Bevaix: Stilt-house settlements, trails and lakeshore

Bevaix between plain and lake

Bevaix lies at an altitude of 475 m on a plain in front of the southern foothills of the Jura, about 11 km as the crow flies southwest of Neuchâtel. The plain is around 50 m above the shore of Lake Neuchâtel. Bevaix is a locality in the municipality of La Grande Béroche. These different landscapes can help you plan your stay: forest paths, historic sites and lakeside destinations each offer a different focus.

The former municipality’s territory included a narrow strip on the northwestern shore of Lake Neuchâtel near Pointe du Grain, partly marshy and covered with reeds. Farther west, the former territory extended across the densely wooded slope of the Forêt de Bevaix to the Montagne de Boudry. The Plage de la Pointe-du-Grain in Bevaix is a pebble beach; swimming conditions may vary.

Compare trails by length and character

The Parcours Vita in Bevaix is 2.5 km long, has an elevation difference of 80 m and is rated moderate. The moderate forest hike through the Forêt de Bevaix is also 12.1 km long and descends from the Montagne de Boudry to the plain. This makes it easy to compare the routes by length and the described trail profile. Details for the Parcours Vita may change following maintenance work; check the route details before setting out.

For a multi-day route, consider the Cluny Way: it runs from Saint-Aubin to Bevaix and passes the former La Lance Charterhouse. From Bevaix, the path follows the lakeshore past Pointe de Cortaillod and continues towards Corcelles-Cormondrèche; at times, it follows the Areuse and passes through Boudry. The route combines a longer walk with stops connected to regional history.

Stilt-house history and fishing

Bevaix – L’Abbaye 2 is one of the prehistoric stilt-house sites in the Canton of Neuchâtel that have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Écomusée de la pêche et des poissons offers a different perspective on local history. It is located at a protected and preserved natural site in a former fishing station near Bevaix harbour, and features an extensive collection of objects.

The permanent exhibition and the educational panels outdoors are accessible at all times; individual guided tours can be arranged on request. Walk-in visits for individuals are free of charge; donations are welcome. Since access arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

Cultural events in town

Moulin l’Aristoloche is a cultural venue hosting performances, concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. As the programme may change, it is worth checking the latest event dates. The Société de développement occasionally organises exhibitions at Galerie Trin-na-niole; dates depend on the programme.

A recurring event is the Fête de la Miaou, held every year on the last weekend of August in Bevaix’s municipal garden. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the exact dates for the relevant year. The Marché des saveurs at Bevaix Abbey may also be of interest when planning: it offers products from the Neuchâtel region and the surrounding area.

Dining by the lake

At Plage de la Pointe-du-Grain, the Buvette de plage La Pointe-du-Grain serves fondue, tartares and fried fish. Food options and opening arrangements may change; check the current details before your visit. This lets you combine time by the shore with a specific dining option, without assuming a wider range of dining options.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Montézillon, Corcelles-Cormondrèche, Gorgier, Auvernier, Cortaillod, Peseux NE, Boudry

Return to the main travel overview: Boudry.