The Lavaux Vineyards

The Lavaux is a UNESCO landscape of extraordinary beauty, where steep terraced vineyards tumble down to the shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux. Cultivated by monks since the eleventh century, its stone-walled terraces are said to be warmed by three suns, the sky, the lake's reflection and the walls' stored heat, and its footpaths wind through wine villages with the Alps rising across the water.

The main sights

• The terraced vineyards - the steep stone-walled terraces above the lake.
• The wine villages - the pretty villages of Saint-Saphorin and Epesses.
• The lakeside footpaths - the walking trails through the vines.
• The views - the lake and the Alps across the water.

When to go

Late spring to autumn for walking the vineyard paths and tastings; September and October bring the harvest and golden vines. The paths are best in fine weather, with the Alps clear across the lake.

Before you go

It is a landscape to walk and taste rather than a single sight, so allow a half day and fine weather. The vineyard cellars keep limited hours, so check for tastings. It is easily combined with Chillon Castle and the Montreux lakefront nearby.

Nearby

Montreux and Chillon Castle are along the shore; Lausanne and its Olympic Museum are at the other end.