On the shores of Lake Geneva, the Chardonne wine-growing area begins between Saint-Saphorin and Corseaux. It climbs in terraces up to the village, with an elevation difference of about 250 metres. Chardonne is a municipality in the Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut district of the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Its wine landscape, historic art and trails on Mont-Pèlerin offer different ways to shape a stay.
Vineyards on the Lavaux hillside
The Chardonne wine-growing area lies at the eastern end of the Lavaux hillside. Lavaux was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on 28 June 2007. In the western part, the area extends beyond the road from Chexbres to Chardonne. The layout of the Charmus is also part of the landscape: sturdy stone walls support it; the walls are anchored in the ground or lean against rock faces.
Local history and church paintings
Chardonne was first mentioned in 1001 under the name Cardona. The religious wall paintings in Chardonne Church date from 1421. The vault paintings depict the symbols of the four Evangelists; the ox of Luke and the lion of Mark are still visible today. The early mention of the name and the paintings offer two distinct historical reference points: the recorded history of the village and a specific example of religious art.
The Plein-Ciel Tower and two hiking options
Mont-Pèlerin is located in the municipality of Chardonne. The Plein-Ciel Tower stands on its summit: the summit is at 1,084 metres, and the tower is 123 metres high. From there, panoramic views stretch across Lake Geneva and the Lavaux wine-growing area. A panoramic lift takes visitors to the top, which offers 360-degree views of the Riviera, Lake Geneva, the Pre-Alps and the hinterland.
Those who want to walk to the tower can start at the Mont-Pèlerin funicular station. From there, a trail that runs mostly through the forest leads to the Plein-Ciel Tower in about an hour. The nature trail on Mont-Pèlerin offers a different kind of outing: the very easy route is just under two kilometres long and can be reached by car or public transport. Its stops cover biodiversity and forest tree species, as well as the uses of wood and the related professions.
The Sentier des Narcisses is rated as moderate and offers a longer hiking option for comparison: the 8.8-kilometre route takes about two and a half hours and starts at the Mont-Pèlerin funicular stop. It runs at an elevation of 811 to 1,072 metres through hills blooming with daffodils. The routes described thus differ in length, difficulty rating and focus: the nature trail covers forest-related topics, while the Sentier des Narcisses passes through hills in bloom.
Wine tastings and local wines
The Caveau des Vignerons in the Logis de Chardonne offers guests and wine lovers tastings of all the wines of the Chardonne appellation every weekend from May to September. The wines are distinguished by fruity and mineral aromas, fullness and a strongly pronounced character. At the Marché des Vins de Chardonne, around ten winemakers from Chardonne invite visitors to discover and taste about 150 wines. A seasonal tasting opportunity and a market with a wider selection of wines are thus presented as two different occasions.
Getting around between the lake and the heights
The Vevey–Chardonne–Mont-Pèlerin funicular runs from the shores of Lake Geneva through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lavaux vineyards to an altitude of over 810 metres. The bus journey from Chardonne to Vevey takes less than ten minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling for specific departure times.
Discover more destinations: Vevey, Les Avants, Blonay, Château-D'oex, L'etivaz, Chamby, Jongny, La Lécherette.
For the regional travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.
