Estavayer-Le-Lac: Old Town and Lakeside

Estavayer-le-Lac is a historic town on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. There are several ways to choose what to focus on at your destination: the lakeshore and beach, the town’s buildings and museums, or excursions towards the Grande Cariçaie. You can plan your time according to your interests in the water, history or walks in nature.

Lakeshore, beach and Château de Chenaux

The “Lacustres” beach is a few minutes’ walk from Estavayer-le-Lac railway station. It features a grassy area and a sandy beach. You can reach the water by walking along the shore or via a long wooden jetty. Beach facilities may vary by season, so take this into account when planning your visit.

Château de Chenaux also lends a historical focus to a visit to the town. Construction began in 1284. Of the three towers, only one remains: the present-day dovecote. The gardens and outdoor areas of the château are freely accessible year-round. As access information may change, check the latest details before your visit.

Walking tours and routes through the surrounding area

The Circuit historique à Estavayer-le-Lac takes you to important sights and monuments around the town, with about 15 stops, and introduces their history. It is available in French, German and English. QR codes at the stops provide audio commentary for smartphone users. If the language or audio commentary is important to your plans, check the provider’s latest information. Guided tours of the old town may include Château de Chenaux and the Donjon; confirm their availability with the local tourist office.

For walks and longer outings, the Chemin de La Grande Cariçaie starts in Estavayer-le-Lac. The easy circular route is 13 kilometres long. From Font, the route is open only to cyclists and walkers. If you choose this route, factor both its length and this access rule into your plans, and check the route information before setting off.

The Grande Cariçaie, a 3,000-hectare lakeside marshland with eight nature reserves accessible via marked footpaths, lies in the wider area around the town. Excursions along a signposted network of paths take you beside the lake and through the surrounding countryside; these include exploring the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve. The information about the marshland and the routes describes different ways to explore the landscape on foot.

Architectural history, museum and street art

The Collégiale Saint-Laurent was built between 1379 and 1525. Its eight bells date from the 15th to the 20th century. The different periods in which they were made give the building and its bells their own historical context.

The collection at the Musée d'Estavayer-le-Lac et ses grenouilles ranges from objects dating back to prehistoric times to items from the Second World War; it also includes a 17th-century kitchen. The museum also displays a collection of taxidermied frogs in everyday scenes from the 19th century. Everyday life is thus represented alongside objects from widely separated periods.

The ArtiChoke Urban Art Route offers a different perspective on the town. It features 15 works in the medieval town, which can be explored on foot or by bike. The street art trail began in Estavayer-le-Lac and was expanded to several locations in the region. Murals, sculptures and contemporary installations turn public spaces into open-air galleries.

Canoe trip through the Grande Cariçaie

The 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. Canoe rentals depend on the season and the centre’s operating schedule. If you are relying on a rental canoe, check availability in advance.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Broye.