Our weekend in Estavayer-le-Lac

A weekend break in Switzerland? Today, in our series «A Weekend in...», we're looking at what there is to do in Estavayer-le-Lac.

Experience

… Every keen wakeboarder and water-skier knows it: the water-ski lift in Estavayer-le-Lac – incidentally, the longest in Switzerland. Beginners and pros alike can be pulled across Lake Neuchâtel by the 800-metre-long lift. Water skis and wakeboards can be hired on site, and wetsuits are available on request. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can hire a stand-up paddleboard or relax on the sunbathing lawn with its sandy beach and small restaurant right next to the water sports centre.
Alphasurf, Champ de la Vigne 7, 1470 Estavayer-le-Lac, www.alphasurf.ch
… In the Gletterens pile-dwelling village, you can experience how our ancestors lived 5,000 years ago. Guides explain daily life in the thatched mud-brick houses, and in workshops you can learn how to make a fire or craft jewellery in the traditional pile-dweller style. You can also stay overnight on the site, not in mud huts but in teepees.
Village Lacustre, Place du Tilleul 1, 1544 Gletterens, www.village-lacustre.ch

How did the pile-dwelling people live?

… The La Sauge Nature Centre, situated right by the lake, is a real highlight for birdwatchers. This beautiful nature reserve features a permanent exhibition and a special exhibition (currently on underwater creatures), a nature laboratory, a multimedia room and a nature trail with three observation huts. The site is designed so that the animals are not disturbed whilst being observed. Don't forget your binoculars!
BirdLife Nature Centre La Sauge, 1588 Cudrefin, www.birdlife.ch/lasauge
… Struggling to get the kids excited about sightseeing? How about a treasure hunt?! On various routes ranging from 5 to 10 kilometres, to be covered on foot or by bike, you'll need to solve puzzles to reach the finish. Participation is free,
information available at the tourist office: Estavayer-le-Lac / Payerne Tourisme, Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville 5, 1470 Estavayer-le-Lac, www.estavayer-payerne.ch > Rally

… A kilometre on foot is tiring, tiring... and even more so by bike! The area around Estavayer-le-Lac is a cyclist's paradise. The Grande Cariçaie lakeside landscape on the southern and eastern shores of Lake Neuchâtel is mostly flat, so even children can pedal away with gusto. Along the way, dozens of secluded beaches beckon for a refreshing break in the nature reserve.
More detailed information on cycle tours in the area: www.estavayer-payerne.ch > Cycling & Biking

Enjoy

… If you're still feeling sore from cycling the day before, or if you'd simply like to be driven around, we recommend a carriage ride . One route takes you through the beautiful Grande Cariçaie nature reserve – followed by a visit to a wine cellar. For groups of six or more.
Information and prices: www.estavayer-payerne.ch > «Nature & Culinary Delights» carriage ride
… The ArtiChoke Festival is being held for the very first time this year. Under the theme «Urban Art», various events will take place in the lakeside town at the beginning of July, including a market, food trucks and a painting room especially for children, where they can give free rein to their creativity. A special highlight: during the festival, the Street Art Route through Estavayer will be inaugurated – and it will remain in place afterwards.
The festival takes place from 5 to 7 July 2019. www.artichokefestival.ch

… On the Cheyres Wine Trail, walkers can experience the different stages of wine production throughout the seasons, the history of viticulture and the vines themselves. There are also breathtaking views of the lake and the Jura, as well as several barbecue areas. The tour, which lasts just under two hours, starts at the Cheyres village hall.
Further information: www.estavayer-payerne.ch > Vineyard Trail

Stay in the Pod. A slightly different kind of overnight stay.

Accommodation

… Families can sleep like Tarzan in the La Corbière treehouse, which has a kitchen and bathroom, from 60 CHF per person.
Ferme de la Corbière, La Corbière 2, 1470 Estavayer-le-Lac, www.corbiere.ch
… In the heart of the medieval town, the Hotel Le Rive Sud offers double rooms with breakfast for 185 CHF per night; an extra bed for a child costs 50 CHF extra.
Le Rive Sud, Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville 16, 1470 Estavayer-le-Lac, www.lerivesud.ch
… A night in a pod promises a whole new camping experience – cosy mini-cabins complete with a terrace offering magnificent views over the lake, from 110 CHF for two people.
Camping La Nouvelle Plage, Chemin de la Grande Gouille 2, 1470 Estavayer-le-Lac, www.nouvelle-plage.ch