Chemin des Trois-Lacs, Stage 2/3

In Estavayer-le-Lac, it is worth taking a stroll through the picturesque old town with its cobbled streets and imposing castle. Children will have fun on the fine sandy beach, and on the secluded hike along the shore of the lake, spotting the many aquatic animals in the reed beds.

The roughly three-hour hike begins at the Estavayer-le-Lac, hôpital bus stop. The trail passes through Estavayer-le-Lac, leaving the Château de Chenaux slightly off the route, and exits the town via Les Fours. Soon, stretches of woodland alternate with open meadows; with only minor changes in elevation, the route heads northeast close to the lake.

After Sous la Corbière, the yellow-waymarked hiking trail approaches Lac de Neuchâtel. The largest lake lying entirely within Switzerland dominates the scenery, visible at times behind trees and at others across open ground. Chevroux is reached around halfway; at the Restaurant du Port, the route passes through the village before heading out again between woodland and meadows.

Towards the end, the trail climbs almost imperceptibly to its highest point at around 460 m, not far from Grand Belmont. From there, only a gentle descent to Portalban remains. The hike enters the village among the first houses and ends near the Portalban, village bus stop.