Lake Neuchâtel is the largest lake lying entirely within Switzerland — a long, narrow body of water running southwest to northeast along the foot of the Jura hills, with the Alps visible across the water on clear days. The city of Neuchâtel sits on its northwestern shore, and the lakefront promenade is the city's main social space.
The water is used for swimming in summer, with well-maintained public beaches at several points along the shore. Boat trips run to Murten and Estavayer-le-Lac, passing through the smaller Lac de Morat, and the route along the vine-covered north shore of the lake — through the wine villages of Auvernier, Colombier, and Boudry — is one of the most pleasant half-day drives in the canton.
The perch of Lake Neuchâtel deserve special mention: filets de perche, pan-fried with butter and served with frites and a glass of Chasselas, appear on almost every lakeside restaurant menu. Order it.