RoadAtlas
Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland — Scenic
Europe

Lavaux Vineyards

Switzerland

In short: Lavaux Vineyards is a 40 km scenic road trip in Switzerland, typically driven over 1 day, best in April – October. Highlights: Lausanne, Lutry, Cully.

Distance
40 km
Duration
1 day
Best Season
April – October
NotableEasyScenicEV-friendly

A short but sublime drive along Route 9 above the northern shore of Lake Geneva, through the UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux wine terraces that stagger up from the water in sheer stone-walled tiers that beggar belief. The road links the higgledy-piggledy French-speaking city of Lausanne to Château de Chillon, an extraordinary 13th-century fortress immortalised in Lord Byron's poem.

Practical notes
Route 9 is an easy all-season drive, but the lakeside section can be slow through Lausanne, Lutry, Vevey, and Montreux. In autumn and after rain, the terrace lanes can be damp and slippery; use care on the steeper village access roads and expect tight parking in the wine towns.
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Stops along the route

Lausanne — Departure — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
Departure
Lausanne
Switzerland's Olympic capital and most hilly lakeside city. The Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral and Collection de l'Art Brut make it Geneva's most stimulating neighbour.
Hotels
Lutry — City — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
City
Lutry
The first Lavaux village east of Lausanne, a medieval harbour where the stone-walled wine terraces begin and cellar-door tastings of Chasselas are easy to find.
Hotels
Vevey — City — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
City
Vevey
Charlie Chaplin's home for his final 25 years; his Villa is now the exceptional Chaplin's World museum. Nestlé's global HQ also sits on this lakefront.
Hotels
Montreux — City — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
City
Montreux
Home of the world-famous Jazz Festival every July. The lakefront Freddie Mercury statue marks where Queen recorded at Mountain Studios for over a decade.
Hotels
Château de Chillon — Arrival — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
Arrival
Château de Chillon
A 13th-century island castle that inspired Byron's 1816 poem. Turner and Courbet both painted it; the dungeon pillar where Bonivard was chained is still visible.
Hotels

Things to Do

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces — Scenic Viewpoint — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
Scenic Viewpoint
Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
UNESCO World Heritage site offering breathtaking views of terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva.
Alimentarium — Museum — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
Museum
Alimentarium
Food museum in Vevey exploring the history and science of nutrition, with interactive exhibits and workshops.
Montreux Jazz Festival — Event — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
Event
Montreux Jazz Festival
Annual music festival in Montreux featuring international artists across various genres, held every July.

Where to Eat

Cully — Food & Drink — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
Food & Drink
Cully
The Féchy and Épesses appellations produce the finest Chasselas on the lake, crisp and mineral. The Caveau des Vignerons de Cully is the best tasting address.
Lavaux Vinorama, Rivaz — Food & Drink — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
Food & Drink
Lavaux Vinorama, Rivaz
A cave-like UNESCO visitor centre cut into the terraces at Rivaz, with tastings of 300 regional wines and a panoramic terrace over the lake to the French Alps.
Auberge de l'Onde — Swiss — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
Swiss
Auberge de l'Onde
Historic inn in Saint-Saphorin offering traditional Swiss dishes with a modern twist, paired with local wines.
Le Deck — Mediterranean — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
Mediterranean
Le Deck
Restaurant in Chexbres with panoramic views of Lake Geneva, serving Mediterranean cuisine and local wines.
Café de Riex — French — Lavaux Vineyards — Switzerland
French
Café de Riex
Charming café in Riex offering French-inspired dishes made from local ingredients, with a selection of regional wines.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Lavaux Vineyards drive?

The Lavaux Vineyards covers 40 km from start to finish.

How long does the Lavaux Vineyards take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the Lavaux Vineyards, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Lavaux Vineyards?

The recommended season for the Lavaux Vineyards is April – October.

Where does the Lavaux Vineyards start and end?

The Lavaux Vineyards runs from Lausanne to Château de Chillon.

What are the main stops on the Lavaux Vineyards?

The Lavaux Vineyards passes through Lausanne, Lutry, Cully.

Can I drive the Lavaux Vineyards in a regular car?

Yes — the Lavaux Vineyards is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Lavaux Vineyards EV friendly?

Yes — the Lavaux Vineyards has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Lavaux Vineyards safe to drive?

Route 9 is an easy all-season drive, but the lakeside section can be slow through Lausanne, Lutry, Vevey, and Montreux. In autumn and after rain, the terrace lanes can be damp and slippery; use care on the steeper village access roads and expect tight parking in the wine towns.

What scenic tier is the Lavaux Vineyards?

The Lavaux Vineyards is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.