Gilly – Winegrowing, Châteaux and Walking Trails

Gilly brings together winegrowing, historic buildings and walking trails with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. The municipality lies in the La Côte wine-growing region at the foot of a slope. If you are looking for a hotel in Gilly, you can plan your stay around different aspects of the area: its winegrowing tradition, the history of its châteaux, or trails through forests and vineyards.

Vineyards and Lake Geneva

Gilly remains one of the canton’s more significant wine-growing municipalities. Chasselas also plays an important role here: Gilly is known for the excellent quality of this wine. The region’s winegrowing landscape is also reflected in the historical associations of Château Saint-Vincent, which remains connected with winegrowing and wine.

The Domaine de St-Vincent lies on a gentle slope overlooking Lake Geneva and surrounds Château Saint-Vincent and its park. Here, views of the lake meet a historic ensemble. Château Saint-Vincent is first mentioned in 1172.

History and architecture

Gilly’s history dates back to the 12th century. An early form of its name was “Iusliaco”; by the following century, it had become “Gillie.” The Sallenove family founded the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Gilly in 1299; the church was demolished in 1882. These dates mark several clearly distinct points in the area’s history.

The present-day Château de Vincy was built by the Vasserot family in 1724 in the neoclassical style. In 1815, the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine stayed at the château for about a hundred days. Both the Campagne de Beaulieu in Gilly and Château de Vincy are classified as Category A cultural heritage sites. The historical themes therefore range from early forms of the area’s name and medieval connections to 18th-century architecture.

Walks and trails

Numerous trails and paths cross Gilly’s forests and vineyards. They are suitable for walkers of different ages and fitness levels. Gilly has the Sentier du Vallon de Vincy. The Sentier des Châtaignes connects Luins with the hamlet of Vincy, on the upper side of the Domaine de St-Vincent grounds.

Another trail runs along the Allée des Amandiers from the Domaine de St-Vincent to the Étang Bleu, a revitalised basin. Five fountains in the village of Gilly and the hamlet of Vincy provide fresh water from municipal springs, giving walkers a chance to refresh themselves. The trails, vineyards, forest and water can be enjoyed as different aspects of the landscape, without every route leading to the same destination.

Experience wine and plan your visits

At the Domaine de St-Vincent, visitors learn about winemaking and the vine’s growing cycle, followed by a tasting in the Carnotzet. At the Domaine de La Crosettaz, visitors are welcomed in the tasting room from Monday to Saturday by reservation. Check the latest reservation details and specific tasting arrangements before your visit.

You can also factor travel to the start of a route into your plans: for “De Gimel au vignoble de La Côte,” take the bus from Allaman to Gimel; Allaman is on the Lausanne–Geneva railway line. A bus from Gilly to Rolle is planned for the return journey. Check the timetables before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Vich, Prangins, Bogis-Bossey, Bursinel, Coinsins, Genolier, Borex, Perroy Vd.

For the wider travel overview: Nyon.