This is where they speak German ... or French

Biel

Biel - or Bienne, in French - is the only town in the whole of Switzerland where both German and French are spoken on an equal footing. For example, all the street names are given in both languages.

News

30 January – 1 February 2009
Carnival of Lyss
12 – 15 February 2009
Brocante, Biel/Bienne
13 – 14 February 2009
Carnival of Aarberg
25 février – 1ère mars 2009
Carnaval à Biel/Bienne

Here you will notice the easy-going attitude that comes from the mixture of two languages. Biel has a throbbing New Town and an Old Town that will tempt you to stroll. Moreover, Biel is a traditional clock and watchmaking centre in which great store is still set by Swiss handwork. It is just a hop, skip and a jump from this town on the linguistic border to the lush, green hills of the Jura range or to the three lakes of Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten (Morat) that lie just outside the city gates.

5 Good Reasons To visit Biel

This centrally located, bilingual town in the exciting lake setting is the clock and watch capital of Switzerland.
Beautifully preserved old town with a heavenly Gothic city church from the 15th century.
The gateway to the 3 lakes (Lakes Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten) that can be travelled by various routes in Summer.
Starting point for trips to the Jura Mountains, the Lake District and the Bernese Mittelland. Pure Nature, mild climate, unspoilt landscape - the forest and vine-covered surroundings invite you to dally.
Many sporting facilities in town and the surrounding region: hiking, water sports, cyclotourism, trendy sports, etc.

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This is where they speak German ... or French

Biel

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