Vineyard walk through the terraces of Lavaux UNESCO

Explore one of the most beautiful vineyards in Switzerland on this circuit starting from Chexbres, Saint-Saphorin, Rivaz or Epesses. Whatever your starting point, the questions and things to look at will amaze even connoisseurs of these vineyard terraces, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

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.

Practical information
Transport
You can leave your car at Chexbres train station. Saint-Saphorin, Rivaz and Epesses can be reached thanks to the regional train.

Duration
The journey extends over nearly 10 kms. Allow for more or less a five-hour walk.

Accessibility
The excursion is accessible to persons of average fitness and children who are able to walk by themselves. The paths are all asphalted and can be followed with pushchairs and wheelchairs, taking into account big differences in level in places.

Equipment
All along this walk, you will be guided by you smartphone (Android or iPhone). The application does not require any external connection; it works thanks to the GPS and asks that you authorise access to your location data. Before leaving, ensure that your mobile phone is fully charged or equip yourself with a battery charger.
Good walking-shoes and a bottle of water are also advised.

When you need a break...
The scenery in Lavaux lends itself perfectly to well-deserved breaks. Be sure to respect nature and the private properties along the way; don't leave any other souvenirs of your passing-by than taking photos...
The village cafés and restaurants along the way will gladly welcome you for a drink or a meal.

Responsibility and security
You undertake this stroll in the countryside, the town and the villages on your own responsibility. Please respect the countryside and the private properties. Be careful and read our safety reminder below, which ensures a safe stroll. In the event of an accident, Montreux-Vevey Tourism disclaims all liability.

SAFETY reminders
The stroll in the Lavaux vineyards takes you off the beaten track to typical villages and along the vines.
During your discovery stroll, remember these safety instructions.

Where should you walk?
• Preferably use the sidewalks.
• If there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road.
• If you walk on the road, preferably use the left-hand side in the direction you walk in. Bikers have priority on the cycle tracks.

How to cross a road?
• Preferably use the pedestrian crossings.
• If you see no crossing, cross the road where you have good visibility, avoid sharp turns, uphill areas, bridges and parking areas.
• Be careful when you cross the road; choose a good moment and cross at a good pace.

Thank you for your attention and caution. Enjoy your stroll in the heart of the Lavaux vineyards!