Explore The Convergence Of Three Cultures In Switzerland On A Road Trip
Travel+Leisure India|September 2019
French, German, Italian... Switzerland is a sum of all these and then some. Experience the picture-postcard country differently—hit the roads, traverse incredible landscapes, and explore the food, wine, and way of life of three regions through three unique activities.
Satarupa Paul
Explore The Convergence Of Three Cultures In Switzerland On A Road Trip

“BONJOUR MONSIEUR, WHICH WAY IS THE RAILWAY STATION?”

The farmers looked up from their tasks and studied me curiously. Beyond them, endless swathes of green rolled down the hillside to the edge of Lake Geneva, its stunning blue blinding in the afternoon sun. The homogeneity of the landscape was punctuated with red-roofed farmhouses, the grey of a winding road, and the white of a train snaking far below. These were the picture-postcard UNESCO-listed vineyards of Lavaux, in the francophone southwest region of Switzerland, and I was happily lost.

Stretching over 30 kilometres, these vineyards cover an area of 800 hectares, from the medieval fortress of Château de Chillon in Montreux to the outskirts of Lausanne. The entire stretch is well connected by rail, but the real thrill lies in exploring Lavaux by road, especially on a bicycle. You may choose the easy path that runs along the waterfront, which you can traverse in just two hours. Or, you can make a full-day cycling excursion via the paved, well-marked, and scenic Route de la Corniche—winding through the vineyards and villages, sometimes hugging the lake shore, at other times disappearing behind trees and thickets up in the hills.

This story is from the September 2019 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2019 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIAView All
10 Elevated Experiences in The Lap Of Luxury
Travel+Leisure India

10 Elevated Experiences in The Lap Of Luxury

Travel in a luxury caravan, cook a meal with Michelin-starred chefs, chill in your private in-villa wine cellar and snorkel with seahorses-here is our handpicked list of 10 unique indulgences at some of the finest hotels across the world

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
The Sound Luxury
Travel+Leisure India

The Sound Luxury

In 2024, the sound of Kenny G has been replaced by lo-fi beats in resorts and elevators, transforming the traditional musical landscape. Ambient music has become essential for crafting the perfect atmosphere.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
APPETITE for LIFE
Travel+Leisure India

APPETITE for LIFE

Dandelion roots and pea greens, truffles and wild mountain thyme: a meal in Slovenia is like a walk in a fairy-tale forest. Sierra Crane Murdoch falls under the country's spell.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
Silk Route Revival
Travel+Leisure India

Silk Route Revival

With its luxe offerings and ease of visa-free access to several countries, including India, Kazakhstan is slowly opening doors to travellers with a whole new set of handouts beyond the exotic, explores Shikha Tripathi

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
A TRANQUIL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
Travel+Leisure India

A TRANQUIL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

At Raffles Udaipur, discover the art of slowing down and connecting with history, nature, and yourself.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Travel, Leisure, and Everything In Between
Travel+Leisure India

Travel, Leisure, and Everything In Between

Shibani and Farhan Akhtar share their travel dynamics, love for luxury, and why Raffles Udaipur, with its serene ambiance, is the ultimate getaway.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Basking in Opulence
Travel+Leisure India

Basking in Opulence

Lights, camera, glam. What is it about Rajasthan, especially Udaipur, that spells luxury travel like no other?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Tradition in Modern Tapestry
Travel+Leisure India

Tradition in Modern Tapestry

Waris Ahluwalia's insights on sustainable practices and the power of human connection in his creative journey reflect through his words, and his work.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Design, Diversity, and Sustainability
Travel+Leisure India

Design, Diversity, and Sustainability

Roopal Patel discusses the evolving landscape of global fashion, the power of personal style, her vision for a more inclusive industry, and the future of design in an insightful exchange with Samreen Tungekar

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
MUMBAI TO MILAN: LUXURY, CULTURE AND CULINARY DELIGHTS
Travel+Leisure India

MUMBAI TO MILAN: LUXURY, CULTURE AND CULINARY DELIGHTS

Tanya Khanijow enjoys the best of Milan with Lufthansa, from stylish shopping to tasting the city's culinary delights.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024