Chevroux lies on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. The Sentier didactique de Chevroux (Chevroux educational trail) allows visitors to explore the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve and also introduces aspects of the town’s older and more recent history. Along this route, natural landscapes meet local history. Prehistoric lakeside settlements and the Reformed church add archaeology and architectural history to the mix.

Nature Trail and Nature Exploration

The Sentier runs in two consecutive sections: from the eastern end to the Chevroux shelter is about 1.3 km; the route then continues from the shelter to the Chevroux football field for about 800 m. The shelter is therefore the end point of the first section and the starting point of the second. The first section is longer, the second shorter. Each information board has QR codes that smartphone users can scan to access additional information. The Sentier thus combines exploration of the Grande Cariçaie with topics relating to the town’s older and more recent history.

Pile Dwellings and Archaeological Traces Through Time

Chevroux–Village comprises two consecutive settlement phases from the Late Neolithic and is considered one of the best-preserved prehistoric lakeside settlement sites in the municipality. At Chevroux–La Bessime, archaeological remains have been preserved on dry land since the end of the 19th century. The site lies on the edge of the forest and lakeside marsh in a protected natural area. Two consecutive settlement phases from the Middle Neolithic, as well as a later phase from the Late Bronze Age, have been identified there. The two sites differ considerably in age: Chevroux–Village represents the Late Neolithic, while La Bessime includes Middle Neolithic phases and a later phase from the Late Bronze Age. At least thirteen prehistoric lakeside settlement sites lie along more than five kilometres of Chevroux’s lakeshore. Two of Chevroux’s pile-dwelling sites have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps” since 2011. Stone and Bronze Age finds include flint daggers, stone axes and hafted saws.

Reformed Church and Architectural History

Chevroux’s Reformed church is a protected historic monument and was formerly dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. A chapel built in the 15th century, also dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, became the choir of the present-day church. The nave was built in 1678 and rebuilt or restored in 1788. The building therefore reveals several construction phases: the choir dates back to the older chapel, while the nave has a later architectural history.

Harbour and Fish Specialities

Chevroux harbour has more than 1,000 berths and is considered the largest inland harbour in Europe. Chevroux also has restaurants serving fish specialities. If you plan to try these dishes, check what is currently on offer before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Faoug, Mur VD, Corcelles-le-Jorat, Payerne, Vers-Chez-Perrin, Cremin, Dompierre VD, Bellerive Vd

For the regional travel overview: Broye-Vully.