Blonay: Discover the castle, wine and trails

Blonay is a locality in the municipality of Blonay-Saint-Légier, in the Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut district of the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It lies above Vevey and Montreux on the Vaud Riviera. There are several themes to choose from when planning your trip: the history of the castle, a museum railway, nature trails, wine tastings and seasonal winter sports. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Blonay, you can start by considering which of these themes will shape your trip. The range of activities can help you plan excursions and travel dates around your interests.

Castle and railway history

Blonay Castle has been documented since 1175 and has been owned by the de Blonay family since it was built. The Chemin de fer-musée Blonay-Chamby is also located in Blonay. Its museum houses one of Europe’s most complete and representative railway collections. The visit includes two exhibition halls and a coaling platform. The museum railway runs from Blonay over viaducts, through a tunnel and across pastureland. This gives you two ways to experience railway history: exploring the collection in the museum and travelling along the route through the landscape described here.

Trails and outdoor activities

The Sentier de l’Ermite circular hiking trail is just under 3 km long and passes through woodland and the Marais des Tenasses wetland. Information panels along the trail provide insights into the local flora and fauna. You can start the Sentier des Narcisses at Les Pléiades station; it follows pasture paths, and flowering times are seasonal and may vary. AstroPléiades offers a different focus: this educational outdoor trail lies at an altitude of 1,348 m and brings together science, art and poetry at 17 stops. AstroPléiades is accessible by the Train-étoiles from Vevey or Blonay.

The trails differ in length, route and theme: the Sentier de l’Ermite is a circular route through woodland and wetland, the Sentier des Narcisses focuses on pasture paths, while AstroPléiades brings together science, art and poetry. You can choose your outing based on whether you prefer a nature walk, a route through pastureland or themed stops.

Wine and regional products

Blonay has two wineries with different tasting arrangements. At Domaine des Châbles, wine tastings are available every Saturday morning or on weekdays by appointment. Domaine Barichet offers private tastings by appointment; advance booking is required. You should confirm the exact arrangements before visiting. Marché paysan Bühlmann also welcomes visitors every week with a wide selection of regional products grown or made in keeping with the season and the environment. Check the opening details before your visit.

The agricultural character of the former municipality varies with altitude: the lower areas have arable farming, fruit growing and viticulture; in the higher parts of the municipality, dairy farming and livestock breeding are practised. Around 50 ha of vineyards are cultivated on the sunny southern slopes below Blonay. The wineries, market and different agricultural specialities give you several options if regional products are part of your travel plans.

Winter sports in Les Pléiades

The Les Pléiades ski area can be reached by train from Vevey. In winter, it offers downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, sledging and snowshoeing. Transport, operations and conditions are seasonal and may change, so check them before making plans. If winter sports are the reason for your trip, this seasonal aspect is an important distinction from the year-round themes described here: the castle’s history, the railway collection and the trails.

Discover more destinations

Veytaux, Rougemont Vd, Rossinière, Chamby, Corseaux, Chardonne, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, L'etivaz

For the higher-level travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.