Vaud, Lake Geneva · Switzerland
Terraced vineyards tumbling to Lake Geneva, a hilltop Gothic cathedral, a lakeside fairy-tale castle and the Riviera of Montreux.
Photo: Lorenz Poffet · CC BY-SA 4.0
The northern shore of Lake Geneva, in the canton of Vaud, is Switzerland's sunny south-facing riviera. Between Lausanne and Montreux, steep terraces of vines, built by monks in the 12th century, tumble to the water. This landscape, Lavaux, about 30 km long, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its villages, such as Saint-Saphorin and Cully, produce fine white wines from the chasselas grape.
Lausanne, the region's main city, is built on three hills above the lake. Its Gothic cathedral is one of the finest in Switzerland, the old town is steep and cobbled, and the waterfront district of Ouchy has promenades, parks and paddle steamers. Lausanne is also the Olympic capital, home to the International Olympic Committee and a strong Olympic museum. At the other end of the shore, Montreux, known for its jazz festival and Freddie Mercury statue, has a palm-lined lakeside promenade and, just beyond, the Château de Chillon, a medieval castle on a rock in the water.
The best way to see it is on foot and by train, using the regional trains that run along the lakeshore, and the boats that link the towns. A day can be spent walking between vineyards, tasting wine at family cellars and sipping a glass with lake views. Two days lets you add Lausanne and Chillon.
Why visit
This is Switzerland's wine country, with lake views instead of mountains at every turn.
Walking paths through the vines.
Château de Chillon on the water.
In Lausanne.
Steamers linking the shore.
Chasselas and small cellars.
Main attractions
The sights are along the lakeshore, linked by train and boat.
A 30-km stretch of terraces, with walking paths between Lausanne and Vevey and wine cellars in stone villages.
Tip Walk from Lutry or Cully to St-Saphorin.
A medieval island castle on Lake Geneva, once home to the Counts of Savoy, and the subject of Lord Byron's poem The Prisoner of Chillon.
Tip Go early to avoid tour buses.
A Gothic cathedral consecrated in 1275, with a tower whose night watchman still calls out the hours.
Tip Climb the tower for views.
Lausanne's waterfront, with paddle steamers, promenades, cafés and the Olympic Museum.
Tip Take the metro down from the centre.
A lakeside path lined with palms and flowers, with a statue of Freddie Mercury.
Tip Walk to Chillon along the lake.
A museum on the history of the Games, with a park.
Tip Allow two hours.
Things to do
Wine, walks and boats fill the days.
Follow the marked paths between villages.
Tip Start in the morning.
Visit family cellars.
Tip Book tastings ahead.
Use historic paddle steamers.
Tip Included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
A small tourist train through the vineyards.
Tip Check seasons.
A scenic railway from the mountains.
Tip Book seats.
A famous summer festival.
Tip Book far ahead.
Local food
Vaud food is French-Swiss, and goes with white wine.
A light white wine from Lavaux.
Where to try it Cellars in Cully and St-Saphorin.
Leeks and potatoes with sausage.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
Fried lake perch.
Where to try it Lakeside restaurants.
A smoked pork sausage.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Nearby cheeses.
Where to try it Markets.
Accommodation
Stay in Lausanne for the city or in Vevey or Montreux for the lake.
Transport
The lakeshore is on the main rail line.
Trains, boats and feet.
When to go
The lakeshore has a mild climate, with warm summers and grape harvests in autumn.
Vines bud, and blossom.
Warm, though vineyard walks can be hot.
Grape harvest and golden vines.
Quiet, with Christmas markets in Montreux.
Worth planning around: Midday heat on the terraces in July and August.
Itinerary
Vineyards on the first day, and the cathedral and castle on the second.
Wine walk.
City and castle.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
Two days.
UNESCO vineyard terraces and chasselas wine.
Train to Veytaux-Chillon or a bus from Montreux.
Yes.
Late September and October.
Yes, for the cathedral and lakefront.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Lausanne and Lavaux, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Geneva, south-west Switzerland, Switzerland
A French-speaking lakeside city, with the Jet d'Eau, the old town and St. Peter's Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, UN and Red Cross sites, watches and chocolate.
Don't miss The Jet d'Eau shooting 140 metres into the air, with the Alps and Mont Blanc behind on a clear day.
Explore Destination — GenevaBern, western Switzerland, Switzerland
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Don't miss The old town's red roofs and the Aare's turquoise bend, seen from the Rosengarten.
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Don't miss The Matterhorn's reflection in the Riffelsee at dawn, from the Gornergrat railway.
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