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    Lavaux

    Switzerland

    Lavaux

    Point of Interest

    Lavaux is a landscape of steep vineyard terraces on the northern shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Vevey.

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    Lavaux is a landscape of steep vineyard terraces on the northern shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Vevey. Since 2007, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, and with around 800 hectares of vines, it is Switzerland's largest contiguous wine region.The terraces were created from the 11th and 12th centuries onwards under the influence of the Bishops of Lausanne and the Cistercians; the most important grape variety is Chasselas. The best way to explore the area is on foot: From the train stations of Lutry, Cully, Grandvaux, and Chexbres, paths lead through the vines and wine villages; a longer path runs from Lausanne-Ouchy to Chillon Castle. A more comfortable option is the Train des Vignes, which travels from Vevey through the vineyards up to Puidoux-Chexbres. At the Lavaux Vinorama in Rivaz, you can taste regional wines.
    Lavaux stretches up the steep slopes on the northern shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Vevey. The vineyard terraces date back to Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. Between stone walls and rows of vines lie wine-growing villages such as Lutry, Cully, Epesses, Rivaz, and Saint-Saphorin, with Chexbres towering above them all. The best way to experience the region is on foot along the paths through the vineyards, with a break in one of the wine cellars and a view over the lake to the Savoy Alps.

    Sights in Lavaux

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Chillon Castle
    Museum

    Chillon Castle

    The water castle on a rocky island near Veytaux, about five kilometers southeast of Montreux, is the endpoint of the path from Lausanne-Ouchy through the Lavaux. Lord Byron's poem «The Prisoner of Chillon» from 1816, about François Bonivard incarcerated here, made the castle world-famous.
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    Saint-Saphorin

    Saint-Saphorin

    The small wine village on the lakeside is one of the most picturesque in Lavaux. Steep lanes lead between old winegrowers' houses up to the late Gothic church, surrounded by terraced vineyards extending to the village outskirts.
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    Lavaux Vinorama

    Lavaux Vinorama

    The Wine Centre in Rivaz sits between vineyards and the lakeside road. A film explains Lavaux's wine year, and at the bar, you can taste and buy wines from many local winemakers.
    Open in Google Maps

    Sights in Lavaux

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Chillon Castle
    Museum

    1Chillon Castle

    The water castle on a rocky island near Veytaux, about five kilometers southeast of Montreux, is the endpoint of the path from Lausanne-Ouchy through the Lavaux. Lord Byron's poem «The Prisoner of Chillon» from 1816, about François Bonivard incarcerated here, made the castle world-famous.
    Open in Google Maps
    Saint-Saphorin

    2Saint-Saphorin

    The small wine village on the lakeside is one of the most picturesque in Lavaux. Steep lanes lead between old winegrowers' houses up to the late Gothic church, surrounded by terraced vineyards extending to the village outskirts.
    Open in Google Maps
    Lavaux Vinorama

    3Lavaux Vinorama

    The Wine Centre in Rivaz sits between vineyards and the lakeside road. A film explains Lavaux's wine year, and at the bar, you can taste and buy wines from many local winemakers.
    Open in Google Maps

    Restaurants in Lavaux

    1

    Café de Riex

    Café and French cuisine on the Route de la Corniche, the wine route high above the lake in the heart of Lavaux.
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    2

    Café Restaurant la Gare Cully

    Fine French cuisine at the station square of the wine village of Cully, easily combined with a hike through the vineyards.
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    3

    Cambuse Beach

    Located on the Route de Moratel near Cully, right on the lakefront.
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    Eating & Drinking in Lavaux

    Chasselas

    The typical white wine of Lavaux, fresh and mineral, pairs well with lake fish and cheese.

    Fillets of perch

    Lightly fried perch fillets from Lake Geneva, usually with french fries and lemon, you'll find in many lakeside restaurants.

    Papet Vaudois

    A hearty Vaudois stew made of leeks and potatoes, served with Saucisson vaudois.

    Wine and Tradition in Lavaux

    In Lavaux, almost everything revolves around wine. The most important grape variety is Chasselas, a light, mineral white wine that grows here on terraces reaching down to the lake. The Dézaley and Calamin sites are considered the region's best.Caveaux and Wine CellarsIn many villages, winemakers open their cellars for tastings, while communal caveaux serve wines from several estates during the season. At Lavaux Vinorama in Rivaz, you can sample wines from the entire region.Fête des VigneronsThe winegrowers' festival in neighboring Vevey takes place only a few times per century, most recently in 2019. Since 2016, it has been on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

    On the Road in Lavaux

    Regional trains on the Lausanne–Vevey line stop in the lakeside winegrowing villages. From Vevey, the Train des Vignes climbs through the vineyards to Chexbres. CGN boats call at Lutry and Cully, among other places. It's best to hike a section through the terraces and return by train or boat. The paths are well-marked, but often steep and barely shaded in the sun.

    Accommodations in Lavaux

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    Lake Geneva Area

    Lake Geneva Area

    Lake Geneva is the center of French-speaking Switzerland. At the western end of the lake is Geneva, with the Jet d'Eau and the European headquarters of the United Nations, while on the north shore, the Lavaux vineyard terraces stretch between Lausanne and Vevey.The region combines city, wine, and lake shores with views of the Alps. Boats, lakeside paths, and railway lines along the lake make it easily explorable without a car.
    Pâquis

    Pâquis

    The quarter on the right bank, between Cornavin Station and the lake, is Geneva's liveliest and most international quarter, with many small restaurants from all over the world. On the lakefront are the Bains des Pâquis, a popular public bathing area with views of the Jet d'Eau.
    The Old Town

    The Old Town

    Geneva's Old Town is situated on a hill on the left bank of the lake, surrounding Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Steep lanes lead up to the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the city's oldest square, which is lined with cafés. Below, the Parc des Bastions stretches out, featuring the Reformation Wall.
    Genf

    Genf

    Geneva lies at the western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône leaves the lake, and is Switzerland's international center. The city combines an Old Town with Reformation history, a lakeside with the 140-meter high Jet d'Eau, and the European seat of the United Nations.The Jet d'Eau, originally a pressure-release valve for a hydropower plant, has been a landmark since 1891. Above the Old Town is Saint-Pierre Cathedral, where John Calvin preached in the 16th century. Its tower offers views over rooftops, the lake, and the Alps. In Parc des Bastions, the Reformation Wall marks Geneva's role as a Reformation center. The Palais des Nations offers hour-long guided tours; CERN researches on the city's outskirts.
    Carouge

    Carouge

    The independent town south of the Arve was systematically planned in the 18th century under the Kings of Sardinia. Low-rise houses with courtyards, studios, small shops, and bistros lend Carouge an almost Mediterranean atmosphere. From Geneva city center, you can reach it in just a few minutes by tram.