Vineyards shape Chardonne VD all the way up to the village: at the eastern end of the Lavaux slope, they stretch along the lakeshore between Saint-Saphorin and Corseaux, rising in terraces. There are also historic buildings, opportunities for tastings and trails through the Lavaux landscape up to the heights of Mont-Pèlerin. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is worth first considering whether vineyards and culture or viewpoints and hiking trails should shape your stay.
Vineyards and tastings
Chardonne is considered a typical wine-growing village in Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Chardonne wines are described as fruity and mineral, generous and full-bodied, and distinctive in character. At the Logis de Chardonne, the Caveau des Vignerons offers tastings of all wines from the Chardonne appellation every weekend from May to September. In the 2026 seasonal offer, the Tour de Chardonne by Lavaux Panoramic lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and includes a welcome drink in the middle of the vineyard.
At the Marché des Vins, around ten winegrowers invite visitors to discover and taste around 150 wines; the number may vary from one edition to another. For groups, the Caveau de Chardonne presents wines from around fifteen winegrowers from the UNESCO region of Lavaux, by reservation. Check the reservation terms in advance. The options therefore vary by occasion and format, from weekend tastings and seasonal offers to reserved group presentations.
Church and history
Chardonne is home to the Reformed Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. During its restoration, exceptional medieval wall paintings dating from 1421 were brought to light. The Burignon in the municipality of Chardonne is recognizable by its square tower. Its history includes two dated transfers: in 1536, it passed from HautcrĂŞt Abbey to the State of Bern; in 1803, the city of Lausanne bought it.
Views and trails on Mont-Pèlerin
The Plein-Ciel tower on Mont-Pèlerin offers panoramic views over Lake Geneva, the Lavaux vineyards and the surrounding landscape. The Plein-Ciel panoramic lift takes visitors to a viewpoint at an altitude of 1,145 metres. Another way to explore the heights is the nature trail on Mont-Pèlerin: the route is just under two kilometres long, is considered very easy, and can be reached by car or public transport. There is a covered shelter for a break. Stops about biodiversity, tree species, the use of wood and related professions are planned along the nature trail.
Numerous hiking trails lead from Chardonne through the Lavaux landscape and up to the heights of Mont-Pèlerin. The Mont Pèlerin & Mont Chesau hike passes through Chardonne, Popraz, Mont Pèlerin and Mont Chesau before returning to Chardonne; it is classified as easy, grade T1. Another route destination is Châtel-Saint-Denis: the trail starts in Chardonne, passes over Mont-Pèlerin and ends in the canton of Fribourg. The Vevey–Chardonne–Mont-Pèlerin funicular runs through the Lavaux vineyards and reaches an altitude of more than 810 metres above sea level.
At La Pichette beach
A beach is also among the described attractions in Chardonne: La Pichette is crescent-shaped. The beach has beach volleyball, barbecue facilities and table tennis; toilets, showers and a car park are also available.
Discover more destinations: Caux, Vevey, La Lécherette, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Les Avants, Corseaux, La Tour-De-Peilz, Blonay
For the broader travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.
