Chemin de la Grande Cariçaie
Overview
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Distance 13 km
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Duration 3 h 25 min
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Ascent 240 m
Intro
Nature and humans live together harmoniously in the Grande Cariçaie on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. The nature reserve, Switzerland's largest lakeside wetland, is home to 800 plant species and over 10,000 animal species, who shape the banks under the friendly gaze of passing hikers.
Description
The walk begins in the town of Estavayer-le-Lac, whose narrow streets, with their many historical and architectural gems, are well worth a stroll. Worth a visit are for example the Gothic abbey church or the Savoy castle from the 12th century.
Once leaving the city walls, nature opens up before you. In Font, you enter the Cheyres nature reserve. Only bikes and walkers are permitted from this point onwards. Take the time to listen to the frogs singing to their hearts’ content, discover the little hidden beaches, observe the alert wildlife read the explanatory panels about the Grande Cariçaie. It comprises 8 nature reserves on a surface of 3000 ha and houses one third of the flora and a quarter of the fauna all over Switzerland. As you leave the reserve turn left and join the main road to your right, until you reach a hiking trail panel. From Le Moulin, the itinerary takes the hikers along a steep path towards Bethany, passing about thirty meters from the Oratoire de Bonne Fontaine.
You follow your way through the village of Châbles, heading towards Estavayer-le-Lac. At point 591, there is an attractive picnic area with a breathtaking view over the Grande Cariçaie and the Jura. You then head back to Châtillon and finally, Estavayer-le-Lac on country lanes. Tip: there are plenty of cafés and restaurants in Estavayer-le-Lac, some right on the shore of the lake. A picnic on one of the little beaches along the route would also be a pleasant option.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Estavayer-le-Lac
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Estavayer-le-Lac
|
| Direction |
Round trip
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| Ascent |
240 m
|
| Descent |
240 m
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| Distance |
13 km
|
| Duration |
3 h 25 min
|
| Duration back |
3 h 25 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Season |
All year
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| Theme |
Along Water
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
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Quick Facts
Route number
