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About this place
Tour de Pierre in Boudry is a small lookout tower set among vineyards in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. It looks like a piece of a medieval stronghold, yet it was built in the 19th century as a decorative pavilion on a wine estate. Today it houses a tasting cellar for local wines.
What is the Tour de Pierre?
The tower dates from 1876 and was commissioned by Louis-Philippe de Pierre, owner of the Trois-Rods estate. Its neo-medieval design includes battlements, a turret and a small corbelled watch turret. Among the many Gothic-revival garden follies of that era, it stands out because it incorporates genuine medieval elements. The name comes from its founder's surname, not from the building material.
What will you see there?
The tower rises between rows of vines, so reaching it is also a walk through wine country. The building itself is compact, so the main appeal is its silhouette against the slopes and the view over the surrounding landscape. Inside, a tasting cellar serves wines from producers of the Boudry area.
What else is there to visit in Boudry?
Boudry lies in the canton of Neuchâtel, in the wine-growing zone on Lake Neuchâtel. In town, visit the castle built by the counts of Neuchâtel in the 13th century. Since 1957 it has housed the Vine and Wine Museum, and after a major restoration in 1955 to 1958 it also works as a showcase for the canton's wines. Together, the tower and the castle make an easy wine-themed outing.
When should you go?
The tower looks best in the growing season, when the vineyards are green, and in autumn, when the harvest turns the slopes to gold and red. Check opening hours for the tasting cellar with the local tourist office before you travel, as they can vary by season.
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Tour de Pierre?
It was built in 1876 for Louis-Philippe de Pierre, owner of the Trois-Rods estate.
Is it a genuine medieval tower?
Not entirely. It is a 19th-century neo-medieval pavilion that reuses authentic medieval elements.
Can you taste wine there?
Yes. A tasting cellar inside offers wines from producers around Boudry.
Is the Tour de Pierre the same as Boudry Castle?
No. Boudry Castle is a separate and much older building in the town centre, home to the wine museum. The Tour de Pierre stands among the vineyards.
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