Estavayer-le-Lac on Lake Neuchâtel
is a charming walled city almost intact from the middle ages.
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In Estavayer
you will see many signs of the rich history of the region. You will be
delighted by the Château de Cheneau, a massive castle from the 12th
century, the Gothic abbey church, the Dominican convent from 1316, the cobbled streets
and patrician houses. If you take a walk
along the town walls, you have a good view of the town. It is from Moudon
Square that you have the finest panorama over the Jura mountains to the north
of the lake. Numerous rural inns and bars serve regional specialties.
Estavayer, with its yachting marina and beaches is also a water
sports paradise. Sailing, surfing and pedalo boating are all popular.
One special adventure is to try the water-ski lift: here all the family,
including children who can swim, can go water-skiing.
There are many varied footpaths and cycle tracks so you can discover the rural
surroundings of Estavayer. The gentle hills in the hinterland form the
backdrop for an enjoyable ride on your mountain bike. One of Switzerland's
national cycle tracks also passes through the region. In many places, you can
treat yourself to regional delicacies bought directly from farmers and
fishermen.
The nature reserve of "Grande Cariçaie" extends all the way along the south bank of Lake Neuchâtel.
This damp habitat is home to 1000 plants and 10,000 species of animal, about a
third of all the flora to be found in Switzerland and a quarter of all species
of animal known in Switzerland. Viewpoints have been set up along the paths,
and there are special observation huts in the woods and on the moorland areas
for watching birds. You can learn more about them in the two nature centres -
Birdlife in La Sauge and Pro Natura in Champ-Pittet.