In the heart of the medieval city, the Chenaux castle dominates Lake Neuchâtel. Built from 1284, only one of the 3 towers has survived: the current dovecote.
The castle of Chenaux, Castrum de canalibus, takes its name from the wide ditches that protected it. It was built in 1284 by Pierre d'Estavayer and his brother Guillaume on the model of the "Savoyard square".
Bought in 1432 by Humbert the Bastard, the castle is transformed into a fortress with the addition of a peripheral enclosure and two brick towers. To win against the people from Estavayer-le-Lac, Humbert split the large tower on the city side by a powerful defensive castle at the front of the ditch. However, this very well defended castle remaind empty because Humbert died in 1443 and could not complete the interior fittings.
In 1454, after Humbert's death, the castle was bought by Jacques d'Estavayer, who also took over the seigneury. But the castle, adorned with its new fortifications, is a too heavy burden. Jacques d'Estavayer-Chenaux goes into debt with the Fribourg Hospital. In 1475, after the capture of Estavayer by the Confederates, Freiburg seized the castle, which from then on became its residence. The castle, still property of the State of Fribourg, continues to fulfil the same administrative functions as before, the prefects succeeded the bailiffs.
Visits
The interior of the castle is not open to the public. Only the keep (donjon) is accessible.
The gardens and exterior grounds are open all year round.
The keep is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, from early May to the end of October. Outside this period, access is possible upon request at the Prefecture (key must be collected).
Guided tours of the old town, including the castle and keep, can be booked through the Tourist Office.
Parking: Blue zone parking spaces available
Accessible by public transport: yes, to Estavayer-le-Lac station then 10 minutes on foot
Accessible by car: yes
Estavayer-le-Lac Région
Place des Bastians 1
1470 Estavayer-le-Lac
