Its historic hall houses a permanent exhibition; the main room has remained almost unchanged since the late 19th century. The collections include birds and mammals from the region, local prehistoric finds—including objects from the Cortaillod and Auvernier sites—as well as documents on regional history and folklore. The themes thus range from nature and early settlement to traditions passed down through the generations.

The Espace culturel de La Passade is a venue for the performing arts. Its dedicated theatre company presents a new production each season, while the venue also offers a varied programme throughout the year. The seasonal format of the new theatre production is therefore distinct from the broader year-round programme. If you plan your trip around your cultural interests, you can weigh up museum visits and theatre offerings.

The Areuse, riverside trail and seasonal swimming

Near the mouth of the Areuse, a riverside trail runs in sections through the municipalities of Boudry and Cortaillod. It leads through a revitalised river landscape. A different kind of route is the hiking trail through the Gorges de l’Areuse: following the course of the river, it crosses stone bridges, footbridges and steps, passes through rocky sections and runs alongside impressive cliffs. Seasonal conditions can affect access to this route. The riverside trail focuses on the revitalised landscape and its course, while the built crossings and rock formations shape the route through the gorges.

The Plage de Boudry is near the mouth of the Areuse and invites visitors to relax and swim during the warmer months. It has a snack bar, toilets and showers; these facilities may be seasonal. Check local conditions before swimming. The beach and hiking trails offer different ways to experience the river landscape and should not be mistaken for a single, uniform activity programme.

Getting there and finding your way

Boudry Littorail is accessible from Neuchâtel by tram from Place Pury Littorail. If you plan to use this connection for your journey, check the latest timetable and stop information before setting off. You can choose Boudry as a destination based on your own interests: historic architecture, wine and regional history, theatre, or trails along the Areuse each offer a different focus.

Discover more destinations: Corcelles-Cormondrèche, Montézillon, Bevaix, Gorgier, Auvernier, Peseux NE, Cortaillod.

Back to the main travel guide: Boudry.