It could hardly be more impressive: the monumental former abbey church, dating from the 11th century, that dominates the medieval centre of Payerne.
This is the largest Romanesque building in Switzerland, a prime example of Cluniac architecture, and the most important sight in a small town that is exceptionally rich in history. Throughout the year, the abbey and its museum stage important exhibitions of paintings, as well as a series of high-quality concerts. Thanks to its position near Lake Neuchâtel and not far from the nature reserve of the Grande Cariçaie, Payerne also makes a good base for a host of excursions into nature. And anyone hungry after a day in the outdoors will enjoy the wonderful sausages made here that have become famous way beyond the ruins of the ancient town walls.

Estavayer-le-Lac
The little medieval town of Estavayer-le-Lac on the south-east bank of Lake Neuchâtel combines one of Europe's most beautiful nature reserves with the joys of a very varied water sports paradise.
Settled in prehistoric times, colonised by the Romans, plundered by barbarians, coveted by barons: thrilling traces of the civilisations which have shaped this region can be found, for example, in the reconstructed Neolithic village of Gletterens and in the nearby Roman museum. In Estavayer you can see many signs of its rich history: the Savoy castle from the 12th century, the Gothic abbey church and the cobbled streets. If you take a walk along the former town walls, you have a good view of the town. It is from Moudon Square that you have the finest panorama over the Jura mountains to the north of the lake. Numerous rural inns and bars serve regional specialities.

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