Cressier NE: Historic Buildings, Trails and Wine

Cressier is a Swiss municipality in the canton of Neuchâtel, in the Littoral region. When planning a trip to Cressier NE, you can focus on historic monuments, trails with interpretive stops or wine tastings. This lets you tailor your stay to the topics that interest you most.

Historic Buildings and Their Architectural History

The Château de Cressier rises above the village rooftops and was built between 1610 and 1616. Its layout is rectangular, and its architecture is defined by four square corner towers, a crenellated wall and two small corner turrets. Its date and distinctive forms give a tangible impression of this historic building in the village landscape.

The Maison du peintre Gustave Jeanneret is a protected historic monument. It was rebuilt in 1729–30 around an older core. Painted wood panelling with chinoiserie motifs is a distinctive feature of its interior. Here, the history of the building’s core meets striking decorative design.

The Château Jeanjaquet is housed in a former rectory that was rebuilt between 1615 and 1622. The building stands at the edge of the forest and offers panoramic views of the Alps. Several periods are also represented at the former church of Saint-Martin: it stands on a hill above the village, is a protected historic monument and dates back to the early Middle Ages. Excavations uncovered burials from the 7th century, while written sources attest to a place of worship from 1180 onward. Romanesque, Gothic and later architectural elements shape the church, whose bell tower is Romanesque. Saint-Martin is the canton’s only medieval religious building in private ownership.

Trails on Different Themes

The Viti-Tour in Cressier is a freely accessible, marked trail 6 km long. Around 20 information panels are placed along the route. The trail thus combines a clearly defined distance with explanations at each stop. As trail conditions can change, check the latest route information before setting out.

Le petit tour de l'eau is a fun family walk that brings together water, nature and learning at 11 interactive stations. Another local “Tour de l'eau” is an educational trail about the floods of 2021 that starts at Cressier NE railway station. The local photo exhibition “Cressier Avant-Après” documents the natural disaster that struck Cressier on 22 June 2021. This local topic is thus explored both on a walk and through photographic documentation.

The Chaumont Tour starts at the railway station in the wine-growing village of Cressier and leads through fields, vineyards and forests. Guided visits of the Sentier Viti-tour – Ouest are available by reservation. If you plan to join a guided visit, check the booking details in advance.

Wine Tastings and Vineyards

At the Caveau des vins de l'Entre-deux-Lacs, you can taste wines from 15 winegrowers and wineries in the Entre-deux-Lacs region. Each week, one winemaker presents their entire range of products, which are served by the glass. The weekly programme may change, so check it before making plans.

At Grillette, guided vineyard tours are offered in a 1960s Land Rover, followed by an aperitif among the vines. At Grillette Domaine de Cressier, you can taste six wines of your choice, with a cold dish available on request. For these experiences, it is advisable to check the latest booking details in advance. The options range from a tasting with a changing weekly programme to a guided tour or a tasting with an optional dish.

Discover more destinations: Thielle-Wavre, Saint-Blaise NE, Neuchâtel, Enges.

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