Let’s start with the main question, do you know what Absinthe is?
Yes? No?
Absinthe is a distilled alcoholic beverage (45 to 75 %) with a strong anise taste. Green or colorless, Absinthe is originated from the canton of Neuchâtel, where I am from, in the 18th century. You can drink it either as it is or dilute it in cold water.
We are really proud of this actually!
Born in the Val-De-Travers, Absinthe, also known as Green Fairy, was heavily consumed in the area and spread all over Europe. Famous writers, authors and so on consumed it (ex. Picasso, Van Gogh, Baudelaire … and many more).
Considered as dangerous and hallucinogenic, it was banned in Switzerland and rest of Europe in 1910.
It only was legal to consume and sell it in 2001, after being regulated and some chemicals removed.
But hey, during that time, do you really think that we would give up the production of our famous Absinthe?
No way! Neuchâtel was proven to be a resilient place!
Many were those who still distilated in their basements, many were also those who were arrested by the police.
It was during that time forbidden to produce, to consume and sell Absinthe.
To overcome this law, the inhabitants from Val-De-Travers went in the forests and looked for fresh water wells to build fountains. In these fountains, they hided their bottles so that they were directly at hand and close to fresh cold water for dilution and consumption.
Whatch an awesome time to live in, no?
The beauty in this story is that although Absinthe is now legal again, the myth of the fountains is kept alive by the locals.
If you wander around in the forest (along certain hiking trails, but hidden!), you might find one or the other fountain with a hidden Absinthe bottle (and for the youngest, a bottle of syrup).
Nobody will reveal their position =) but they exist, the only question is, will you find them?
What out for the Green Fairy!
Make sure to visit the Absinthe house to learn more when you are in the area!
Note: If you do find these places, please respect following rules
- Leave a small tip
- Keep the place as you found it
- If the bottle is close to be empty, notice it (there is a phone number; D)
- KEEP THE PLACE SECRET!
Looking for other hiking or travel destinations? Check here!
Looking for other places to stay ? check here!
Or do you simply have a question? Contact me!