History, vineyards and fine food: Vully has plenty of attractions to spark walkers’ curiosity. Its historical trail takes visitors on a journey to the very earliest days of French-speaking Switzerland, with some superb panoramic views as they walk through the smallest of Switzerland’s wine-growing estates.
Leave Sugiez railway station, cross the Broye canal and continue until you reach a gentle slope and the vines used to produce a wine that has AOC classification in both Fribourg and Vaud (the only bi-cantonal AOC in Switzerland).
Continue along the route until you arrive at the Roches Grises caves, above the wine-growing village of Môtier. Spend a few minutes visiting the galleries dug out in the molasse before returning to the path towards the Réduit du Vully, an important infantry support base during the two great wars of the 20th century.
Next, enter an area of undergrowth to discover the Pierre Agassiz – named after a famous scientist from the region, who tracked the rock’s movements to prove the existence of glaciation – and then head back to the summit of Mont Vully, with its stunning views over the Three-Lakes Region, the Jura and the Alps.
Carry on until you reach a Celtic fortified town. The Helvetians once occupied this hillside before they departed for Gaul and were stopped by Julius Caesar. Take a detour to the Tour des Sarrasins on the way down. Then head back towards the vines to return to the starting point, enjoying the unique view over Lake Murten.
Tip: don’t miss the opportunity to taste some regional specialities, such as the local wines and the famous Vully Tart!
Accessible by public transport: yes
Accessible by car: yes
Good to know:
This path has received the Swiss Post Encouragement Prize 2019, awarded in collaboration with Suisse Rando!
Guided tours can be organized on request: Vully Tourisme, +41 (0)26 673 18 72, info@levully.ch
Arrival by public transport:
The path is signposted from the Sugiez train station or the Praz and Môtier landing stages.
Arrival by car:
We recommend parking at the top of Mont Vully, at the cave car park (Route du Mont, 1789 Lugnorre) or at the foot of the vineyards in Praz (public car park next to the Cave aux Hirondelles).