Centre Pro Natura de Champ-Pittet

About the museum

General François-Louis-Frédéric Haldimand had the Champ-Pittet estate planned from 1777 as a country seat on Lake Neuchâtel. Haldimand, born in Yverdon in 1718, had made a career in the British army and was Governor General of Canada; he died in 1791 before construction and furnishing were complete. Afterwards, heirs and buyers changed several times.

In 1979 the then Swiss League for Nature Protection, today's Pro Natura, and its Vaud section acquired the estate. They wanted to establish a centre here that would raise public awareness of nature conservation and especially of the Grande Cariçaie, the largest lakeshore wetland in Switzerland. After several years of renovation work, the centre opened in 1985.

In the castle, the centre presents an interactive exhibition of over 300 square metres that changes about every two years, as well as a nature laboratory and art exhibitions. Outdoors, the offering includes a permanent exhibition on honey bees and wild bees, three educational trails through marsh, forest and gardens, and an observation tower. The estate's former vegetable garden now serves as the "Garden of Delights" and supplies the restaurant.

Highlights

• 18th-century castle on Lake Neuchâtel
• Interactive exhibition and nature laboratory in the castle
• Outdoor permanent exhibition on honey bees and wild bees
• Three educational trails through marsh, forest and gardens
• Observation tower in the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve

Permanent exhibition

• Honig- und Wildbienen – The open-air exhibition in three outdoor spaces explains the role of honey bees and wild bees for biodiversity, with a play area, panels on the history of beehives and a themed trail.

Founded

1985

Operated by

Pro Natura

Director

Thierry Pellet

Admission & discounts

Admission includes the interactive exhibition, the nature laboratory, the search games and a code for the observatory and the Garden of Delights. Free admission for Pro Natura members and with the Swiss Museum Pass.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most of the grounds as well as the castle with its exhibitions and restaurant are accessible to wheelchairs and prams, and a lift serves the floors. Access to the wetland is via very steep boardwalks and is difficult with a wheelchair. Dogs are only permitted in the reserve on a leash and are not allowed in the castle.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Interactive exhibition with play areas for children, two orienteering trails ("Operation Hedgehog", "Who Will Unmask the Honey Thief?"), search games, three educational trails and children's birthday parties with guided tours. The grounds and castle are accessible with prams, except for the orienteering trails.

Getting there & parking

For people with reduced mobility, taxi costs from Yverdon station to the centre, up to a maximum of CHF 30 (round trip), are reimbursed on request.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Restaurant in the castle with seasonal dishes from its own garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 70 guests.

Haldimand Hall (80 m²), Orange Hall (25 m²) and Pavillon des Délices (30 m²) for seminars, celebrations and weddings; meals and aperitifs for up to 70 people, dinners from 30 people, no external catering.

Plan your visit