ArtiChoke urban art route

Overview

Hint

エスタヴェイエ・ル・ラック

フリブール地方

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Contact

Association Touristique de la Broye
Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville 5
1470 Estavayer-le-Lac
Phone +41 (0)26 301 60 30
estavayerlelac.ch

Intro

A unique route awaits visitors in the heart of the medieval town of Estavayer-le-Lac: the urban art route includes 15 works by artists from a wide variety of disciplines, that are consistently based on modern and contemporary art.

Strolling between historic facades and Lake Neuchâtel while discovering original artworks becomes a reality on the ArtiChoke route in Estavayer-le-Lac. The highly accessible open-air gallery offers a thematic tour that is in stark contrast to the medieval town. Please allow a little more than an hour for your visit. The tour is self-guided using a map that can be downloaded or collected at no charge from the town’s tourist office. And if you would like to find out more about the artists, you can also book a guided tour.

The route brings together some fifteen works that have been painted, modelled, shaped or produced using other techniques at various sites around the historic town. Swiss and international artists bring to life diverse and sometimes offbeat worlds.

One of the facades along the Grand-Rue has been decorated by Spanish artist Raquel Rodrigo, using an embroidery technique that is popular worldwide. You can also discover an impressive work made up of 788 origami works by French artist Mademoiselle Maurice. These urban artists have taken over a wall in Switzerland for the first time, where they will be presenting works created specifically for the tour.

The ArtiChoke Festival is held in Estavayer-le-Lac every two years, in the summer. Art lovers and curious newcomers will not come away from the event disappointed. The programme includes live painting, musical animations, audiovisual performances, temporary exhibitions and culinary offerings with various food trucks.

More information about the tour.

What is the meaning behind the name “ArtiChoke”? The word comes from a combination of the words “art” and “choc”, the French word for “shock”. It alludes to the clash of medieval walls with contemporary urban art. A name that stands out and surprises.