The creative floral talents of the Parks and Walkway Service can but only be appreciated as you walk along the lakeside, through the English Gardens and in front of the Hotel DuPeyou. Nature made beautiful by man……. If you prefer less of a show, take a visit to the Vallon de L’Ermitage, which houses the site of the Botanical Gardens. This nature place contains an extraordinary richness, between damp north facing cliffs and sun-exposed south facing meadows. The public are welcome to visit. And if you like to be surprised, take a stroll through the forest, with your eyes peeled. You will be amazed at all the places where nature has regained its hold.

“ Nature included”: in 1996 the Swiss National Development Association – ASPAN- gave Neuchâtel an award, praising “ a town and country planning approach that integrates the value of nature in an exemplary manner.

Thanks to the masterplan of town planning, every occasion has become an opportunity to enrich “nature’s” heritage, from ancient vine walls to the trees that line the streets, encompassing vegetable allotments and watercourses that flow down to the lake.

The list of existing natural values is far more detailed than the law demands. The guideline documentation exerts an influence over technicians, project managers and architects.

“A look at nature within the town of Neuchatel” was published by the League of Neuchâtel for the Protection of Nature and the Museum of Natural History. The book brings about more awareness of nature within the town, even though it may sometimes be discreet. It was published as a part of the European Year of Nature Conservation (1995) and can be ordered here.