Bas-Vully: Trails on Mont Vully and cultural heritage

Bas-Vully lies on the northern shore of Lake Murten, near the outflow of the Broye Canal and at the southeastern foot of Mont Vully. Sugiez is the centre; from there, Murten is about 3.5 kilometres away as the crow flies. From the summit of Mont Vully, the panorama stretches across the Alps, the Jura and the Three Lakes Region. This gives you several different focuses to choose from when planning your trip: marked trails, archaeological heritage and exploring the lakeshore.

Trails through vineyards and countryside

The botanical trail on Mont Vully starts in the village of Praz and heads towards Vau de Praz. Around 32 trees and shrubs are marked along the way, and there are also four information boards. From the trail, you can see the Vully vineyards and the lake. The plant markers and boards give this trail a different focus from the Sentier historique, which runs from Sugiez to the cultural heritage site above Môtier.

The Sentier historique starts at Sugiez railway station, crosses the Broye Canal and then leads to a vineyard slope. Its destination is the Grottes des Roches Grises above the wine-growing village of Môtier. The trail is signposted from Sugiez station and from the landing stages at Praz and Môtier. Its landmarks help you follow the route: the canal and vineyard slope are on the way to the caves. The botanical trail, by contrast, puts plant information and views at the forefront as its distinguishing features.

The Sentier viticole La Riviera can be started in Sugiez, Praz or Môtier. Public transport is available for this trail via Sugiez railway station, TPF trains S20/21 and bus route 530. Another way to experience the Vully vineyards is by taking the Petit Train. Depending on the reservation, the ride can start at the harbour or railway station in Sugiez, at the municipal car park in Praz, or by the Mont-Vully restaurant. For this ride, the reservation and starting point are linked.

Archaeological sites and guided tours

The Oppidum Mont Vully is listed in the federal register of archaeological sites of national importance and in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property Protection under Mont-Vully (Bas-Vully). Another archaeological site is the pile-dwelling settlement of Môtier I. It is largely preserved on land and provides important information about the northern shore of Lake Murten. Together, these sites offer insights into different aspects of the past: the oppidum is designated as an archaeological site, while Môtier I provides information about settlement along the lakeshore.

Guided Vully tours can focus on the wine trail, the historic trail or the botanical trail. Guided tours of the built heritage of Praz and/or Môtier are also available. If you include a guided tour in your trip plans, you can choose between a focus on trails and scenery or a visit to the built heritage.

Festival, lakeshore and regional speciality

The Fête des vendanges du Vully is celebrated every year in the wine-growing village of Praz. The programme includes concerts, parades and various other activities.

Nant’s public beach has a playground, a small barbecue area, a football pitch and a beach volleyball court. The beach offers views of Murten. For a regional speciality, Boulangerie Pâtisserie Tea Room Guillaume in Sugiez specialises in Gâteau de Vully in sweet, savoury and almond varieties. These options complement the hiking trails and archaeological sites with a festival visit, time by the lakeshore and a culinary highlight.

You can plan your trip around the activities you would like to make the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Villarepos, Greng, Kerzers, Murten, Ried Bei Kerzers, Charmey, Misery-Courtion, Wallenried

For the broader travel overview: See/Lac.