Villeneuve Vd: Lake Geneva, Vineyards and History

Villeneuve Vd is a Swiss municipality in the canton of Vaud and the district of Aigle. It lies at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, at the foot of the Vaud Prealps and where the Rhône Valley begins. The lakeshore, winegrowing and traces of history shape the different sides of the town. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on walks, wine and vineyards, or activities on the water.

Between Lake Geneva and the Prealps

To the southeast, Mont d’Arvel and Malatraix rise above the town; to the northeast, the Rochers de Naye do the same. Their summit, at 2,042 metres, is the highest point in the municipality. The railway station is another useful landmark: it is on the Simplon line and connected to the Vaud regional express network.

The historic Bourg and the quays

The historic Bourg of Villeneuve, the “Ville neuve de Chillon,” has a cobbled main street, attractive houses and numerous shops. It invites you to stroll and gives the town centre a different character from the paths through vineyards and countryside. The quays offer a view of Île de Peilz, considered the only natural island in Lake Geneva. Sculptures from the Montreux-Villeneuve Biennale feature along the promenade, making it suitable for a walk at any time of year; the sculptures on display may change between editions.

Routes for different time frames

Three marked routes from Villeneuve explore the Grangettes area. They take about 30 minutes, an hour and a half, or four hours—a clear choice when deciding how much time to set aside for an outing. Trail conditions may change. The Grangettes Nature Reserve can be explored on foot or by bicycle; please respect the applicable restrictions in the protected area to safeguard its habitat. It lies at the eastern end of Lake Geneva and is considered the lake’s last remaining natural shoreline.

The Sentier des vignes runs from Villeneuve to Saint-Maurice through the vineyards of Chablais, passing through Yvorne, Aigle, Ollon and Bex. The Villeneuve loop of this trail is five kilometres long and takes about one hour and 35 minutes. Its duration is close to that of the 90-minute Grangettes route, but it offers a different focus: along the Sentier des vignes, 19 information panels explain the history of winegrowing and introduce winemakers along the route. Another hike, the “Balade au royaume des Châtaigniers,” passes through vineyards and forest to the chestnut groves of Chenaux and Montolivet. Trail conditions may also vary here.

Wine and regional traditions

The Viticole Villeneuve produces just under ten red, white and rosé wines; the selection may change. It welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday. Tastings outside opening hours and for groups are available by reservation. In the centre of Villeneuve, Domaine Bertholet has a terrace among the vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva and the mountains. Wine tastings and public and private events are held there; event dates may vary.

Another seasonal tradition can be experienced on the municipal alpine pastures above Villeneuve: in summer, you can watch traditional alpine cheese being made. Demonstrations and access to the production area may vary. If you are planning your stay around the seasons, you can pair this summer activity with a walk along the quays, which is suitable all year round.

Water, paddling and nature

A stand-up paddleboarding route from Villeneuve heads towards Château de Chillon. Because of boat traffic, it is restricted to experienced paddlers or those accompanied by a guide. Check water conditions and the provider’s guidance before setting out. Another route passes Île de Peilz and follows the Grangettes Nature Reserve. About 250 bird species breed in this area; please observe the restrictions in place to protect the habitat.

Nautic Loisirs, near the railway station, rents stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, boats and kayaks, and offers lessons for all levels. Seasonal operations may vary. Piscine Les Marines has heated pools, diving boards, sunbathing lawns and direct access to Lake Geneva; its seasonal opening hours may also vary. This gives you a choice of activities on the lake and a visit to the pool complex, each with its own conditions and time frame.

Discover local history

Individual buildings also tell the story of Villeneuve’s past. The Hôtel de Ville on Place de la Gare is housed in the former Notre-Dame hospital. The Church of Saint-Paul on Grand-Rue displays the coats of arms of the House of Savoy. It replaced the Church of Compengie, first mentioned in 1166. Near the railway station, the Villeneuve Tourist Information Office is in the former Gothic chapel of the Notre-Dame hospital, built in 1236. It offers suggestions for sightseeing and walking tours.

A walking tour takes two hours and 15 minutes and traces the history of a town founded more than 800 years ago. It offers a more in-depth historical experience than a stroll through the Bourg. Whether you choose this focus or prefer to spend your time on the wine routes, the lakeshore or the Grangettes depends on which aspects of Villeneuve you would like to explore further.

Discover more destinations: Lavey-Les-Bains, Lavey-Morcles, Chessel, Bex, Roche Vd, Aigle, Corbeyrier, Barboleusaz.

Go to the main travel overview: Aigle.