La Molière

La Molière is a medieval tower standing on a hilltop near Estavayer, built with stone walls that rise several meters high. From the top, views sweep across Lakes Neuchâtel, Murten, and Bienne as well as the Swiss plateau below.

The tower was built in the 12th century as the center of a castle belonging to the Molière family. In 1625, the site came under Fribourg's control.

The site takes its name from the Molière family, who ruled here for centuries and displayed their authority through this structure. Today, the ruins remind visitors of how power was organized in medieval times across this region.

To enter the tower, visitors need an access code that can be obtained on site. A picnic area with tables and grills sits at the base of the structure for resting and eating.

Until 1798, this tower was part of a communication network with towers at Gourze and Saint-Triphon. These signal towers formed a system for sending messages across the landscape.

Location: Estavayer

Location: Canton of Fribourg

Part of: list of cultural properties in Estavayer

Address: La Molière 1a, 1498 Murist

GPS coordinates: 46.79793,6.82194

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:40