On the southern shore of Lake Murten, Faoug combines natural assets and cultural history with opportunities for excursions on land and on the water. The area offers a variety of highlights: lakeside landscapes and wildlife, hiking trails and boat trips, as well as architecture and archaeological evidence.
Lakeside Landscape and Biodiversity
Faoug sits slightly above the southern shore of Lake Murten and is surrounded by fields, vineyard-covered hills and natural lakeside areas. The municipality is home to exceptionally rich biodiversity at the mouth of the Chandon. Part of Faoug is listed in the national floodplain inventory as a breeding ground for amphibians and birds. This gives the area’s natural character a distinct profile: alongside the lake shore, habitats for a range of animal groups are also a focus.
The history of the area is documented as far back as the Middle Ages. Agriculture and fishing have historically shaped Faoug. The lake and its shore can therefore be viewed both as a landscape and in the context of the area’s past.
Domaine Cornaz and Archaeological Remains
Domaine Cornaz is a striking example of the area’s cultural heritage. A decision published in 2026 placed it under heritage protection for its preservation and conservation. The complex consists of three monumental buildings arranged in a U shape around a courtyard. Its exceptional heritage value stems from its rich decoration and the notable interventions of architect Henri Perregaux. Architecture enthusiasts can appreciate both the overall layout and the design and structural details.
Archaeological findings also reveal traces of different periods. Sixteen cremation graves from Roman times were excavated at the Marais de Clavaleyres necropolis. At the Hallstatt-period settlement of Derrière le Channey, the ground plan of a house with interior walls and a carefully constructed hearth came to light. These findings represent different aspects of past ways of life: Roman-era burials in one case, and the ground plan of a Hallstatt-period house in the other.
In 1989, the route of a major Roman road was confirmed in Faoug. It leaves the urban area of Avenches in a north-easterly direction. Together with the graves and the settlement ground plan, this gives a picture of cultural history that is not limited to a single period. Architecture and archaeological history are therefore a distinct focus for planning a trip, alongside the lake and nature.
Hiking Trails, Boat Trips and the Lido
The “De Faoug à Morat” hike starts at Faoug railway station and passes through Bois de Mottey. The “Morat–Avenches” hike runs via Faoug harbour to Camping-plage d’Avenches. The main difference between the two routes is their described course: one passes through Bois de Mottey, while the other connects the harbour with the stated endpoint. As routes may change, check the itinerary before setting off.
Excursion boats operated by LNM depart from the landing stage in Faoug and offer trips on Lake Murten, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel. If you are planning a boat trip, check the timetable before arranging the rest of your day. This lets you choose between a hike and a boat trip based on the respective routes or departure times, without trying to fit both activities into the same schedule.
Faoug’s lido has changing cabins, sanitary facilities, a large sports field, a children’s playground and the old harbour. The lido is accessible by public transport. Before visiting, check current access options and the condition of the facilities, as local amenities may change. Faoug’s annual youth festival takes place on the municipal beach. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the exact date.
Faoug as a Base for Your Stay
Those looking for hotels in Faoug can choose the area based on their planned activities and take the relevant route or timetable information into account when planning their day.
Discover more destinations: Cudrefin, Bellerive Vd, Dompierre VD, Corcelles-le-Jorat, Cremin, Payerne, Vully-Les-Lacs, Chevroux.
Go to the regional travel overview: Broye-Vully.
