Lutry on Lake Geneva: Lakeside, Heritage and Lavaux

If you are looking for a hotel in Lutry, it is worth exploring the different sides of the town: the shores of Lake Geneva, its historic buildings and the paths through the Lavaux wine region. You can plan your stay around the activities you have in mind – from swimming and culture to a hike through the vineyards.

Lakeside, swimming area and quays

Lutry is on Lake Geneva. Plage de Lutry is at the eastern end of the quays and is within walking distance of the town centre. The swimming area provides access to the lake; there is also a diving tower in a style reminiscent of earlier times. The refreshment bar is open seasonally. If swimming is the main focus of your visit, bear in mind that the bar is only open seasonally.

A path along the quays links the old and new harbours. There is also a pirate-themed playground for children on the quays. The lakeside paths and views of Lake Geneva give the town a different character from its historic buildings and vineyards. Lutry marks the beginning of the Lavaux landscape, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the quays and the paths through Lavaux, you can look out over the vine-covered slopes, the lake and, in the distance, the French shore.

Menhirs and historic buildings

One of the area's distinctive archaeological attractions is the Lutry menhir alignment, which is open to visitors. It consists of 24 statue menhirs from the Late Neolithic period, arranged in a continuous line about 20 metres long. A copy of an engraved stele is displayed in a showcase at Passage du Simplon in Lutry; information panels explain the megalithic ensemble.

The Temple de Lutry also reflects several stages of construction: monks from the Abbey of Savigny-en-Lyonnais built it as a Romanesque church in 1025. After a fire in 1344, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style and five chapels were added along the nave. The Tour du Bourg-Neuf is one of the last surviving remnants of the medieval fortifications. It has four storeys and a crenellated parapet with small loopholes. The Maison des De Prez dates from the early 16th century; it is Gothic and very well preserved. The Château de Lutry is considered a monument of regional significance because of its architecture and history.

Paths through Lavaux

In Lutry, hiking trails and cycling routes by the lake or through the vineyards invite you to explore. Just a few minutes from the centre, you can choose between paths through the vineyards and woodland walks. The Terrasses de Lavaux route runs through the vineyards from St-Saphorin to Lutry. The route is listed as 11 kilometres long, taking 3 hours and 15 minutes, with 440 metres of elevation gain. Seasonal conditions may affect the technical route details; check them before setting out.

Another option is to hike from Lutry to Rivaz or Saint-Saphorin and return by boat. Check the boat timetable when planning your trip. If you would rather get a broader view of the region, the wider Lavaux area also has an architectural guide featuring at least 160 historic buildings and four walking tours. These tours cover the wider region, not just Lutry.

Wine, market and regional products

In the heart of the old town is the Caveau des vignerons de Lutry, a wine-tasting venue representing 25 producers. Chasselas, Pinot noir and Gamaret are considered a good match for Tomme vaudoise and regional sausage. Terres de Lavaux offers 18 wines for tasting and sale, made from grape varieties grown by the owner-winemakers from Lutry and Villette.

On Saturday mornings, Lutry’s market includes market gardeners from the surrounding countryside, a cheesemonger and a second-hand goods seller. The mix of wine tastings, regional products and other market stalls offers different ways to get to know the town beyond its architectural history. Guided tours are organised twice a year and on request.

Exhibitions and events

Villa Mégroz by the lake was designed in 1905 by Lausanne architect Georges Epitaux. The municipally owned building is used mainly for artistic and cultural activities. Painting and photography exhibitions are held monthly on the ground floor; check the current exhibition dates before planning a specific visit. In the basement is the Café-Théâtre L'Esprit Frappeur, which champions French chanson and also features comedy and improvisation.

The annual Fête des Vendanges includes a Sunday parade through the town centre and along the quays. About 900 schoolchildren in costume take part; programme details may change. Another seasonal attraction is the 360 m² Patinoire de Lutry at Grand-Pont. Together, these offerings show how a stay can be planned differently depending on your interests, whether lakeside activities, history, wine, hiking or culture.

Discover more destinations: Grandvaux Vd, Bussigny-sur-Oron, Rivaz Vd, Pully, Chexbres, Puidoux, Saint-Saphorin, Bourg-En-Lavaux

For the main travel overview: Lavaux.