Vich Among Vineyards and Paths
Vich lies in La CĂ´te, the wine region on Lake Geneva. The AOC La CĂ´te covers more than 2,000 hectares of vineyards and is the largest wine region in the canton of Vaud; it is also a major wine tourism destination. In Vich, you can discover this landscape in different ways: a circular route leads through vineyards and orchards, while a village walk offers views of the lake and the Alps.
Circular Route and Nature Trail
The “Entre vignes et vergers” circular route starts and ends in Vich’s village square. Its route through vineyards and orchards gives it a clear focus on the cultivated landscape. As route details may change, check the latest information before setting out.
The Sentier des Toblerones crosses Vich on foot from end to end and follows the Serine for most of its route. The trail combines easy access for walkers with a preserved, unspoiled setting. As a historical nature trail, it runs along a line of fortifications from the Second World War, which includes 3,000 triangular anti-tank obstacles. Several information panels explain the role of the forest, the tree species and the history of this strategic line. The full section from Bassins to Nyon is 18 kilometres long and follows good paths.
Fortin and Local History
The Fortin de Vich was built during the mobilization of 1939–1945. It is considered the most important structure on 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.
The village’s history also reaches far back: in Roman times, the ancient Vy de l’Etraz crossed Vich from east to west. The village later developed into one of the early centres of medieval metallurgy in Vaud. The Eglise Saint Martin was probably built in the 11th century and donated to Bonmont Abbey by the lords of Begnins in 1165. It became a Reformed church in 1536. Special features include stained-glass windows dating from 1920 and a Roman stele in the right choir pier.
The renovated houses on Grand’Rue reflect Vich’s Bernese past. Place Marcel Poncet commemorates a local painter and stained-glass artist. There is also a bronze rooster there, an early work by the sculptor Antoine, the artist’s son. Details like these add another layer of history to a walk through the village.
The Serine and Bois de ChĂŞnes
Vich’s municipal forests cover 4.6 hectares. They consist of small woodland patches and wooded strips along the Serine, providing refuge for wildlife, including cavity-nesting birds, insects, fungi that grow on dead wood and deer. The Serine is therefore both a defining natural feature and the reference point for much of the Sentier des Toblerones in Vich.
Between Genolier and Vich lies the Bois de ChĂŞnes, an integral scientific nature reserve. It is 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. The Bois de ChĂŞnes can be reached by train via Genolier or by bus via Vich; it has large areas for family picnics or barbecues. Check the latest information on transport and facilities before visiting. Vich itself is also accessible by public transport.
The trails offer different points of reference when choosing where to stay: the “Entre vignes et vergers” circular route starts in the village square and leads through vineyards and orchards; the Sentier des Toblerones crosses the village and mostly follows the Serine. This lets you decide whether the focus of your stay should be the cultivated landscape, the historical nature trail or Vich’s village history.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Essertines-Sur-Rolle, Saint-George, Founex, La Rippe, Borex, Gland Vd, Le Vaud, Duillier.
Back to the main travel overview: Nyon.
