Estavayer-le-Lac, a historic town on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, combines medieval lanes with life by the water. Plage «Lacustres» is a few minutes’ walk from the train station. There, a grassy area meets a sandy beach; access to the water is via the shore or a long wooden jetty. The gardens and outdoor areas of Château de Chenaux are freely accessible year-round. Check the latest access information before your visit.
Lakeshore and historic town
Château de Chenaux was built from 1284 onwards. Of its three towers, only one remains: the present-day dovecote. Guided tours of the old town may include the château and the keep; confirm availability with the local tourist office.
The Collégiale Saint-Laurent also tells a story of a long construction history: it was built between 1379 and 1525. Its eight bells were cast between the 15th and 20th centuries. At the Musée d'Estavayer-le-Lac et ses grenouilles, the collection of displayed objects spans from prehistoric times to the Second World War; the museum also includes a 17th-century kitchen. Another distinctive feature is its naturalised frogs arranged in everyday scenes from the 19th century.
The Circuit historique à Estavayer-le-Lac includes around 15 stops at the town’s main sights and monuments and introduces their history. QR codes along the route provide audio commentary for smartphone users. The route is available in French, German and English; check the latest language information if needed.
Trails and nature at the Grande Cariçaie
The Chemin de La Grande Cariçaie starts in Estavayer-le-Lac and is described as an easy 13-kilometre circular route. From Font onwards, the trail is open only to cyclists and walkers. Check the access rules before setting out. There are also signposted walking paths along the lake and through the surrounding countryside, offering further excursions.
The Grande Cariçaie, a 3,000-hectare lakeside marsh, lies in the wider area around Estavayer-le-Lac. Eight nature reserves can be reached via marked walking paths. This offers a choice of scale: a named circular route with a stated length, or excursions along a larger network of trails by the lake and through the surrounding countryside.
A seasonal canoe trip through the Grande Cariçaie starts and ends at Nouvelle Plage, near the Alphasurf water sports centre. You can take part with your own canoe or rent one directly at the water sports centre. Rentals depend on the season and the centre’s operating schedule; check in advance whether the tour and rentals are available during your travel dates.
Art in public spaces
The ArtiChoke Urban Art Route offers another perspective on the medieval town. It features 15 works and can be explored on foot or by bike. ArtiChoke began there as a street art trail and has since expanded to several places in the region. Frescoes, sculptures and contemporary installations turn public spaces into open-air galleries.
When choosing where to stay, consider whether you would like to focus mainly on historic sites, the lakeshore, or trails and nature. Tours, routes and seasonal activities have different conditions, so plan each one according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Vuissens, Murist, Montagny Fr, Delley-Portalban, Rueyres-Les-Prés
For the overview of the wider region: Broye.
