Historic tour (Q)
The Grand Tour gives a taster of the Trois-Lacs region, while this route takes you more into the heart of this land of history and holidays. From the shores of Lake Morat with its popular swimming pool and beach, you cross the Fribourg-Vaud border several times, to get to Avenches for example. History buffs will take the time to explore the capital of Roman Helvetia, as well as the Romanesque abbey church of Payerne, the Vallon Roman Museum and the lakeside village of Gletterens.
The route runs along the south side of Lake Neuchâtel with its Mediterranean feel. Relaxation is the order of the day particularly on the beaches of Portalban, Chevroux, Forel, Cheyres – also known for its wines – and Estavayer-le-Lac, which has the best water sports facilities in Switzerland. This exceptional lakeside area is part of the Grande Cariçaie Nature Reserve, the biggest lakeside marsh in Switzerland.
(© Sebastian Marko - Limex Images)
451.40505981445
Explore the Roman city of Aventicum
The capital of Roman Helvetica, Aventicum was a major Roman city built on the main route between Rome and Augusta Raurica (Augst) crossing the Alps through the Grand Saint-Bernard pass.
Exploring the vestiges of this great era, this route gives an idea of the importance of Avenches in Roman times. Suited to all kinds of walkers, there is also the option to book a guided tour at the tourist office.
Visitors will be charmed by this former capital of Roman Helvetica as they learn all sorts of secrets from the historical remains on their walk from the amphitheatre to the baths.
Avenches Theater (© Marc-André Guex)
Roman Site (© Avenches Tourisme)
Roman Site (© Avenches Tourisme / Marc-André Guex)
Roman Site (© Avenches Tourisme / Marc-André Guex)
456.18942260742
Tourist Office Murten
Monday-Friday: 9 am – 12 pm / 1 – 5 pm
Holidays: 10 am to 12 pm / 1 – 5 pm
Week-ends: closed
Panorama Lac de Morat (@Simon Wicht)
Logo Lac de Morat Tourisme (Murtensee)
439.16986083984
Swimming-pool and Beach - Murten
Sauna, solarium, aquafit, restaurant.
Beachvolley, ping-pong, place for barbecue.
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
481.79791259766
Avenches Tourism
Ideally located in the town centre, the Avenches Tourist Office is committed to providing you with all the information you need to enjoy your stay in Avenches and the region.
You will receive all the advice and suggestions on the various activities and leisure activities in the region.
Avenches Tourisme (© Avenches Tourisme)
493.56408691406
Golf Club de Payerne
18 holes, Par 70 for 5,450 m, alt. 490 m. Open daily.
(© L. Chanez)
449.98837280273
The Payerne Abbey Church
The main centre of La Broye, near Yverdon-les-Bains and the Three Lakes Region, the mediaeval town of Payerne was built around its Romanesque abbey church.
Built in the 11th century on the site of an early religious community, the construction of Payerne abbey church was possible thanks to generous donations from the Burgundy royal family and its attachment to the powerful Cluny monastery.
The nave, with its 5-apse chevet, is one of the finest examples of Romanesque interior design in Switzerland. The functional and symbolic harmony of the spaces is enhanced by the sculpted decorations and Romanesque (pre-nave) and Gothic mural paintings (chapels).
When the monks were expelled in 1536 with the Reform, the abbey church was deconsecrated and used as a granary until the 20th century.
The Payerne Abbey Church (© Abbatiale de Payerne)
Payerne Abbey Church (© Studio Patrick Jantet)
Payerne Abbey Church (Ludovic Bender)
451.43408203125
Vineyard and wine-tasting cellar
It is not only an entirely Fribourg vineyard, but it is also the only one situated on the south shore of the lake.
The region benefits from a microclimate which is very favourable for wine production. Historically, a wine growing village, today Cheyres attracts many tourists thanks to its proximity to the lake and the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve. The largest bog in Switzerland, it supports a quarter of the flora and fauna of the country.
Joined in partnership
The Association of Broyard wine producers has 25 members and manages an estate of 10 hectares, "The size of the estate does not allow us to earn a living from it, these wine producers are really passionate people", explains Roland Pillonel, director of the association. These wine producers welcome you to their cellars twice a week to discover their nectars, primarily of the Chasselas and Pinot Noir. The association also offers spirits, especially those made from quince, Botzi AOC pears or plums, all originating from the region.
Our favourite
For Roland Pillonel, this is the "Grivevin" which delights his palate the most, "it is a collection of Pinot Noir, Gamaret and Garanoir matured for several months in oak casks. It gathers all the flavours together that typify the region, but here, we prefer to speak of originality rather than of speciality.
(© Produkte aus dem Freiburgerland)
(© Produkte aus dem Freiburgerland)
(© Produkte aus dem Freiburgerland)
428.95712280273
Public Beach Cheyres
There is place for everybody...
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
457.8586730957
Medieval town Estavayer-le-Lac
The City of Roses. Carriage entrances and painted houses line up along very narrow streets. Reflecting the purity of the Gothic style, the arcades of Chenaux Castle and Saint Lawrence's Collegiate Church (14th century) dominate the city. Don't miss the Frog Museum, where stuffed batrachians replace human beings in everyday situations.
Beach and watersports
Estavayer-le-Lac offers the best equipped watersports centre in Switzerland (especially for wakeboarding). The "Nouvelle Plage" (new beach) with its games area, restaurant and camping site welcomes families with open arms. Pedal-boats, windsurf boards and catamarans are available for hire. The unique water-ski tow is a must for the entire family and suitable for children who can swim (recommended age: 10).
A cradle of civilisations
Visit the Roman Museum of Vallon, the lakeside village of Gletterens and the medieval town of Estavayer-le-Lac to discover the civilisations which have left their mark on this region.
(Estavayer-le-Lac © Estavayer-le-Lac/Payerne Tourisme)
(Gletterens © Sandra Mumprecht)
(Estavayer-le-Lac © Jean-Marc Duriaux)
(Estavayer-le-Lac © Sandra Mumprecht)
(Estavayer-le-Lac © Sandra Mumprecht)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
432.16644287109
Public Beach Estavayer-le-Lac
Beachvolley - Cable Ski - slide
(© JM Duriaux)
429.53817749023
Public Beach Chevroux
What of more pleasant to come bathing on the beach to Chevroux. There is a choice between sand and pier....
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
438.95202636719
The Grande Cariçaie nature reserve
A protected site of international importance, the Grande Cariçaie is home to approximately 800 plant species and 10,000 animal species. Covering nearly 3000 hectares, the Grande Cariçaie is an internationally recognised exceptional natural area. It is home to 8 nature reserves, most of which are accessible by foot or bicycle.
This stretch of marshland begins at Yverdon-les-Bains and extends as far as Cudrefin. A few minutes from the town via the local train service, the Champ-Pittet Pro Natura Centre, housed in an 18th century historical mansion, offers exhibitions, guided tours and kids’ activities, along with a restaurant serving regional and seasonal food.
The Centre-Nature La Sauge in Cudrefin features a temporary exhibition and a 500-metre outdoor trail with four observatories for observing wildlife without disturbing it.
Nature hikes and bike trails are both ways to discover the Grande Cariçaie at your own pace while respecting the natural environment. Follow the boardwalk into the very heart of the reserve, where North-South migrating birds can be found nesting.
Touristic map - Yverdon-les-Bains (ADNV)
Grande Cariçaie (www.vincentbourrut.ch)
The Grande Cariçaie (Benoît Renevey)
429.32751464844
Lakeside village
Through demonstrations and workshops, you will discover the lifestyle of our distant ancestors.
The lakeside village of Gletterens organises many events, attractions and workshops around the theme of prehistory and the lives of the first farmers who lived on the shores of the Lake of Neuchâtel (4500 to 800 BC).
You will discover the artisanal techniques of these ancient times: you can make a neolithic knife, a pendant or a paleolithic lamp, be charmed by the magic of ancient methods of lighting fires, demonstrate your prowess as a hunter by throwing a assegai or taste a Stone Age style meal.
You can also simply walk around the village to discover and enjoy the charm of its thatched cottages. If you wish to prolong the experience, you can spend the night in a tipi.
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
440.37387084961
Public Beach Forel
This beautiful natural beach close to the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve is the ideal spot to get away from it all and spend the day relaxing on the soft sand, enjoying a picnic and maybe going for a dip in the lake.
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
429.29107666016
Public Beach Gletterens
A beautiful and big fine sand beach, which lines a big zone of reeds. Carefull no shadow, think of the beach umbrella!
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
443.70785522461
Roman Museum in Vallon
Situated on a Roman archaeological site, the museum traces the region's Roman heritage with mosaics, mural paintings and various objects.
The region of Vallon and La Broye was marked during Antiquity by the prestige of Aventicum (modern-day Avenches), the capital of Roman Switzerland (from the first to third centuries AD). Six kilometres away from the ancient city, the museum is located on the very site of the Gallo-Roman villa in Vallon. It presents the everyday life of the residence during the first four centuries of our age.
The two famous mosaics "Bacchus and Ariane" and "Venatio", discovered in 1985, are the most impressive attractions of the exhibition.
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
424.81704711914
Public Beach Portalban
Lot's of sand at your disposal...
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
435.30786132812
Vully-les-Lacs Tourism
The Vully-les-Lacs tourist office, located in the centre of the village in spacious premises, has been given a makeover.
Regional information, maps, events, numerous ideas for visits are offered to you by our advisors, experts in the region.
Tourism Office vully-les-Lacs (Vully-les-Lacs Tourisme)
Tourism Office vully-les-Lacs (Vully-les-Lacs Tourisme)
Plage Salavaux (@Vully-les-Lacs Tourisme)
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