Switzerland's largest lakeside wetland resembles a long area made up of marshes along Lake Neuchâtel, bordered by forests on the shore.

Grande Cariçaie is 40 kilometres long: on almost 3000 hectares, marshes and fens alternate with alluvial forests and the forested slopes of the old lakeshore. It is home to an estimated 800 types of plant and over 10,000 animal species. Most of the terrain is protected, so a family of beavers has opted to settle in the nature-centre BirdLife La Sauge.

Champ-Pittet Pro Natura centre is in the southern part of Grande Cariçaie near Yverdon-les-Bains. Opened in 1985, the nature conservation centre has extensive infrastructure and a 2-km educational nature trail, partially on gangways over the marshes and through the forest; there is a viewing tower and visitors can watch birds directly on the water.

Excursions, courses and advisors are available in Champ-Pittet castle (nature conservation centre).

Family

The Pro Natura Center Champ-Pittet offers numerous guided tours, such as “tracking hares”, as well as nature trails, the “Operation Hedgehog” activity trail and various thematic exhibitions for the entire family. The café/restaurant in the Pro Natura Centre Champ-Pittet offers seasonal and local delicacies. Pro Natura Champ-Pittet