Gilly lies in the La Côte wine-growing region, at the foot of a slope, and offers views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. The village is known for the outstanding quality of its Chasselas; it also remains one of the canton’s more significant wine-growing communes. Alongside vineyard slopes and scenic views, historic buildings and walking trails are among the highlights to discover during your stay.

Winegrowing and landscape

Château Saint-Vincent remains closely associated with winegrowing and wine. At Domaine de St-Vincent, visitors learn about winemaking and the vine’s growth cycle, followed by a tasting in the Carnotzet. Confirm tasting arrangements in advance. The Domaine lies on a gentle slope overlooking Lake Geneva and surrounds Château Saint-Vincent and its park.

Domaine de La Crosettaz welcomes visitors to its tasting room from Monday to Saturday by reservation. Check the reservation arrangements in advance. The two wineries offer different points of interest: Domaine de St-Vincent focuses on winemaking and the vine’s growth cycle, while La Crosettaz offers a visit to its tasting room.

History across several eras

Gilly’s history dates back to the 12th century. An early form of its name was “Iusliaco”; by the following century, “Gillie” was already in use. The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste was founded by the Sallenove family in 1299 and demolished in 1882. The first recorded mention of Château Saint-Vincent dates back to 1172.

The present-day Château de Vincy was built in 1724 by the Vasserot family in the neoclassical style. In 1815, the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine stayed there for about a hundred days. Château de Vincy and the Campagne de Beaulieu in Gilly are classified as Category A cultural heritage sites. These buildings represent different historical reference points, from early forms of the village’s name and the founding of a medieval church to 18th-century architecture.

Walking trails and green spaces

Numerous paths and trails cross the forests and vineyards of Gilly. They are suitable for walkers of different ages and fitness levels. In the village of Gilly and the hamlet of Vincy, five fountains provide fresh water from municipal sources and offer walkers a chance to refresh themselves. Gilly also has the Sentier du Vallon de Vincy trail.

Some trails connect named places and landscape features: the Allée des Amandiers leads from Domaine de St-Vincent to Étang Bleu, a restored pond. The Sentier des Châtaignes connects Luins with the hamlet of Vincy, along the upper side of the Domaine de St-Vincent grounds. These details describe different route connections and can help you plan, depending on whether you are looking for a trail to a pond or a link between two places.

Getting there on the “De Gimel au vignoble de La Côte” route

For this route, take the bus from Allaman to Gimel; Allaman is on the Lausanne–Geneva railway line. A bus from Gilly to Rolle is indicated for the return journey. Check current public transport timetables before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Vinzel, Bursinel, Saint-Cergue, Saint-George, Commugny, Gland Vd, Chavannes-De-Bogis, Coppet

For the broader travel overview: Nyon.