Discover Broye: Culture, Nature and Trails

When planning a trip to Broye, you can focus on historic sites, hiking or wildlife watching. Estavayer-le-Lac offers medieval buildings and cultural attractions; the wider Broye area is home to the Grande Cariçaie, where you can observe nature. Lake activities and vineyard experiences add to the options. If you are looking for a hotel, start by considering whether culture, nature or activities on the water will shape your stay.

Hiking and wildlife watching

One specific hiking option is La Vallée de la Broye. This 16-kilometre route is considered easy, follows a scenic trail along the water and passes through places with historic sights. It connects Payerne, Vesin and Estavayer-le-Lac along the Broye. If you enjoy exploring on foot and want to include historic sites in your travel plans, this route offers both.

The Grande Cariçaie is considered Switzerland’s largest lakeside nature reserve and offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing and birdwatching. Hidden observation hides and elevated landscape platforms provide unique views of the scenery and wildlife. Guided excursions on foot or by canoe take place on various dates throughout the year and are led by a biologist. Check the dates before your trip if you would like to join a guided excursion.

History and culture

The Village Lacustre de Gletterens reconstructs Neolithic prehistoric architecture and offers an insight into the era of the first farmers of the Swiss Plateau. Demonstrations and workshops bring prehistoric craft techniques to life; visitors can make items such as a Neolithic knife, a pendant or a Palaeolithic lamp. Check the visitor programme before your trip.

In Estavayer-le-Lac, Château de Chenaux stands in the centre of the medieval town, overlooking Lake Neuchâtel. Construction of the castle began in 1284. A historical tour of Estavayer-le-Lac includes around 15 stops, is available in French, German and English, and offers audio commentary via QR codes for smartphones.

The Musée d’Estavayer-le-Lac is known for its collection of 108 naturalised frogs. In the mid-19th century, they were arranged in scenes depicting everyday life at the time, including an election banquet, a classroom and a family meal. Another way to discover public art is the ArtiChoke urban art trail: it brings together 37 contemporary works in Estavayer-le-Lac and the surrounding region, passing through the medieval town and then nearby villages. Individual works may change.

The Abbatiale de Payerne also offers a clearly defined cultural experience. Its discovery tour presents the history of Switzerland’s largest Romanesque church through 20 immersive, interactive audio guide stations. The self-guided visit uses an audio guide in French, German or English and takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Wine, the lake and water activities

The Cheyres vineyard lies on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, on a molasse bedrock, and produces fruity wines with a distinctive terroir character. The Sentier viticole de Cheyres shares information about vineyard work, local history and grape varieties. Along the way, there are views of Lake Neuchâtel and the Jura. Groups of at least eight people can reserve a three-hour guided tour with wine tasting.

Swimming in Lake Neuchâtel is possible at Gletterens beach, which is within the Grande Cariçaie. Portalban beach offers swimming, beach volleyball, paddleboard and sports equipment rentals, and a children’s playground. Check beach conditions, seasonal facilities and rental services before visiting.

Plan your stay around the cultural attractions, hiking trails, or nature and water activities.

Discover more destinations: Montagny Fr, Estavayer-Le-Lac, Vuissens, Murist, Delley-Portalban, Rueyres-Les-Prés.

Back to the regional travel overview: Fribourg.