Neuchâtel by ptitlouis

A natural paradise

At the centre of the sweep of the Jura Mountains, on the shores of the largest expanse of water entirely within Switzerland, the Neuchâtel Region enjoys a privileged situation in every respect. It offers an astonishing diversity of charming landscapes within a relatively restricted area. Moreover, a farsighted conservation policy, classing two thirds of the territory as protected areas, guarantees that the countryside will remain intact.

Neuchâtel lower canton

An urban centre in a rural environment

This beautiful setting houses a thriving urban and cultural life. Although the population amounts to only 170,000 inhabitants, 70% of these live in the “Neuchâtel Urban Network” comprising the agglomerations of Neuchâtel (lower canton) and La Chaux-de-Fonds/Le Locle (upper canton). The Canton boasts a high level of institutions and services, notably with its first class education structures (university, technical and vocational training colleges); the cultural life is rich and vigorous and there is a wealth of associations and social groups. The Neuchâtel Region’s openness and receptiveness to world impulses and its economic trajectory were largely predestined by its remarkable history and its proximity to major axes: for the region borders on France, is only half an hour from Bern, the federal capital, and a little more than an hour from the economic centre of Zurich and the international city of Geneva.

Know-how through the ages

Printed circuit board, University of Neuchâtel Institute of Microtechnology

Neuchâtel, the canton with the highest concentration of watchmaking in Switzerland, is also the magnetic pole for microtechnology and nanotechnology with the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), the University Institute of Microtechnology, the Jura School of Engineering (EIAJ) and the Neode Science and Technology Park; a quite remarkable density of research and development and innovative enterprises, the basis of our future. The Neuchâtel know-how and taste for innovation are also being expressed increasingly in the domains of biotechnologies, IT engineering, optics, renewable energies etc