Estavayer-le-Lac walks

A lovely walk, perfect for getting fit in early spring, through the Grande Cariçaie bird sanctuary. Don’t forget your binoculars! There’s a fairly steep climb to note, but it’s relatively short and, once at the top, offers a lovely view of the northern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, the Vaud Jura and the Neuchâtel Jura.

Views of Moléson, the Alps and Mont Blanc on a clear day. Mostly shaded hike, sheltered from the wind. If you look closely, you may spot wildlife along the path, which is closed to vehicles. The hike is ideal for walking with your dog, but watch out for horse riders on the path.

Hike from Chambrelien, passing through Champ du Moulin and following the Gorges de l'Areuse trail, with several views of Lake Neuchâtel. You will follow the blue trail, where you may spot chamois, then the gorge trail to admire the waterfalls.

Le Creux du Van is one of the most famous geological formations in the Jura. This immense cirque with its impressive vertical cliffs offers steep landscapes that contrast with the gentle neighbouring pastures. This is the hike to do to discover the Val de Travers. It is very easy to see ibex here, as they are used to walkers.

This beautiful hike in the Swiss Jura mountains will take you along the renowned Sentier des Quatorze Contours to the magnificent Creux du Van cirque with its steep cliffs, home to a herd of around twenty ibexes, which you’re almost certain to spot provided you keep a safe distance from them. Pass the summit of Mont Soliat before reaching the Grand Vy farm and restaurant and beginning your descent. You’ll then walk along the foot of these magnificent cliffs to the aptly named Fontaine Froide, before reaching the Ferme Robert – a seasonal relaxation area – and returning to your car park, your eyes still filled with images of this spectacular landscape.

A superb hike in an iconic site in the Swiss Jura, accessible to most people. You will encounter some not-so-wild wildlife, including ibex and chamois. Magnificent flora and landscapes and superb views. Not to mention the dairy farms where you can stop for food and refreshments.

Sixth stage, from Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. From Les Rochats, the route climbs gently through pastures and wooded areas. You then arrive at the impressive Creux du Van rock cirque. From the heights, the view of Lake Neuchâtel is splendid. Then, taking the Sentier des Quatorze Contours trail, you descend towards Noiraigue, surrounded by two natural wonders: the Creux du Van rock cirque and the Areuse Gorges.

The goal for this second stage is to climb Chasseron. This rocky cliff offers breathtaking views of Lake Neuchâtel and, further south, Lake Geneva. You will also enjoy views of numerous Alpine peaks in the distance, rising up from the horizon.

Le Creux du Van is a natural cirque located in the Swiss Jura. It was formed by the freezing and thawing action of a glacier. It is now accessible from several locations, such as from Noiraigue via the Sentier des Quatorze Contours. This hike has a significant climb over the first few kilometres. It is also possible to return via the Gorges de l’Areuse, at the Saut du Brot.

A superb walk along the River Areuse with its various gradients and several bridges spanning it, leading out of the gorges to a magnificent view of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. The return journey from this hike will be by train from Bole station.

During this first stage, after the tedious climb up the 14 contours, you will be rewarded by the local geological curiosity, the Creux du Van. This Swiss version of the "Grand Canyon" is a large rocky cirque 1.5 km long and 200 m high. At Soliat, you will enjoy a splendid panorama of Lake Neuchâtel.

This magnificent route passes through peaceful forests, along long ridges and steep cliffs. Every day offers panoramic views of the peaks of the Alps, the lakes of Neuchâtel, Geneva and Joux, and curiosities such as the great Cirque du Creux du Van.

An unmissable hike in the region, accessible without a car.

The small village of Noiraigue in the Val de Travers is the starting point for the magnificent Gorges de l’Areuse hike, the upper entrance to which is only about 1 km away. The route runs alongside the railway line and the valley narrows considerably. The impressive gorge, with its idyllic old stone bridge, is at Saut de Brot. Continuing towards Champ-du-Moulin along a small road, you will find another crossing via a section of path that leads you back into the gorges. Gigantic rock faces soar skywards. The path takes you over small bridges and through tunnels. Then, a power station marks the end of the spectacle; just one last bridge to cross and head towards Champ-du-Moulin for the return journey along a forest road and a view of Le Creux du Van.

Seventh stage from Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. From Noiraigue, the route begins with a steady climb before joining a varied trail that runs along a ridge dotted with viewpoints and clearings. Le Creux du Van, Lake Neuchâtel and, on a clear day, the Alps with Mont Blanc accompany you on your way to the Tablettes viewpoint. The hike continues towards the Tête de Ran (1,422 m), offering breathtaking views of the Alps, Lake Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds. Finally, a short descent takes you to the Col de la Vue des Alpes, a natural link between the valleys of Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds.

A circular walk starting from the village of Couvet in the Val-de-Travers. The route passes through the Corridor-au-Loup, a geological curiosity, and La Glacière de Monlési, a protected nature reserve and a unique geological phenomenon. The cave is a karst sinkhole containing three shafts, leading to a large chamber filled with ice where ice stalagmites and stalactites can be found.

A superb walk in the hills above Neuchâtel, starting from La Sagne, a peatland area. You’ll first follow a path lined with dozens of statues carved directly into the trees by a local sculptor. The multitude of small paths leading from one statue to the next will make you forget the incline. You will then reach the day’s highest point at Mont Racine, with its view over the whole of the Swiss plain and, in the distance, the Alps.Depending on the season, you may spot a herd of yaks near the Grandes Pradières. The path will then take you to the summit of the Tête de Ran, and on to La Vue Des Alpes. The return journey follows excellent paths or crosses the mountain pastures, ending in a beautiful wooded valley bordering a lovely little stream.

Starting from La Sagne, you will go to Tête de Ran (1,422 m) via Combe des Quignets. From there, take the Chemin des Crêtes to Mont Racine (1,439 m), where you will have a view of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. At the end of the Chemin des Crêtes, head towards the Chemin des Statues to finish your hike: sculptures carved from tree stumps by Georges-André Favre over a period of 35 years.

A pleasant walk in the forest, passing 1,000 metres above Montlebon.