In the heart of the small medieval town of Estavayer-le-Lac stands the Château de Chenaux, overlooking Lake Neuchâtel and the reed beds of the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve.

Without a doubt, the most important building in Estavayer-le-Lac is the Château de Chenaux. It is located in the old town above a steep slope and transports visitors back to mediaeval times. The Savoyard castle dates back to the 13th century.

Humbert the Bastard bought the castle in 1432 and transformed it into a fortress. After his death, the castle was acquired by Jacques d’Estavayer, who also took over as ruler. In 1475, after Estavayer had been taken by the forces of the Swiss Confederation, Fribourg occupied the castle, which it still owns to this day.

The rectangular complex has a 33-metre-high keep, the walls of which are three metres thick. The castle has undergone several renovations and expansions. Only one of the original three towers has survived: this now serves as a dovecote.