There are several ways to shape a stay in Blonay: explore the Chemin de fer-musée Blonay-Chamby museum railway and Blonay Castle, walk the high-altitude trails, enjoy seasonal winter sports, or sample wines and regional products. The options range from cultural history and nature to winegrowing.
Blonay and Winegrowing
Blonay lies above Vevey and Montreux on the Vaud Riviera. The locality is part of the municipality of Blonay-Saint-LĂ©gier in the Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut district of the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Around 50 hectares of vineyards are cultivated on the sunny southern slopes below Blonay. Wine tastings at local wineries offer a tangible way to connect with this aspect of the landscape during your visit.
Museum Railway and Castle
The Chemin de fer-musée Blonay-Chamby museum railway takes visitors from Blonay along a route over viaducts, through a tunnel and across pastureland. The visit includes two exhibition halls and a coaling platform. The museum showcases one of Europe’s most complete and representative railway collections. The ride, exhibition halls and collection offer different ways to explore the subject of railways.
Blonay Castle offers a distinct historical focus. It has been documented since 1175 and has been owned by the de Blonay family since it was built. Together with the museum railway, it gives visitors a choice of two distinct cultural attractions in the village: the history of the castle and the railway collection.
Trails near Les Pléiades
AstroPléiades is an educational outdoor trail at an altitude of 1,348 m. Its 17 stations bring together science, art and poetry. Its thematic approach sets it apart from trails focused on forests, wetlands or pastureland. AstroPléiades can be reached from Vevey or Blonay on the Train-étoiles.
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 provide insights into local flora and fauna. The trail offers both landscapes to explore and information to help you understand them.
You can start the Sentier des Narcisses at Les Pléiades station; the route follows pasture paths. Flowering is seasonal, so if it matters for your visit, check the timing in advance. The station starting point and the trail’s character as a pasture path are clear landmarks for this excursion.
Winter Activities
The Les Pléiades ski area offers downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing. It can be reached by train from Vevey. Activities and operations are seasonal, and transport and operating conditions may change. Be sure to check the details before planning your trip. Unlike the trails focused on nature and culture, this area’s options centre on winter sports.
Wine Tastings and Regional Products
At Domaine des Châbles in Blonay, wine tastings are available every Saturday morning or on weekdays by arrangement. Confirm the appointment details before your visit. Domaine Barichet in Blonay offers private wine tastings by arrangement; an appointment is required. The arrangements therefore differ: Châbles has a regular Saturday morning option, while weekday visits there and visits to Barichet must be arranged in advance.
The Marché paysan Bühlmann in Blonay welcomes visitors every week with a wide selection of regional products grown or made in line with the seasons and environmental considerations. Check opening details before your visit. Wine tastings and the market also differ in how you plan: the tastings have the appointment requirements described above, while the market is held weekly.
Find Hotels in Blonay
If you’re looking for a hotel in Blonay, first decide whether culture, nature trails, winter activities or wine tastings will be the main focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Chardonne VD, La LĂ©cherette, Jongny, Vevey, La Tour-De-Peilz, Veytaux, Montreux, Les Avants.
Go to the regional travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.
