Cheyres on Lake Neuchâtel

Cheyres lies on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, where the lakeside landscape, winegrowing and local history shape the village. If you are looking for a hotel in Cheyres, these local highlights offer a concrete starting point for planning your trip.

Lakeside Location

Cheyres lies on a terrace above the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, at the foot of the Molasse hills in the northwestern Fribourg Plateau. The section of lakeshore within the municipality stretches for around three kilometres along the southern shore. There, a flat strip of shore is up to 500 metres wide; belts of reeds and swamp forest form part of the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve. Beaches, paths to the Grande Cariçaie and direct access to Lake Neuchâtel offer opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Plage de Cheyres and Summer Festival

Plage de Cheyres has fine sand, grassy areas and shady spots. Facilities include toilets and showers, a bar and a restaurant. There is also a picnic area, a barbecue, a beach volleyball court and a children’s playground. The beach offers a range of ways to take a break by the lake.

Festi’Cheyres takes place every summer on Cheyres beach. Exact dates vary from one edition to another; check the dates for the edition you wish to attend in advance.

Trails and Exhibitions

The circular “Entre art et nature (2)” hike starts in Cheyres and follows the shore of Lake Neuchâtel past reed beds and observation points. Note that a temporary detour may be in place, and check the current route before setting off. In Cheyres, the Chemin des Trois-Lacs offers a place to stop, with a beach and a harbour promenade.

The open-air photo exhibition “Il était une fois Cheyres-Châbles” traces the history of Cheyres and Châbles through photographs from the early 20th century. The images show streets, building exteriors and landscapes. Exhibition dates may vary; check the current dates before visiting.

Vineyard and Trail

Cheyres’ vineyard covers 14 hectares on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. It is the only vineyard located entirely within the canton of Fribourg, as well as the only one on the southern shore of the lake. The Sentier viticole de Cheyres provides information about vineyard work throughout the year, local history and grape varieties.

A guided tour of the Sentier viticole includes a tasting of Cheyres wines and lasts three hours. It is available to groups of eight or more by prior arrangement. If you plan to take this tour, arrange your booking and date in advance.

Local History and Art

Cheyres’ historical and architectural highlights include rows of farmhouses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, the former bailiff’s castle and a small patrician estate at the entrance to the village. These buildings provide a visible backdrop to the village’s history. Contemporary art is also present: the Cheyres pumping station features the work “Les animaux de la Grande Cariçaie” by Ipi Création.

Discover more destinations: Franex.

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