Lutry lies on the shore of Lake Geneva and marks the beginning of the Lavaux region, a landscape recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, there’s plenty to explore, from swimming at Plage de Lutry and wine and trails through Lavaux to Neolithic and medieval landmarks. Whether you want to focus on the lakeside, cultural history or a hike, the local details offer different starting points for your stay.
Lakeside, bathing area and trails through Lavaux
Plage de Lutry is a bathing area on Lake Geneva where you can swim. It lies at the eastern end of the quays and is within walking distance of the town centre. The bathing area has a diving board in the style of an earlier era; the refreshment kiosk is open seasonally. If you’d like to visit the kiosk, check in advance whether it will be open during your stay.
A path along the quays connects the old and new harbours. From the quays and trails through Lavaux, you can look out over vine-covered slopes, Lake Geneva and, in the distance, the French shore. In the region, you can explore the terraced vineyards on foot or by bike. Just a few minutes from the centre, hikers and cyclists can choose between trails through the vineyards and walks in the forest.
The Terrasses de Lavaux route passes through the vineyards from St-Saphorin to Lutry. It is 11 kilometres long, takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, and has an elevation gain of 440 metres. These figures give you a concrete basis for planning your time; seasonal conditions may affect the route. Check the latest route conditions before setting out. Another option is to hike from Lutry to Rivaz or Saint-Saphorin and take a boat back. It’s a good idea to check the timetable in advance for the return trip.
Megaliths and medieval buildings
The Lutry menhir alignment is an archaeological site open to visitors. Its 24 statue menhirs date from the Late Neolithic and form a continuous row about 20 metres long. A copy of an engraved stele is displayed in a showcase at Passage du Simplon; information panels explain the megalithic complex.
The Temple de Lutry was built in 1025 by monks from the Abbey of Savigny-en-Lyonnais as a Romanesque church. After a fire in 1344, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style; five chapels were also added to its nave. Another surviving trace of the medieval fortifications is the Tour du Bourg-Neuf, one of the last remaining elements of Lutry’s defensive structures. The tower has four storeys and a crenellated parapet with small loopholes.
The Maison des De Prez is also part of the town’s surviving architectural heritage: built in the early 16th century in the Gothic style, it is very well preserved. The Château de Lutry is considered a monument of regional importance because of its architectural quality and history. During interior restoration work, 16th-century murals were discovered in the main staircase. In the wider Lavaux region, an architectural guide covers at least 160 historic buildings and four walking tours.
Exhibitions, events and guided tours
Villa Mégroz is a municipally owned building by the lake, used mainly for artistic and cultural activities. It was designed in 1905 by Lausanne architect Georges Epitaux. Painting and photography exhibitions are held monthly on the ground floor; as the programme may change, check the dates before visiting. The basement of the villa is home to the Café-Théâtre L'Esprit Frappeur. It supports French chanson and also offers comedy and improvisation.
Guided tours in Lutry are organised twice a year and on request. The annual Fête des Vendanges includes a Sunday parade through the town centre and along the quays. Around 900 schoolchildren in costume take part. As event details may change, check the dates before visiting. A seasonal installation, the Patinoire de Lutry is a 360 m² ice rink at Grand-Pont.
Wine and local produce
The Caveau des vignerons de Lutry is a wine-tasting venue in the centre of the town, representing 25 producers. Chasselas, Pinot noir and Gamaret are considered a good match for Tomme vaudoise and regional Saucisson. 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, the market in Lutry features vegetable growers from the surrounding countryside, a cheese vendor and a second-hand dealer. A visit to the market brings regional food and second-hand goods together. Along with the tasting venues, these details offer a glimpse of the wine and market offerings that you can consider alongside the lakeside, trails and heritage.
Discover more destinations: Puidoux, Cully Vd, Rivaz Vd, Pully, Bourg-En-Lavaux, Chexbres, Saint-Saphorin, Bussigny-sur-Oron.
For the overview of the wider area: Lavaux.
