Another day with more than a hint of the Côte d'Azur follows for us, but at just under two hundred metres above sea level between the Jura and the Alps. As everyday life at home catches up with us for a few hours, we can only continue our trip in the late afternoon. Instead of heading for the town of Grandson in the far south and exploring the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve by bike, we choose the short route back to the opposite shore and the port of Saint-Aubin, just six kilometres away.
Compared to our previous moorings, it's not quite as beautiful here on the Kranpier, but it's just a few minutes in the saddle along the Avenue de Neuchâtel to the bathing area of Chez-le-Bart, whose historic pavilion is one of the most popular Insta spots on the lake and whose crystal-clear water doesn't need to shy away from any Mediterranean comparison - and doesn't sting the eyes to boot.
The third lake of the journey
The next morning we set off early, as the last stage of the tour is just under four hours away: Murten on Lake Murten, the third of the trio in the area. By half past ten, we can leave Lake Neuchâtel behind us as the eight-kilometre-long Broye Canal begins. Also part of the Jura water correction, it nevertheless appears more natural than the Zihl Canal. When it finally flows into Lake Murten, the difference in size becomes clear: compared to the endless blue of Lake Neuchâtel, you immediately have the smallest of the three lakes completely in view.
And so it takes us less than half an hour to realise that the one suitable guest berth for us in the oval basin of the Murten marina is already occupied.
In Vallamand opposite, on the shore that belongs to the canton of Vaud, we have more luck. Here we are allowed to moor alongside in the harbour entrance. Registration is quickly completed and shortly afterwards we unload the bikes once again - because we're not giving up on our visit to Murten that quickly: it's 25 kilometres around the lake, which we dare to do, even if we have to take the climb to Mont Vully, which is around 200 metres above the shore, for the beautiful view over the Land of the Three Lakes.
No sooner said than done! And so, around two hours later (swimming stop included), we are standing at the entrance to the old town of Murten in front of the magnificent Berntor and park our bikes. The sun is still shining. This time we have a German-speaking town in an otherwise French-speaking canton - Fribourg - in front of us. Could there be anything more fitting to round off our magnificent "Tour de Suisse" than Rösti, because that's what it's called in French: Rösti!
The bottom line
- Varied, surprisingly extensive area, which nevertheless does not pose any major navigational problems.
- Interesting contrasts between modernity, history and nature. High status as a holiday destination. Mediterranean flair.
- Very good service at the charter base and excellent equipment on the boat.
The charter boat
Linssen Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC (steel displacement) - Length: 10.70 m - Width: 3.40 m - Draught: 1 m - Displacement: 9 t - Engine: 1 x 75 hp (diesel) - Cabins: 2 (2 berths each) - WC/shower: 2 - Equipment: bow and stern thruster, TV, digital cruising guide - Weekly rates (depending on season): 3465 to 4447 euros
The charter company
3 Lacs Yacht Charter is based in Le Landeron in the south-west of Lake Biel. From there, the entire area of the three lakes can be explored in a week, but there are also plenty of destinations for two-week cruises (including a trip on the navigable Aare to Solothurn). There is a choice of three new Linssen yachts, one of which can also be chartered all year round thanks to additional equipment. Comprehensive comfort applies to the entire fleet. Contact: 3 Lacs Yacht Charter, Chem. de la Petite-Thielle 16, CH-2525 Le Landeron, tel. +41 (0) 32/333 30 30.
