Hostellerie De Geneve

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (I&V)

by Zvrlj

We do prepare for our travels, but every place (including the area around the city we live in) hides something that could produce great feeling of surprise and thrill, no matter how solemn our preparations were… That "something" (regarding our travel to Lausanne) was astonishing landscape of the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces.

Quite a long time later we have found out that the Lavaux is the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. World Heritage web page gives the following description of the site: "The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, stretching for about 30 km along the south-facing northern shores of Lake Geneva from the Chateau de Chillon to the eastern outskirts of Lausanne in the Vaud region, cover the lower slopes of the mountainside between the villages and the lake. Although there is some evidence that vines were grown in the area in Roman times, the present vine terraces can be traced back to the 11th century, when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries controlled the area. It is an outstanding example of a centuries-long interaction between people and their environment, developed to optimize local resources so as to produce a highly valued wine that has always been important to the economy. […] The Lavaux vineyard landscape is an outstanding example that displays centuries of interaction between people and their environment in a very specific and productive way, optimizing the local resources to produce a highly valued wine that was a significant part of the local economy. Its vulnerability in the face of fast-growing urban settlements has prompted protection measures strongly supported by local communities."

We saw the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces from the Geneva Lake. Hopefully, next time we'll have opportunity to take a closer look of Lavaux.

Best town on the eastern Lake Geneva

by puerto_lover

"Charlie Chaplin and grapes"

Vevey was the home and resting place of Charles Chaplin and from his Manoir de Ban estate he could relish the majestic lake and mountain vista. For Chaplin the place was total relax and today the town of Vevey still retains its quiet subdued unhurried feel with no brash buildings except perhaps the HQ of Nestles and its wonderful lakeside frontage.

Apparently the old estate of Chaplin will be turned into a sort of Chaplin theme park by 2012 and more visitors are expected to follow in the footsteps of those who came during his lifetime.

But the nicest part of Vevey is perhaps to take the funicular up towards Mont Pelerin and have a meandering walk through the vineyards of the Lavaux and around Cardonne. Maybe even sipping some cold Chasselas local white wine on the way. Magnificent vineyards clinging to the sunny slopes producing the wine that is not usually found outside Switzerland . A true liquid gold.

Vevey - a most beautiful lakeside city

by Toshioohsako

"Lake and blue sky"

Vevey is located in the northeastern shore of Lake of Geneva (Lac Leman) and is known for its beauty - the combination of a cozy city, blue water lake and snow-covered mountains. Ernest Hemingway, Charle Chaplin and other famous people lived here. Its about an hour train ride from Geneva.

""A most beautiful place in the world " (Hemingway)"

A book says that Hemingway lived here and was impressed by the city and the nature surrounding this city.
You agree with his observation especially when the snow-covered mountains are clearly seen over the lake.

"A very very pleasant city"

Charlie Chaplin had also a summer house here and his statue is standing the middle of the promenade street.
He must have enjoyed his holiday here when he was vacationing and not entertaining the audience with his comical and mischievous acts.

It's like waking up and seeing the Emerald City!

by skywalkerbeth

"A wonderful day..."

I will post much more later, but my first impression when I woke up the next morning (late night arrival, by train, from Geneva airport) was just awestruck wonderment. The air was crisp and perfect. Sunny day, with the mountains as a backdrop over the sparkling lake. I had never been there before and didn't know the mountains were so close! I took a boat ride to Montreux and walked along the Promenade as far as I could until taking a boat the rest of the way to Vevey.

I try to get in at least one sightseeing boat ride on any trips I may take.