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by Alexandre Truffer, ©RomanDuVin.ch 2007
 If one had to choose the most beautiful Helvetian vineyard, Lavaux would undoubtedly win the crown. Composed of superimposed terraces spread out between Lake Léman and the forest, this wine-producing region seems to have been shaped specifically for depiction on postcards. This was probably not the prime motivation for the Cistercian monks who, in the Twelfth century, began clearing the steep land they got from the Bishop of Lausanne.
Their work, spanning several centuries, has made this corner of the Riviera look like the terraced farms in the Andes. These plots of land, supported by high stone walls, are the reason that the Lavaux vineyards are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Lavaux terraces encompass eight specific appellations. Six are named after districts (Lutry, Villette, Epesses, Chardonne, St. Saphorin and Vevey-Montreux) while the other two, Dézaley and Calamin, are classified as the Grand Cru. Each of these AOC has developed its own didactic track which focuses on the peculiarities of its region. In a collaborative effort, they were linked together to form the current 32 km long route, called Discovering the Lavaux terraces, which connects the Chillon Château near Montreux to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
The roads bordering the steep terraces of Lavaux, where the most famous Chasselas grow, offer a magnificent view of the Leman region and the French Alps. While their durable surface perhaps annoys enthusiasts of rustic hikes, it allows families to bring along strollers, bicycles and tricycles.
Practical information
Length and difficulty of the trail
The whole 32 kilometer walk, from the Château de Chillon to Musée Olympique, takes about eight hours. The various intermediate trails take a little over an hour each.
The path follows the contours of the hills all the way down to the lake. It offers endless downslopes which are sometimes significant, but without other difficulties.
How to get there? Boats, trains, buses or cars have regular links between Lausanne and Montreux. The villages situated between these two cities enjoy good rail and road service.
The didactic signposts
The didactic signposts offer information in French, German and English about the common appellations, the history of the region and the work of the Lavaux wine producers.
Where to find a map of the hike?
Brochures describing the hike are usually available at the tourist offices and with the shopkeepers in Lavaux.
Relaxation for the hiker
This region contains the largest number of restaurants and pubs in the canton. The only challenge lies in making the right choice...
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