Cortaillod between the lakeshore and vineyards

Cortaillod brings together paths along Lake Neuchâtel, vineyards, cycling routes and archaeological traces. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the village, these themes can help you refine your choice of destination: Would you like to walk along the shore, plan a cycling route, or explore viticulture and history? This gives you a sense of the destination’s character before comparing specific hotel offers.

Walking paths between the lake and vineyards

From Petit-Cortaillod, a walking path follows the lakeshore west to Pointe du Grain, an exceptional nature reserve. The path runs between the shore of Lake Neuchâtel and the vineyards of Cortaillod. A footbridge over the Vivier, a stream fed by the Areuse, crosses the lakeshore path.

There are picnic tables along the walking path at the western end of the harbour and above the vineyards on Chemin du Bugnon. The vineyards stretch almost to the lake and cling to steep slopes. Paths through the vineyards are open to the public on foot, but the vineyards themselves are private property all year round; please stay on the paths during your walk.

A separate footpath at La Grassilière connects Route de la Croix with Chemin de Chanélaz. A municipal description from 2021 says the path is closed to motorised traffic and used by walkers and mountain bikers. Side paths connect the upper village with Areuse. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

The pebbled beaches along the shore invite you to swim and relax. At Petit-Cortaillod beach, there are changing rooms with showers and outdoor showers.

Cycling routes along Lake Neuchâtel

La Route des Plages is a cycling route from St-Blaise to Cortaillod. It follows the shore of Lake Neuchâtel and offers opportunities to swim. The route is 18 kilometres long and is considered family-friendly and fairly easy. Via Cluny runs from Bevaix along the lakeshore to Pointe de Cortaillod and onwards to Corcelles-Cormondrèche. The routes offer different points of reference when making your choice: La Route des Plages has a stated length and difficulty rating, while Via Cluny is described as passing through several places. Check the current route description before setting out.

Viticulture and tastings

Cortaillod’s wine production includes a wide variety of officially approved grape varieties. Vouga Vins welcomes groups for wine tastings and cellar tours in Cortaillod. At the Caveau de Cortaillod et Bevaix, you can taste wines from producers in both municipalities; tastings can be arranged there for groups of ten or more. Check the offers before your trip so you can plan accordingly.

Historic streets and archaeological traces

There are paved historic streets in the upper village and in Petit-Cortaillod. The bell tower of the Temple of Cortaillod is the tallest in the canton of Neuchâtel. The area’s prehistoric past is also evident: Cortaillod has Neolithic traces dating back around 6,500 years. Cortaillod-Les Esserts is the largest of several lakeside archaeological settlements in the Bay of Cortaillod. Cortaillod-Est is considered a lakeside settlement village founded around 1000 BC. Historical points of interest thus range from the streets and the temple to prehistoric settlements by the lake.

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

Back to the main travel overview: Boudry.