The Pro Natura Champ-Pittet Centre provides access to the Grande Cariçaie, Switzerland’s largest lakeside marsh, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel near Yverdon. Follow nature trails and boardwalks to hides where you can watch the birds.
Nature reserves and parks
Main highlights
- Gateway to the Grande Cariçaie, Switzerland’s largest lakeside nature reserve
- Nature trails and hides for watching migratory and resident birds
- Historic château and 40 hectares of reed beds, wet meadows and floodplain forests
Overview
The centre lies east of Yverdon-les-Bains, in the municipality of Cheseaux-Noréaz, close to Lake Neuchâtel. It is part of the Grande Cariçaie, Switzerland’s largest lakeside marsh, and serves as one of its gateways.
Since 1984, Pro Natura has occupied the Champ-Pittet château estate and an area of marshland and reed beds. The site is also home to the association’s headquarters for French-speaking Switzerland. It serves as a place for raising awareness about the environment and lake ecosystems.
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What to see and do
The reserve covers 40 hectares of reed beds, wet meadows and floodplain forests. From the château, waymarked nature trails, paths and boardwalks lead you through the marsh. Information panels explain how these wetlands work, along with their flora and fauna.
The trails lead to hides where you can watch marsh life without disturbing the animals. They offer views of the many migratory and resident birds found in this protected wetland.
The centre also runs workshops, talks and activities focused on gardening, nature discovery, art and spirituality. The café-restaurant, housed in the château, serves seasonal cuisine on a terrace overlooking the lake and marshes.
Practical information
Getting there : the centre is located on the edge of Yverdon-les-Bains, on the road to Cheseaux-Noréaz. It can be reached by public transport from Yverdon-les-Bains.
On site : free parking, café-restaurant with terrace, waymarked trails and hides.
Accessibility : the developed trails and boardwalks make the reserve easier to access, but some areas may be more difficult depending on the weather.
Visitor tips
Bring binoculars to watch the birds from the hides. Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times to spot wildlife.
Wear footwear suited to natural paths, which can be wet after rain. Check the centre’s programme to join a workshop or talk.
Nearby
- The Yverdon-les-Bains Thermal Centre draws on natural sulphurous waters set in a tree-lined park.
- The Maison d’Ailleurs in Yverdon-les-Bains is a museum devoted to science fiction, utopias and extraordinary journeys.
- Yverdon Castle, built in 1259 by Peter of Savoy, houses four cultural institutions.
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