We are considering spending 2 nights in Vevey on the shores of Lake leman so we can spend a day trip going to see castle Chillion. We typically try to avoid crowds and cities and much prefer small villages and natures beauty. We will be going in mid June. I would love to hear your take on spending some time this part of Switzerland. Is it crowded and touristy? Is it worth taking several precious days away from the BO to see the castle, Gruyere, and the surrounding vineyards. Thank you for any ideas or suggestions you may have.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2778 posts
I was in Vevey in September 2014 and loved it. There were plenty of people, but it was not at all crowded. Vevey is a charming little town with a long paved promenade along Lake Geneva with views of the Alps in the background -- stunningly beautiful. One day we took the train and walked to Chateau Chillon, which is a really nice castle with a gorgeous setting on the lake. In the afternoon, we took the train to Gruyere. The train ride was beautiful, and the village is cute, though a little touristy. The views from Gruyere are beautiful, and I was glad we went. The second day we took the train to Lausanne where we walked around the old town and had lunch. In the afternoon we went to the Olympic museum. It was a nice, but not fantastic, day. I would have liked to walk through the vineyards, but it was too hot and sunny for us, so went back to Vevey.
I highly recommend staying in Vevey, but it's hard for me to recommend taking days away from the BO, which is my idea of heaven. How many days do you have? We spent four nights in the BO (Murren) and three nights in Vevey. I thought that was pretty good, but if I had to do it over, I might do five and two instead. I urge you to stay in the BO at least four nights before considering Vevey, especially if you enjoy hiking in the mountains..
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I enjoyed vevey, chateau chrillon and Gruyere castle and town very much.
But i would never take a day away from BO area. We stayed 4 days there and enjoyed everyday am to pm. It is beautiful.
Whatever u decide ea area is lovely.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Yes, I would not trade the BO for anything - even though I've always wanted to go to Gruyeres.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Vevey is my favorite little place on the shore of Lake Geneva...much less touristy than some of the other towns along the shore but charming with a lovely lakefront promenade, plenty of good restaurants, and a weekly market. Chateau Chillon is quite touristy but also quite beautiful. Gruyere is also touristy but nice to explore with a small castle, cobbled streets, and gardens.
Whether or not you want to take days away from the BO is completely up to your preference! Both the BO and the Lake Geneva area are well worth seeing just in different ways!