From Lausanne to Lavaux: my electric bike route

Starting point: The Olympic Museum in Lausanne

To be honest, what better place to start a sports session from in Lausanne? Once you’ve filled your water bottles with fresh water from one of the fountains, follow Quai de Belgique towards the east and Haldimand Tower. By the way, there’s a public bike-sharing station at the foot of the tower if you don’t have your own e-bike. Then, head to Pully on Route du Lac, cycle through Paudex and, once you arrive in Lutry, that’s where the ascent starts.

On the way via Lutry and its Petite Corniche: first vineyards

Spot the Bertholod Tower that overlooks the old town and start your ascent up to its foot. From there, continue on Chemin de la Plantaz on to Route de la Petite Corniche. Carry on this cantonal road along to the village of Aran. You’ll start to feel your calves working. Do take the opportunity to stop along the way to admire the view overlooking the lake and town of Lutry. Along all the paths of Lavaux are very practical small picnic shelters.

Lavaux Estates, Wine Cellars and Villages: the heart of winegrowers

Cycle through the pretty village of Aran, then continue on Route de la Petite Corniche until you reach Grandvaux. As you enter the village, head down towards the Domaine de la Crausaz to quench your thirst with a bird’s-eye view over the vineyards. It’s really from here that you can see the iconic landscapes of the terraced vineyards. With a few turns of the pedal, head back up to the village of Grandvaux and take a short break near the statue of Corto Maltese to admire the panoramic view.

Carry on along Route de la Petite Corniche and aim for the self-service shop of Fischer Vins, a small place opened during the Covid period. The concept is simply fab: you purchase products from Lavaux and pay directly. It’s the ideal spot to complete your picnic or purchase some souvenirs. After that, go on towards the Domaine de Wannaz and, from below it, cycle down to the village of Riex by la “Côte-aux-Vignes”, then continue up towards Epesses. These two villages are simply magnificent and it’s well worth parking your bike for a while to get lost in the narrow streets, going wherever the fancy takes you.

The realm of Dézaley, a photogenic paradise

As you leave Epesses, head back on to Route de la Corniche (beware, this road is under work and closed to traffic this summer, but you can get through the closed section as a pedestrian by pushing your bike) and, with a bit of luck, you’ll even see the vineyard tourist train. Head towards the Dézaley viewpoint, from where you have a 360° view over the whole of this UNESCO-listed site.

If your stomach feels a bit empty, take a right turn on to Chemin de la Dame and go down to Didier Imhof’s Chapel to order a snack board of Vaud sausage to go with a glass of local wine. Start by closing your eyes, breathe in the fresh air of nature, then open your eyes to gaze at the impressive view unfolding before you – probably one of the most iconic panoramas in Switzerland, if you believe the word of a proud Vaudois.

Back to Lausanne

For the route back, you can cycle along the same road through the vineyards or through the pretty village of Rivaz, then down to the lakeside to follow the cantonal road to Lausanne. This option can be very pleasant in summer as several bathing spots are available along the way.

Discover the detailed route on Switzerland Mobility as well as some information for your visit of Lavaux on a bike.