Me and my fiance are going to Switzerland for our honeymoon in late October. We have 2 full days in Lausanne and wanted to take a day trip to either Gruyères or to the Lavaux Vineyards. Does anyone have any recommendations on either?
Thanks!
Posted by
464 posts
My husband and I were in Lausanne in June. I would highly recommend a day trip to the Lavaux Vineyards. It is absolutely beautiful and the views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from high in the vineyards are stunning. The Lavaux Vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage site and have been there for 1000 years. We went on a corporate group tour to Domaine de la Crausaz in Lutry and had a cheese fondue lunch on a lovely terrace as well as a winery tour. I have not been to Gruyeres so I cannot comment on that. Wishing you a fabulous honeymoon!
Posted by
Chicago
5 posts
Gruyeres is wonderful also, but will probably have lots of tourists, so you may want to do a little research about how to spend your time. There are hiking options, and opportunity to take a different route back on the train. The following link has some information.
https://www.la-gruyere.ch/en/GV25/top-hiking-trails
I am going to do one of these trips myself at the end of this month.
Posted by
California USA
4100 posts
We did both of these as separate day trips from Bern this summer. The wineries with lake views above Vevey were stunning on the sunny day we were there. There was some confusion about how to reach the towns by train as there was construction going on so we were told to take the bus. After exploring a couple of vineyard walks and wineries we had dinner at the lakefront Vevey, which didn’t charm me.
We’ve been to Gruyères twice, both times combining it with a visit the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc. We love the beautiful, cobbled town of Gruyères. The castle is worth exploring as well as the Giger Museum and bar if you are Alien fans.
You might want to make your final choice once you see what the weather is like during your time in Switzerland.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
You'll love the area in October...hopefully the leaves will be turning and not all fallen from the vines yet. Even if they are though it will be LOVELY.
The two days you are proposing are very different! Gruyeres is an ancient fortified town that happens to have a cheese factory on the outskirts. The town itself is well worth visiting...cute cobbled streets, great food, and a beautiful small castle perched in the center.
If you go to the vineyards just make sure to make appointments if you want to visit a winery or two. It's not like other western countries where you can just show up at a tasting room and sample the wares. Usually it will be just you and the winemaker in what can be a fairly lengthy tour and tasting session. Absolutely worth the time and effort though.