In Cortaillod, walking paths along Lake Neuchâtel meet vineyards and historic town centres. When planning your stay, you can choose between a hike to a nature reserve, a cycling route along the lakeshore and insights into the town’s history.
On foot between the lake and vineyards
From Petit-Cortaillod, a lakeside walking path heads west to Pointe du Grain, an exceptional nature reserve. The route runs between the lake and vineyards through a landscape where the vines stretch almost to the shore and cling to steep hillsides. There are picnic tables with panoramic views at the western end of the harbour and above the vineyards on Chemin du Bugnon. A footbridge on the lakeside path crosses the Vivier, a stream fed by the Areuse.
The footpath at La Grassilière also offers a distinct connection: it links Route de la Croix with Chemin de Chanélaz and follows side roads between the upper village and Areuse. A municipal description from 2021 says that motorised traffic is prohibited on the path and that it is used by walkers and mountain bikers. Check current trail conditions before your visit.
Cycling route and swimming spots
La Route des Plages is a cycling route from St-Blaise to Cortaillod. It is 18 kilometres long, considered family-friendly and rated fairly easy. The route follows the shores of Lake Neuchâtel and offers opportunities to swim. This makes a lakeside bike ride an alternative to a hike to Pointe du Grain, with different options for planning your day.
The pebble beaches along the shore are ideal for relaxing and swimming. Petit-Cortaillod beach has changing rooms with showers, as well as outdoor showers. If you are planning time by the water, you can include these beach facilities alongside the walking and cycling routes.
Vineyards and tastings
The paths through the vineyards are open to the public on foot; the vineyards themselves are privately owned year-round. Please stay on the paths. The vines stretch almost to the lake and climb the steep hillsides. Viticulture is also part of the town’s character: many officially approved grape varieties are grown in Cortaillod.
Wine enthusiasts can choose from tasting experiences with different focuses. At the Caveau de Cortaillod et Bevaix, you can taste wines from various producers in Cortaillod and Bevaix; tastings can be arranged there for groups of ten or more. Vouga Vins welcomes groups for wine tastings and cellar tours. Check these offers before your trip if you are planning a visit.
Historic townscapes and lakeside settlements
Cobblestone historic streets shape the character of the upper village and Petit-Cortaillod. A distinctive landmark is the bell tower of the Temple of Cortaillod: it is the tallest in the canton of Neuchâtel. A walk through the two districts can therefore also offer a glimpse of local architecture and history.
The history of the area goes back a long way. Cortaillod has Neolithic traces dating back around 6,500 years. Cortaillod-Les Esserts is the largest of several archaeological lakeside settlements in the Bay of Cortaillod. Cortaillod-Est is considered a lakeside settlement village founded around 1000 BC. These sites add another dimension to the town’s history, even if your stay is mainly about the paths, the lake or the wine.
Planning your stay
When looking for accommodation in Cortaillod, it helps to decide what matters most to you: lakeside walks, the cycling route, wine or local history. Each of these interests offers a different way to shape your stay. If you are planning tastings or cellar tours, it is worth checking what is available in advance; for the hike at La Grassilière, you should also check current trail conditions.
Discover more destinations: Montézillon, Boudry, Gorgier, Auvernier, Peseux NE, Bevaix, Corcelles-Cormondrèche
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