Estavayer-le-Lac and Payerne – a land of charming contrasts

The charming small medieval town of Estavayer-le-Lac is situated on the south bank of Lake Neuchatel. Narrow lanes brimming with history invite visitors to stroll and linger, as does the spacious shoreline of the lake. Sandy beaches and bays and the best equipped water sports center in Switzerland are a hit with keen swimmers, while Estavayer-le-Lac has for many years been a favorite haunt of wake boarders. Visitors can enjoy fun-packed rides and try out or simply watch the 800 meter water Cable Ski – it has it all!

Payerne, a small town in the Broye valley only a few kilometers from Lake Neuchatel, is steeped in history. The medieval town center is dominated by the imposing and monumental 11th century Abbey. The largest Romanesque building in Switzerland is regarded as a classic example of Clunian architecture. First-rate exhibitions and concerts offer visitors to the Abbey and its museum a wonderful cultural experience.

The Grande Cariçaie, one of the most beautiful wetland areas in Europe, gives visitors an excellent insight into the diversified ecosystem. It extends for approximately 40 kilometers along the south bank of Lake Neuchatel. This 3,000-hectare reserve is reputed to contain one quarter of the flora and fauna of Switzerland, i.e. around 800 plants and over 10,000 animal species. Numerous rare and endangered animals breed here or stop over during the migratory period. The marked trails make this area very accessible to walkers and cyclists. Attractive wooden jetties lead to platforms in the reed belt from where large fish can be observed in the shallows, while a few centimeters above them ducks impassively busy themselves with building nests.

Estavayer-le-Lac Capital of the Broye district in the canton of Fribourg

Population Estavayer-le-Lac: 6,237 inhabitants Payerne: 11,479 inhabitants

Area Estavayer-le-Lac: 9 km2 Payerne: 24 km2

Language French

Altitude Estavayer-le-Lac: 448 m

Payerne: 456 m

Prehistory The oldest relics are to be found in the lake, namely the remains of lake dwelling settlements. A Neolithic settlement as it would have looked 5,000 years ago has been reconstructed in Gletterens. Visitors can explore the prehistory on their own initiative or take a guided tour.

Key data 512 – Foundation of Estavayer-le-Lac

From 1000 – Construction of the Romanesque Abbey Church, Payerne

1982 – Creation of the Grande Cariçaie Reserve

2011 – Prehistoric lake dwellings are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List

Tips

Summer

The budget-friendly ‘FUN & RELAX package invites visitors to try something new. The offer include: a welcome drink, a hotel overnight with breakfast, a half-day Fun Pass at the nautical center Alphasurf with unlimited access to the water Cable Ski, paddle, pedal boat, wind surf and VTT, as well as a fondue at the Alphasurf’s restaurant. All the ingredients are here for an exciting two days mini-break in Estavayer-le-Lac.

Winter In the Advent season the Old Town of Estavayer-le-Lac exhibits over 50 illuminated Christmas cribs which are original, traditional as well as artistic. Visitors can explore the cribs trail on foot or take the small tourist train that runs to a timetable.

All year round

The interactive QR-Code trail in Estavayer-le-Lac and Payerne combines historical heritage and new technology. Visitors discover on 16 panels the history and the development from middle age until today.

Contact

Tourist office Estavayer-le-Lac – Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville 5 – 1470 Estavayer-le-Lac

T +41 (0)26 662 66 80 – F +41 (0)26 662 66 81

E-mail: tourisme@estavayer-payerne.ch – www.estavayer-payerne.ch

Tourist office Payerne – Place du Marché 20 – 1530 Payerne

T +41 (0)26 662 66 70 – F +41 (0)26 662 66 81

E-mail: tourisme@estavayer-payerne.ch – www.estavayer-payerne.ch