Vich: Vineyards, Trails and Village History
Accommodation in Vich
Vich amid vineyards and local history
Vich is in La Côte, on Lake Geneva. The La Côte AOC covers more than 2,000 hectares of vineyards and is the canton of Vaud’s largest wine-growing region as well as a major wine tourism destination. A circular trail called «Entre vignes et vergers» starts and ends in Vich’s village square and leads through the municipality’s vineyards and orchards. A village walk also winds through the vineyards, offering views of the lake and the Alps. When planning, you can therefore choose between different focuses: a loop that starts and ends in the village square, or a walk with views of the lake and the Alps.
If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Vich, it helps to first organize your trip around its main themes: wine country, local history or trails along the Serine. The sights and routes offer concrete starting points.
Historic trails and Fortin de Vich
Fortin de Vich was built during the mobilization of 1939 to 1945 and is the most significant structure in the fortified line of Promenthouse. Its polygonal shape is unique in Switzerland; the fortin is classified as a historic monument of the canton of Vaud. It thus represents both the history of the fortified line and a distinctive architectural form.
The Sentier des Toblerones crosses Vich in its entirety and follows the Serine for most of its route. This historic interpretive trail runs along the defensive line built during the Second World War, with 3,000 triangular anti-tank obstacles. Several information panels explain the forest’s function, tree species and the history of this strategic line. The trail description notes that it is easy for walkers to access and passes through a well-preserved, unspoiled setting. The full section from Bassins to Nyon is 18 kilometers long and follows good paths. This distance refers to the entire section, not to a local loop in Vich. As the route details come from a current route listing, it is advisable to check the latest route information before setting out.
Older transport routes also shape the village’s history. In Roman times, the ancient Vy de l’Etraz crossed Vich from east to west. The historic Route des Bourguignons, now Route de Begnins, linked Lake Geneva with the Jura. Several historic transport routes in Vich have retained their alignment and historic substance; the «Ancienne route» is of national importance. These routes represent different eras and connections, from the Roman crossing to the link between the lake and the Jura.
Church and village center
The Reformed church, formerly Saint-Martin, was probably built in the 11th century. In 1165, the lords of Begnins gave the church to Bonmont Abbey; in 1536, it became a Reformed church. The entire building has been protected as a historic monument since April 15, 1955. A Roman stele is set into the choir’s right-hand pier, and the stained-glass windows date from 1920. The building’s history thus spans several periods, from its presumed medieval origins to later changes.
The renovated village houses on Grand’Rue reflect Vich’s Bernese past. Place Marcel Poncet commemorates a local painter and stained-glass artist. A bronze rooster in the square was an early work by the sculptor Antoine, son of the local artist. Vich’s development into one of the early centers of medieval metallurgy in Vaud is also part of the village’s history. In the 18th century, Vich was among the villages in the territory of the Barony of Guiguer, one of the most important seigneuries in the Pays de Vaud.
The Serine and Bois de ChĂŞnes
Vich’s municipal forests cover 4.6 hectares. They consist of small woodland groups and wooded strips along the Serine. These forests provide shelter for wildlife, including cavity-nesting birds, insects, fungi that grow on deadwood and roe deer. Bois de Chênes is an integral scientific nature reserve between Genolier and Vich. It is also listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes as IFP No. 1205 and in the Federal Inventory of Dry Meadows and Pastures as PPS No. 6331.
Bois de ChĂŞnes can be reached by train via Genolier or by bus via Vich. There are large areas for family picnics or barbecues. As information about access and facilities may change, it is best to check before your visit. Vich village can also be reached by public transport; check the connections for your travel date when planning your journey.
Discover more destinations
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