Vineyard walk through the terraces of Lavaux UNESCO
When is the start of the wine-growing year? Which French singer did the poet Jean Villard Gilles compose for? What famous guest often ate at the Auberge de l’Onde? These are just some of the thirty questions to be answered as you walk along the Lavaux UNESCO vineyard walk, simply by activating the Vaud: Guide free app. Without requiring an internet connection, the app proposes an original circular route linking up Chexbres, Saint-Saphorin, Rivaz and Epesses.
Along the way, you can have an enjoyable break in one of the many vineyard cellars or enjoy a meal in a traditional “pinte vaudoise”. Thanks to the railway line running along Lake Geneva, you can shorten the loop – total length 10.4 km – by taking the train from Saint-Saphorin, Rivaz or Epesses. The route is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, although there are some quite steep parts.
Lavaux (© CVM)
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Chexbres train station
Overlooking Lake Geneva, Chexbres is a wine growing village which offers many different walks. How nice to follow the trails in the Lavaux UNESCO vineyards, which go down to the lake! A tourist information centre (open 6 days a week in summer and 5 days a week during the off peak season) is also at your disposal in the train station.
You can reach the Chexbres-Village station - not to be confused with the Puidoux-Chexbres station – by train every hour from Vevey. Visitors arriving by car can find parking spaces in the station, for 1 franc/hour for up to 5 hours from Monday to saturday, 7am to 7pm. Evenings and Sunday are free!
For those on the wine walk, this is where the discovery begins! Before starting, check that your smartphone is loaded (or try to get a charger), take walking shoes and a waterbottle. Enjoy the stroll!
Parking lot Chexbres (© CVM)
Chexbres train station (© CVM)
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Chexbres
At the highest spot of the Lavaux UNESCO vineyards, with a view over Lake Geneva, Chexbres has some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland. Easily accessible by car or rail with the “Train des Vignes” (vine train), Chexbres has an entire network of marked trails right up to the lake. Some say that travellers who arrive by train throw their return ticket out of the window when they discover the idyllic landscape.
As the path continues, wine producers open their cellar and their bottles. First you’ll see the chasselas, the emblematic grape variety, which produce dry white wines with a pleasing minerality. The Lavaux-panoramic train takes tourists through the villages of Chardonne, Rivaz and St-Saphorin, riding along paths with amazing panoramic views.
To complete the day, Chexbres hotels and restaurants welcome food lovers to their panoramic terraces to feast on the lake's perch fillets, as well as other specialities, with of course a glass of top quality wine!
Lavaux (© CVM)
554.06634521484
Coeur d’Or wine cellar
In the heart of the village of Chexbres, two minutes’ walk from the train station, the Coeur d’Or wine cellar hosts approximately 50 cultural events per year. When going down to this cellar with its stone walls, you can work out its initial function from the tables made of old vats, to light shades made of old bottles, but especially because of its friendly atmosphere, typical of the wine cellars of Lavaux UNESCO.
The "Accroch'coeur" Association keeps the place alive by organizing different events almost every weekend. French songs, world music, but also plays or improvisation shows regularly liven up the centre of the village. And even if the Coeur d’Or wine cellar taken on a cultural twist, it still hosts Lavaux winetasting groups on request.
548.56170654297
Domain Bovy, Chexbres
With its wines and its wine tourism, the Bovy family has paid tribute to the Lavaux countryside for generations. Bernard Bovy was one of the leading figures in Lavaux’s campaign for UNESCO cultural heritage status, which was successful in 2007.
At the Bovy estate, where epicureans can share their love for good wine and breathtaking views, welcoming guests (always on advance booking) is a top priority.
Several packages combine wine and local products. The family caters for events up to 50 people. The cellar visit will delight visitors. The large oak casks that were painted and carved by Maurice Bovy are true works of art. Moreover, a fully equipped apartment can be rented on a weekly basis. Feel like a panoramic aperitif? Then the capite (winegrower’s hut) installed in the vineyard is the ideal place.
The Bovy wine collection includes 20 vintage wines, some of which have won several awards such as the dessert wine “Chorus”, the blended red “Valdensis” and, naturally, Chasselas, the king grape of Lavaux.
Terrasse Bovy (Domaine Bovy)
Domaine Bovy (MontreuxRiviera.com)
(Domaine Bovy)
546.37945556641
Champs de Clos Cellar, Chexbres
Used by the Conne family for generations, the Champs de Clos Cellar has seen 500 years of wine heritage in Lavaux UNESCO. Based in Chexbres, the family grows 12 ha of vines, with 35% pinot noir and 55% chasselas, the emblematic grape variety of the canton of Vaud which produces a dry white wine. Christelle Conne has been head of the Champs de Clos Cellar for several years – the first woman to run the domain.
The Champs de Clos Cellar includes a traditional cellar open 5 days a week and available for aperitifs or meals for up to 60 people, as well as a “capite” (wine hut) for favoured guests. This small typical hut, once used as a place for the wine producer to rest and for storage, provides a breathtaking view over Lake Geneva. There you can taste the many different vintages produced by Christelle Conne, who has given them their poetic names such as "Le Sémillant" (vivacious) and "Plan Perdu" for the whites, "Le Poète" (the Poet) and "La Réserve du Tsar" (the Tsar’s reserve) for the reds.
On request and reservation: sale of wine and tasting
Vignes Lutry (MontreuxRiviera.com)
(Do ! L'agence)
426.32626342773
Jean Villard-Gilles
Born in Montreux, Jean Villard (1895-1982), nicknamed Gilles, is an author who has written and acted in plays, songs, poems… For several generations of Vaudois, he represents the reserve and teasing humour that is typical of the Vaud region.
Attracted by the theatre, the young Jean Villard became an actor in Paris. His meeting with the Frenchman Aman Maistre leds him to the music-hall industry. Under the name of "Gilles and Julien", the two accomplices became stars. During the First World War, Gilles returned to Lausanne, where he founded the "Coup de soleil" cabaret. After the war, the Vaudois regained his Parisian success, with the opening of the "Chez Gilles" cabaret and the composition of songs still sung today. These include "Les Trois Cloches" which became a classic song by Edith Piaf, and "La Venoge" - a true anthem from the Vaud canton. Jean Villard-Gilles lived the last 20 years of his life in his beloved village of St-Saphorin.
Jean Villard-Gilles statue (© CVM)
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St-Saphorin Church
The first Catholic church in Lavaux, the Church of St-Symphorien was built around 590 AD on the ruins of a Roman villa in the former village of "Glerula". This village was destroyed in 563 AD, when the landslide in "Tauredunum" caused a devastating tidal wave on Lake Geneva. Founded by Bishop Marius, the new parish gradually give its name to the rebuilt village. The ruins of the Glerula villa can be visited in the basement of the Church.
The Church of St-Saphorin that we see today was built by Sébastien de Montfalcon in 1520. Shortly after its construction, in 1536, the Church changed to protestant during the Bern invasion. It is still a reformed Church today. This spiritual place, as well as the underground Roman ruins, its antique furniture, its original stained glass windows and the three 16th and 17th century bells, are classified as important national historic monuments.
St-Saphorin Church (© CVM)
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"Les Fosses" domain
With simplicity and passion, Bernard Chevalley cultivates two hectares of vines in accordance with nature, according to the principles of integrated production. Planted on sloping terraces, his vines can only be looked after by hand, without using any machinery.
Ready to promote his business and his products, the winemaker welcomes up to 14 visitors to his “carnotzet” (a convivial place typical of the Vaud canton) on request. For a full wine tourism stay in the heart of the Lavaux UNESCO region, a charming apartment is also available on the winemaker's land.
Bernard Chevalley produces a limited but high quality range from his harvest: five “crus” and two brandies. For white wines, a dry Chasselas and a mild Chasselas are blended as well as Viognier, rare and very expressive grapes. The red wine amateur will love the "Noble Plants" and "La Benjamie" blends, aged in barrels.
Cave Chevalley and press, St-Saphorin (© CVM)
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Auberge de l’Onde
Awarded 15 points in “Gault et Millau” (the influential French restaurant guide), the Auberge de l'Onde brings to life the traditions of good hospitality and gastronomy. At the heart of Lavaux UNESCO and the village of St-Saphorin, this gourmet restaurant has served delicious food to its guests for over 7 centuries. Fish from the lake and typical Vaudois dishes, with accents of French gastronomy, are served in the traditional atmosphere of its pint or in the elegant dining rooms. Upstairs, the grill welcomes lovers of perfectly cooked meat.
The master of the house, Jérôme Aké Béda, is known as the specialist of the Chasselas, a king of Lavaux grapes. Awarded Sommelier of the Year in 2015, he advises guests perfectly on how to accompany their dishes.
Built in the 13th century, the Auberge de l'Onde is classified as a monument of regional importance, while its original sign is protected by the Swiss Confederation. The restaurant, which derives its name from the commune coat of arms, has served the most famous guests in the region.
Auberge de l'Onde (MontreuxRiviera.com)
381.85470581055
The cellar of the wine makers of St-Saphorin
A long-time jewel of Lavaux, St-Saphorin is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. Its emblematic Church is classified of national historic importance. Built of stone houses with several floors, the town is well located between Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Lavaux vineyards, registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Of these vines terraces, St-Saphorin producers know how to get the best nectar from these terraces of vines, including the dry mineral white wine, Chasselas. In order to enjoy tasting them in front of their creator, the cellar of the St-Saphorin wine makers offers tastings from May to November, every Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 8pm. Around ten wine makers from the St-Saphorin appellation follow one another each weekend to present their wines.
To complete the wine tasting, wine tourists enjoy a guided tour of the village and a ride on the Lavaux-Panoramic tourist train which travels through the terraces of vines.
Open from mid-April to October, Friday to Sunday, from 4pm to 7pm.
Espace de la Papille
391.89221191406
Cave Alain Ruchonnet
Alain Ruchonnet is a wine producer from Lavaux, just like many of his predecessors. He is also the former chief of the Fire Departments of Rivaz then St-Saphorin. After more than thirty years serving the local population, Alain Ruchonnet still keeps the flame burning. His cellar houses a treasure for everyone who has ever dreamed of driving one of the famous red fire engines: a collection of nearly a thousand objects related to firefighters. With 650 helmets from 95 countries, Alain Ruchonnet almost always has a story to tell. A moment to share that is open to all, by appointment only.
In addition to this special collection, Alain Ruchonnet's visitors enjoy discovering his wines. The wine producer is particularly proud of his Château de Glérolles Chasselas, a St-Saphorin Grand Cru appellation, whose delicacy suits all aperitif lovers. Together with the “oeil de perdrix” rosé and the merlot, the Château de Glerolles blend of red grape varieties completes the range of wines produced in accordance with nature, following integrated production criteria.
Cave Alain Ruchonnet, St-Saphorin (© CVM)
409.86117553711
History of Lavaux
Included on the World Heritage List in 2007, Lavaux is a cultural place, carved by nature and shaped by man.
Formed during the last Ice Age (13000 BC), when the Rhone glacier retreated, the Lavaux landscape could not be farmed by the first inhabitants of the lemanic basin. Lausanne's bishops, owner of the plots of land in Lavaux, gradually built the terraces since the 11th century. Part of the countryside, many walls were built in the 12th Century by Cistercian monks. Bit by bit they handed over the work of the looking after the vines to wine growers. Poorly paid, the latter were forced to raise cattle on the high levels of Lavaux to top up their income. This combination of agriculture and viniculture explains the commune’s long narrow plots of land.
Some of the first vineyard’s descendants still work today in the Lavaux vineyards. Their legacy and heritage are still alive today, well protected by UNESCO.
Lavaux Vin (Maude Rion)
Lavaux (© CVM)
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Glérolles Castle
Built 7 centuries ago on shores of Lake Geneva, Glérolles Castle is a vineyard as well as a venue for events. The knights’ hall, the terrace and the garden, with its access to the lake via a private port, can all be rented for seminars and parties (except weddings), with the domain’s wines served to guests during events.
On an area of nearly 5 ha, the Glérolles Castle domain grows the grape varieties of Chasselas, Pinot Noir, Humagne Rouge, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Gewürztraminer, as well as other new grape varieties. No less than 17 exceptional “crus” are produced from these grapes. The wine is grown and produced on site, while the marketing and tastings are managed by the Dubois brothers, in Cully.
Glérolles Castle is the only place which still bears the name of the old roman town (Glerula) destroyed in 563 by a tidal wave in Lake Geneva. The first dungeon was built in 1150, followed by the central part of the castle from 1300.
Chateau Glerolles (MontreuxRiviera.com)
448.27267456055
Christophe Chappuis Domain
Passionate about been a wine maker and about his hometown of Lavaux, Christophe Chappuis likes to help others discover his world and the legacy of his ancestors, winegrowers in Lavaux since 1335 for 19 generations! He even lets visitors feel what it’s like to be him for a few hours, with his "Lavaux-Experience". A workshop by the vines or in the cellar, a tasting, a typical meal at the Auberge de Rivaz and three bottles of wine await those who buy this package. The less adventurous opt for just the tasting and the meal.
Christophe Chappuis produces 13 vintages, from a dozen grape varieties. Chasselas, the king of Lavaux, is widely available, accompanied by many other varieties: Viognier, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Gamaret, Merlot, Diolinoir and Syrah. The range of wines produced by Christophe Chappuis clearly show his creativity, especially his "St-Saphorin au féminin" and "St-Saphorin au masculin," a concept developed according to the men and women’s different tastes.
Cave Christophe Chappuis, Rivaz (© CVM)
445.58636474609
Vieux Pressoir Cellar, Rivaz
Anne-Catherine and Sébastien Ruchonnet are the descendants of a long line of winemakers and growers in Rivaz, in the heart of the Lavaux UNESCO region. Their ancestors were already growing vines there in 1450! This winegrowing family grows their vines in an area of around 4 ha, in the St-Saphorin and Dézaley Grand Cru AOC appellations. In accordance with their values and respecting nature, they manually work the vines, following PER ecological standards.
The range of wines from the Vieux Pressoir Cellar reflects the love affairs between Lavaux winegrowers and white wines, in particular Chasselas. Four of the ten “crus” produced in Lavaux are Chasselas and three are white specialities. A rosé, a Pinot Noir-Gamay, a red blend in oak barrels and three brandies complete the collection. To taste them, the Ruchonnet family will be happy to organise a meeting for up to twelve people in their cellar and even walks among the vines, on request.
Cave du Vieux Pressoir, Rivaz (© CVM)
442.29571533203
The winegrowers of Rivaz
Around 70% of Rivaz, the smallest village in the Lavaux UNESCO region, is covered by vineyards. Fifteen winegrowing families share these vineyards, and some of them have been there for several centuries.
For example Jean-Paul Chaudet in the Domaine du Grillon, gets the best out of the land, including the prestigious Dézaley Grand Cru AOC, both with his red and white wines. A few steps away, towards Lake Geneva, the Vins du Coteau are produced with knowledge and quality by Pascal and Christine Correvon-Chevalley. Six “crus” are produced from a small vineyard of a one and a half hectares, while a holiday apartment on the shores of the lake completes the wine tourism offered by the Vins du Coteau. Higher up, above Vinorama, Didier Imhof continues the traditional family wine growing started in 1850, with his five wines, including "4 Cépages", a red blend aged in oak barrels. And we shouldn’t forget the elegant wines of Pierre-Alain Chevalley or François Imhof’s full of character “crus”.
Winegrowers in Rivaz (© VO Swiss)
391.78930664062
Lavaux Vinorama
An absolute must for all gourmet holiday enthusiasts, the Lavaux Vinorama welcomes visitors in a modern building designed to blend into its environment. In Rivaz, on Lake Geneva, this centre offers over 250 wines from the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards for visitors to enjoy. A selection of these wines is served at the bar or available in a modern and elegant wine dispensing system. Visitors can enjoy “wine tasting tours” and familiarise themselves with the specialities, such as Chasselas, the “cépage-roi”, or the Plant Robert, an indigenous variety.
In the ultra-modern screening room, viewers can find out all about working on the vineyard terraces through a documentary available in eight languages retracing the year of a Lavaux vine-growing family.
To top it all off, a walk through the vineyard terraces and a visit to a UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard will make your stay an unforgettable wine experience!
Vinorama (© Grégoire Chappuis www.gc-photo.ch)
Lavaux Vinorama (©LavauxVinorama)
Lavaux Vinorama (© J-F Gailloud)
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Dézaley Grand Cru AOC
Dating back to the 12th century, Dézaley is the oldest cultivated parcel of the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards. Not surprising then that vestiges of the Middle Ages can be found here, like the Tour de Marsens. But Dézaley’s most impressive feature is its gradient, up to 100% in places! To cultivate such steep land required man-made stone wall terraces to be built.
But Dézaley’s gradient does have its advantages in that its grapes are blessed with the ideal amount of sunshine making them more structured and rich in sugar. Planted mostly with Chasselas, this grape variety produces a generous wine which is only fully revealed after two to three years.
With cultural tours, tastings and a walk with views over Lake Geneva, Dézaley is a must for wine tourism holidays.
Dézaley (Gregoire Chappuis/gc-photo.ch)
Dézaley (© CVM)
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Breathtaking Dézaley
Often compared to a natural cathedral, for the emotion that the great sight gives rise to, Dézaley is a prestigious production site in the Lavaux UNESCO region. Its rocks bear the traces of the retreat of the Rhone glacier as though they had been sharpened by hammers. Dézaley’s striking slopes did not put off the Cistercian monks, who planted Lavaux’s first vineyards in the 12th century. To support the grapes and the steep sloping land, the monks built walls which are often over 15 meters high. The stones in these walls, which are so characteristic of the Dézaley landscape, nourish the vines as they capture and retain the heat of the sun.
Despite the hostile nature of this rocky ground, the Chasselas, the Vaudois grape variety “par excellence”, flourishes in the Dézaley Grand Cru AOC terroir. It produces wines with a smoky flavour and taste of honey. Visitors can get an idea of the breathtaking landscape from its summit to the base on board a boat on Lake Geneva.
Dézaley (Gregoire Chappuis/gc-photo.ch)
Dézaley (© CVM)
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Clos des Abbayes
Located in the heart of the Lavaux UNESCO region in the sloping vineyards of Dézaley, the Clos des Abbayes is one of the five winegrowing domains in Vaud belonging to the City of Lausanne. With 33 ha of vines, the City of Lausanne is the largest public vineyard owner in Switzerland. The impressive Clos des Abbayes residence is traditionally reserved for receptions held by the Municipality of Lausanne.
The City of Lausanne wines bring together around 10 classic “crus” and more contemporary ones as part of their ‘L’ range. The classic range has traditionally been sold at auction every second Saturday of December for over 200 years.
The Clos des Abbayes is a historical site founded by the Cistercian monks in the 12th century. In the 16th century, the canton of Vaud and Lavaux were ruled by the Bernese, who gave the Clos des Abbayes to the City of Lausanne in exchange for its submission.
Clos des Abbayes (© CVM)
439.89712524414
Clos des Moines
Just like the Clos des Abbayes, located lower down, the Clos des Moines is one of the five wine domains owned by the City of Lausanne. The wines from these two properties share the same characteristics typical of Dézaley, a terroir that is clearly beneficial for growing Chasselas. Barely 10% of the four hectares of the Clos des Moines are devoted to red wines, mainly Gamay.
The grapes grown in the Clos des Moines are part of the Vins de Lausanne, which consist of a classic range - sold at auction in December for over 200 years - and a recently created Sélection L.
Before the start of the 20th century, the domain was called Dézaley d'En Haut or Dézaley de Hautcrêt. It was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks from the abbey with the same name. In 1802, the City of Lausanne bought the vineyard back during a sale of national assets.
Clos des Moines (© CVM)
438.70510864258
Tonnelle à Antoine, picnic area
With its vast network of marked trails, the vineyards of the Lavaux UNESCO region are a popular destination for walking. In addition to pleasant stops in the wine cellars and the village breweries, hikers have many places to get their breath back and stop for a picnic. These small oases are not just put there randomly; they often reveal breathtaking views over the vineyard, Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Between Rivaz and Epesses, at the edge of the Dézaley Grand Cru AOC and Calamin Grand Cru AOC appellations, "La Tonnelle à Antoine" is a small paradise. Protected from the sun and the rain under cover, walkers benefit from a table, benches and especially a gorgeous view of one of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland.
Tonnelle d'Antoine, Lavaux (© CVM)
396.44586181641
Calamin Grand Cru AOC
The appellation Calamin Grand Cru AOC is like a delicious secret kept by the picturesque village of Epesses, where the narrow winding roads are home to some of the best-known wine makers in Switzerland.
As in other vineyard parcels in the Lavaux region, it’s said that Calamin grapes are blessed with the heat of three suns: the sun itself, its reflection in Lake Geneva and the warmth of the stone walls – accumulated during the day and released at night.
The wines of the appellation Calamin Grand Cru are essentially made with the Chasselas grape with its powerful local character. Wine lovers and connoisseurs appreciate its unique flavours and slightly bitter finish.
Calamin Grand Cru AOC (samuelbitton.com)
Calamin Grand Cru AOC (© HP Siffert / weinweltfoto.ch)
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Epesses
Composed of several compact groups of winegrowers’ houses, the village of Epesses has a characteristic but not typical silhouette. Located in the heart of the Lavaux UNESCO region, around one third of the village is taken up with vines. A walk to Epesses is definitely one of the activities not to be missed in the Lake Geneva Region. With narrow alleys and terraces overlooking the vines, the lake and the Alps, the experience is unforgettable.
Events in the village include the Tracasset World Championship and the Epesses Festival. The first is a race held every two years in April featuring a small motor vehicle, typical of Lavaux, called a “tracasset”. The second celebrates the new wine on the first Saturday in May.
In 2011, the commune of Epesses merged with Cully, Grandvaux, Riex and Villette to create Bourg-en-Lavaux.
epesses
Epesses (© CVM)
458.85583496094
Auberge du Vigneron
The Auberge du Vigneron in Epesses is one of those great places that you want to keep to yourself. The warm atmosphere of a "pinte" (traditional restaurant), the terrace with a majestic view over the Lavaux vineyards, the lake and the Alps, without forgetting the typical Vaudois semi-gourmet cuisine: all these elements come together for a moment of relaxation and enjoyment of the food.
On the menu: skilfully-made brewery dishes with a regional touch, including Vaudois sausage with lentils, fried Vaudois cheese and of course fish from Lake Geneva! Crayfish, fera and the famous perch filets all delight with their fine and light flavours.
With such a name, the Auberge du Vigneron of course pays homage to the local wines with its wonderful wine list and wine parties regularly organised with producers from the Lavaux UNESCO region.
Auberge du Vigneron (Auberge du Vigneron)
Auberge du Vigneron (Auberge du Vigneron)
Auberge du Vigneron (Auberge du Vigneron)
Auberge du Vigneron (Auberge du Vigneron)
Auberge du Vigneron (Auberge du Vigneron)
463.62060546875
Le Verre Gourmand
The idea came about a long time ago and the Rouge family made it happen in 2015, opening the Verre Gourmand. Winegrowers in Epesses, like their ancestors since the 16th century, Philippe and Fatima Rouge wanted to add something extra to their three hectare domain by opening a café.
Brand new, the Verre Gourmand allows you to taste the family wines, as well as other wines from the region. The manageress, Fatima Rouge, also offers light meals in her establishment in the centre of the village. The many walkers passing through Epesses mix with the village inhabitants in the warm atmosphere of this café.
Caveau (Verre Gourmand)
Enseigne (Verre Gourmand)
373.29669189453
Lake Geneva: the most beautiful swimming pool in Switzerland!
In the Lavaux UNESCO region, many vantage points let visitors admire the vineyards, which seem to dive into the crystal clear waters of Lake Geneva.
Formed by the retreat of the Rhone glacier during the last Ice Age (15,000 BC), Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Western Europe: 72.8 km long, 13.8 km wide and 309.7 m deep. Spanning two countries, Lake Geneva is nearly 60% Swiss, while its southern shores are French.
Lake Geneva has always provided for the people on its shores thanks to the fishing and winemaking. It influences a climate that is beneficial for growing grapes, especially with the sun’s rays on the vines.
More recently, the beauty of Lake Geneva has encouraged the development of another important economic activity in the region: tourism. Each day, thousands of visitors enjoy the banks of the lake or travel on a modern or Belle-Epoque CGN boat.
Ma journée en Lavaux - Plage de Rivaz (MARIE CONTRERAS)
Lake Geneva (© CVM)
521.49377441406
Lavaux artists
With the tangle of its walls, its steep slopes plunging into the waters of Lake Geneva, its mountain setting, the changing colours of its vineyards, the Lavaux UNESCO landscape is a pure wonder for the eyes. Throughout the years, its vision has inspired many artists from all disciplines. Many of those with good taste have stayed and even lived in the region.
In the 18th century, great writers fell in love with the Lake Geneva area. Their writings became the first enthusiastic tourist guides for many visitors. Jacques Rousseau and Lord Byron are at the top of the list of those influential figures.
As early as the 19th century, painters reproduced Lavaux, providing souvenirs for rich tourists from that time. We still admire the magnificent paintings of Ferdinand Hodler, Félix Valloton, Gustave Courbet or Oskar Kokoschka today, which can be found at the Musée Jenisch in Vevey.
Different styles of more contemporary art such as photography, cinema and music have also been inspired by Lavaux.
Lavaux (© CVM)
571.79724121094
Baron Tavernier
From the Le Deck terrace, Le Baron Tavernier Hotel, Restaurant & Spa in Chexbres offers one of the most spectacular views of the entire Lavaux region.
At this little paradise, you get to enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the wine terraces of Lavaux UNESCO while tasting the wines and products from the region. Le Baron Tavernier and its Le Deck restaurant are members of the Vaud Œnotourisme network, which offers personalized experiences for epicureans.
With its breathtaking views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the terraced vineyards of Lavaux UNESCO, Le Baron Tavernier has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. What better way to enjoy an authentic Lavaux experience than to take in one of the area’s most spectacular views while tasting local wines and products from the region?
The hotel restaurant Le Deck exudes an elegant and intimate atmosphere. The chef pampers his guests with traditional French cuisine, which is inspired by his travels and based on local and seasonal products. The wines play a crucial role here, as befits this fine establishment overlooking the vineyards and certified member of the Vaud Œnotourisme network. For a more in-depth tasting experience, the hotel invites its guests to visit the Le Bon Sauvage wine-tasting bar and organizes activities in the vineyards upon request.
Conceived as a tribute to the greatest explorer of the 17th century, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, the hotel has 26 rooms, including two elegantly furnished suites with balconies, terraces and spectacular views of the lake.
Le Deck (Baron Tavernier)
Baron Tavernier (MontreuxRiviera.com)
578.48400878906
Lion d'Or, Chexbres
Located in Chexbres, in the heart of the Lavaux UNESCO vineyards, the Lion d'Or is a lovely place, managed by the region’s well-known gourmet professionals. Their roots and their love of the Vaud canton are mixed together in a large, varied menu. Amateurs can find specialities such as “potence”, Australian fondue or “bitoque” (a Portuguese beef steak) among the many meat suggestions. Pizzas, a tribute to Italian cuisine, can be eaten on the spot or to go, while a large choice of pasta brings together “Nonna’s” expertise for a good price too.
The wine list accompanies the food menu, giving Lavaux wines pride of place but also allowing guests to discover Italian, Spanish and Portuguese nectars.
Lion d'Or, Chexbres (© CVM)
560.08898925781
559.98345947266
559.91522216797
558.68786621094
557.80041503906
557.67364501953
556.33581542969
557.33001708984
556.81707763672
555.90173339844
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