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Landscape · Lausanne, Vaud
Lavaux
Terraced vineyards on stone walls above Lake Léman, between Lausanne and Vevey, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, with winegrowers' villages, trails, the little train Lavaux Express and the Lavaux Vinorama.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Lavaux
Lavaux is the strip of terraced vineyards that descends to the lake between Lutry, a neighbor of Lausanne, and Vevey. It covers about 800 hectares of vines supported by dry-stone walls, documented since the 14th century. The cultivation of the slopes with vineyards goes back to the 11th century, with Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries. UNESCO inscribed the landscape on the World Heritage List in 2007.
The main grape is chasselas, and wine is part of the local culture, with winegrowers' cellars open in villages such as Lutry, Cully, Epesses, Rivaz, Saint-Saphorin and Chexbres. Within Lavaux are the grands crus Dézaley and Calamin, two appellations of the local wine.
The best way to see Lavaux is on foot. A waymarked trail links Lutry to Saint-Saphorin through the vineyards; lakeside train stations allow you to shorten the walk. Up above, Chexbres has a wide view over the lake.
Those who don't want to walk can take the Lavaux Express, a small tourist train on wheels that climbs the vineyard roads; the season typically runs from April to November. Between Vevey and Puidoux, a regional train climbs through the vines to Chexbres-Village on a 7.8 km route known as the Train des Vignes. In Rivaz, on the lakeshore, the Lavaux Vinorama displays more than 300 regional wines and shows a film about the winegrower's work through the year.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half a day to a full day.
Best time
From May to October. Grape harvest usually takes place between September and October, when the leaves change color. Avoid the hottest hours in the European summer: there is little shade on the terraces.
How to get there
Regional SBB trains run from Lausanne to Lutry, Cully, Epesses, Rivaz and Saint-Saphorin in 10 to 20 minutes. For Chexbres, take the train from Vevey. CGN boats also stop at lakeside villages.
Tip
Bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes: the trails have climbs and steps. Walk down to the lake at the end of the outing and return to Lausanne by train or boat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lavaux
Is Lavaux near Lausanne?
Yes. Lutry, at the start of Lavaux, is a neighbor of Lausanne, and the regional train reaches Cully in about 15 minutes.
Can you visit Lavaux without a car?
Yes. Regional trains and boats stop at the lakeside villages, and trails climb up through the vineyards. The Vevey–Puidoux train reaches Chexbres, at the top.
What is the Lavaux Express?
A small tourist train on wheels that runs along the roads through the vineyards; the season usually runs from April to November.
What is the best time to visit Lavaux?
From May to October, with the grape harvest usually taking place between September and October.