On foot or by bike

The Grande Cariçaie is made up of 8 large cantonal nature reserves. The primary objective of these reserves is to protect nature, but they are also widely open to walking and other leisure activities. However, as home to many threatened species, these areas are fragile. Walking in a nature reserve therefore requires visitors to behave appropriately, so as not to disturb the wildlife and to respect the natural environment. Visitors are asked to stay on authorised paths, not to pick plants and to take their rubbish with them.

Several types of signs inform reserve users of the rules to be observed and the outstanding natural features. While enjoying the unique environment that surrounds them, everyone is invited to respect the signs and rules that have been put in place.

Boating, swimming and protected areas

The Grande Cariçaie nature reserves play a very important role all year round for waterbird species, some of which are rare in Switzerland and very sensitive to disturbance. In autumn and winter, certain species seek refuge on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, while at other times of the year, the Grande Cariçaie is home to other species that come to nest and raise their young.

To protect these species, lakeside refuges have been defined, to which access is prohibited for all or part of the year. However, the reserves remain open to boating and swimming in many other areas. Map of regulated areas

The lake refuges are marked with yellow buoys and signs prohibiting boating. Within these perimeters, swimming is prohibited, as is sailing with any type of craft, including canoes, dinghies, paddleboats, windsurfers, etc.

Apart from the signposted lake refuge, the boundary of the reserve in the lake is not signposted. These areas are freely accessible for boating and swimming. It should be remembered, however, that the Federal Ordinance on Inland Navigation (art. 53 para. 3 and 59 para. 1) prohibits navigation and the parking of boats less than 25 metres from fields of aquatic vegetation. Berthing is also prohibited, except in areas that are also accessible by land.