Region
Inspiration from All Directions
La grande Cariçaie
Switzerland’s Largest Lake-Side Nature Reserve
Right on your doorstep lies a true natural paradise: LA GRANDE CARIÇAIE, Switzerland’s largest lakeside wetland area. It spans nearly 3,000 hectares along the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel and is internationally recognized as a natural area of exceptional biodiversity.
Hiking and biking trails wind through peaceful reed beds and forests—a refuge for more than 800 plant species and 10,000 animal species.
The nature centers at CHAMP-PITTET in Yverdon-les-Bains and LA SAUGE in Cudrefin offer a fascinating glimpse into this remarkable ecosystem.
Just a 15-minute walk away, in Font, lies the nearest FINE-SAND BEACH. In the shade of fragrant pine trees, a long wooden walkway extends into the lake—an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing
On the south shore—among vineyards, marinas, and a Caribbean vibe
An hour’s walk from La Vuardaz brings you to CHEYRES. There you’ll discover the only vineyard on the south shore of Lake Neuchâtel situated on molasse soil, producing particularly fruity wines that are typical of the region. A WINE TRAIL lets you explore the different stages of wine production throughout the seasons. CHEVROUX is a 40-minute bike ride from the hotel. Europe’s largest inland port charms visitors with its remarkable wooden pier and its EDUCATIONAL TRAIL that winds through the nature reserve. In GLETTERENS, a little further north, the LAKE VILLAGE has been reconstructed on the ruins of AUTHENTIC NEOLITHIC DWELLINGS. It’s a place where history comes alive. Gletterens is also renowned for its beach, nestled in the heart of the nature reserve: white sand and turquoise waters make you feel as if you’re on a seaside vacation. Even when temperatures are cooler, swimming in the lake is still possible. For those who prefer warm waters, a trip to YVERDON-LES-BAINS is a must. Here, thermal water naturally flows from the spring at 29 °C. This historic SPA town was already known to the Romans and is just a 20-minute drive from La Vuardaz.
From Estavayer-le-Lac to Neuchâtel and the Val-de-Travers
The medieval town of ESTAVAYER-LE-LAC, a 30-minute walk away, charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, rose gardens, and the imposing Château de Chenaux.
Here, history, art, and joie de vivre come together: the ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL transforms the town throughout the year into an open-air art gallery, featuring murals, sculptures, and installations.
The one-of-a-kind MUSÉE DES GRENOUILLES houses an astonishing collection of taxidermied frogs depicted in everyday situations—which is where the museum gets its name. Small boutiques, charming cafés, and refined restaurants invite you to stroll and take your time. We’d be happy to offer advice and, if you’d like, make reservations for you.
For lovers of theatre and concerts, L’AZIMUT and LA PRILLAZ are two hidden gems: authentic, welcoming venues with an intimate atmosphere that also bring internationally renowned artists to Estavayer. L’Azimut is particularly known for its concerts, while La Prillaz is known for its theatre season.
Estavayer is also a major hub for water sports in Switzerland and boasts the country’s longest water ski lift. The ALPHASURF SPORTS CENTER, located at Nouvelle Plage, offers a wide range of water sports activities. Boats for the THREE-LAKES CRUISE also depart from Estavayer—a pleasant excursion on Lakes Neuchâtel, Morat, and Biel, for which we recommend setting aside a full day.
Across from Estavayer lies the picturesque city of NEUCHÂTEL, with its urban elegance, which can be reached in just over an hour by boat or 40 minutes by car. On the lakeshore, the LATÉNIUM, Switzerland’s largest archaeological museum, invites visitors on a fascinating journey through the history of the region.
From Neuchâtel, set out to explore the VAL-DE-TRAVERS and the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland”: the CREUX-DU-VAN, in the heart of the Jura Nature Reserve. From the picturesque village of Noiraigue, a magnificent HIKING TRAIL begins, allowing you to explore this spectacular site.
A few kilometers further west in the valley, the historic village of MÔTIERS invites you to explore the MAISON DE L’ABSINTHE, the legacy of philosopher JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU, and the remarkable open-air exhibition ART MÔTIERS.
