Nestled perfectly between Lausanne, Lake Léman, Vevey, and the Jorat plateau, the Lavaux vineyards are truly unique. Around 500 years ago, there couldn’t have been a better use for the space than planting thousands of Chardonnay and Chasselas vines on the steep south-facing slopes. The vineyard landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is protected from change and new constructions.
The villages remained small, to spare precious land for vineyards perched on terraces hand-built over centuries. Already established in Roman times, some 2,000 years ago, then a millennium later, monks realized that the location was perfect for sun-loving grapes that they turned into wine. The surface of Lac Léman reflects sunlight while the steep gradients capture every possible ray of warmth.
Accessing Lavaux on foot isn't easy; the steep slopes make uphill hikes hard work, adding further to the region's appeal. Our TLG-approved Lavaux wine walk keeps it as leg-friendly as possible, and you can always reverse the course for a more athletic variation. The route is as short as 2 km, a sprint downhill from Grandvaux to Cully station, but we recommend longer variants so you can fully soak in the experience. Best is to stretch the promenade until sundown, when the lake calms and the mountain backdrop glows red. Along the path are well-placed restaurants, from pizza spots to Lavaux's finest dining, so nobody goes hungry.
The walk starts at Grandvaux Gare, less than 10 minutes by train from Lausanne. The short train ride is just enough time to unwind, shed the city, and turn our minds to the adventure ahead. The scenery shifts from urban concrete to ancient walled terraces when passing the Lausanne city limits.
Just steps from Grandvaux station, Auberge de la Gare is our starting point. With a sunlit terrace, an extensive selection of local wines, and warm, friendly service we have our first glass of Chasselas. The wine is everything it should be: round, fresh, and fruity.
Buzzing from the wine, Lac Leman , and the good company, we pick up the pace, skipping through the tunnel beneath the station and down the stairs to Domaine Saint-Amour. At this cute self-service kiosk we grab a bottle of Epesses white, bursting with minerality (Local apple juice and grape juice is also available). The break is supposed to be a quick refresher, but the gorgeous view tempts us to linger for longer. We end up spending well over an hour savoring the wine and conversation.
We then wander off the main path along a narrow street traversing Chenau, following the stream to Riex. After a few minutes' stroll, we reach Café de Riex, a highlight of Lavaux dining. The restaurant is stylish, calm, and timelessly traditional and if you are up for some fun try their surprise menu, it is worth it we promise. As shadows lengthen, we switch to Pinot Noir, but save dinner for another visit.
Then onwards towards Epesses, we detour through the vineyards just below the main road, and as the village approaches, the Rhone Valley slowly reveals more majestic peaks. Grand Combin feels within reach in the clear afternoon skies, lying 100 kilometers away by the Italian border.
Several vineyards in Epesses welcome visitors on weekend afternoons, and some small shops sell local terroir products. There’s no shortage of beautiful picnic spots along the route, especially if you find some of those elusive secret benches scattered between the vines.
Finally, we descend all the way down to where the terraced vineyards meet the lake for a refreshing dip at Cully Plage. The recently opened Cambuse Plage hosts BBQ evenings with marina vibes. The final étape: a lakeside stroll back through Cully as the sun settles behind the Jura mountains.
Final thought: If you happen to be in the region during the yearly Caves Ouvertes Vaudoises, it’s worth planning your walk around it. For one weekend, wineries across Lavaux and the canton open their doors for relaxed tastings, terrace stops, and the kind of slow wandering that Lavaux does best.
Note: Grandvaux – Riex – Epesess – Cully: around 5.5km, mostly downhill, easily done in under two hours. Hop on the train back to Lausanne from Cully or Epesses, just meters from the lake. Dip or no dip, it’s up to you.
