Its roots date back to Gallo-Roman times, when it was known as Evurnum, located in an area west of the present village. Yvorne probably served as a river port at that time. In 1020, the village is mentioned as ‘Evurnum in pago capitis laci’ and later, during the period of the Counts of Savoy, as ‘Yvorna.’

In the course of its history, Yvorne suffered a major disaster when a landslide from the Combe de Luan, in the Vallon de Corbeyrier, destroyed almost all the houses. This catastrophe was caused by a series of seismic tremors that resonated throughout the entire Lake Geneva region and occurred suddenly between 9 and 10 a.m., causing many casualties. The landslide separated the area where the village was originally located, which today is known as Ovaille (a term derived from Old French, meaning storm or disaster). The area where the landslide occurred is now home to one of Yvorne’s most renowned wine-growing areas. After the landslide, the village was rebuilt to the south-east, maintaining its current appearance. Today, Yvorne is famous for its vineyards. Its 1,200 hectares of land stretching from the banks of the Rhone to the slopes of the Tour d’Aï (about 2,000 metres above sea level) include a gentle combination of agricultural plains, vineyards, forests and pastures. With almost 160 hectares of vineyards, Yvorne is one of the largest wine-growing towns in the canton, known for its fine red and white wines, whose reputation extends beyond the national borders. The village’s wine production is managed by a winegrowers’ association, wine merchants and numerous private winegrowers. The communally owned vineyards produce high-quality vintages, bottled in a facility located in the basement of the administration building in the heart of the village. In addition, Yvorne is located along the Via Francigena, the ancient communication route from Canterbury to Rome.

It was under the rule of the Aarbergs that the castle and the imposing fortified walls, complete with nine semicircular towers, were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Château de Valangin, an imposing massif overlooking the Val-de-Ruz, is a visible symbol of this rich history. The village, picturesquely situated and protected from the winds by the surrounding hills, offers a serene atmosphere, far from the winter fog and summer heat of the neighbouring towns. Valangin is surrounded by forests and crossed by the Seyon and Sorgo rivers, creating an ideal landscape for walks and picnics. A famous footpath, the ‘Voie Révolutionnaire’, leads hikers from Neuchâtel, Peseux and other Val-de-Ruz villages to Valangin, offering splendid views. The village is also home to the Gibet, a former gallows where, during the period of the Lords of Valangin, thugs were executed. Today, the Gibet offers a breathtaking view of Lake Neuchâtel, adding a touch of mystery and history to the landscape. With a population of about 505 inhabitants and a surface area of 376 hectares, much of which is occupied by forests, Valangin is not an agricultural village, but boasts a tradition linked to sawmills, which were the main activity until the closure of the last sawmill in 2007. This mix of tranquillity, natural beauty and a rich historical past makes Valangin an ideal place for those seeking peace, nature and a connection to history.