ViaJacobi, Stage 18/33

This route along Lake Geneva has only a few uphill sections and offers spectacular panoramic views. Even in Caesar's time, the rich and famous loved this area, and numerous castles, vineyards and yachts still bear witness to the prosperity and enjoyment of the lakeside.

The long, gently undulating hike through the Lake Geneva region begins at the Rolle, centre ville bus stop. Right at the start, the trail skirts the shore of Lake Geneva before leaving Rolle and heading across open meadows and through loosely built-up villages towards Bursinel and Dully. The route is waymarked throughout and remains easy, but at around 29 kilometres and seven hours, it requires stamina.

About halfway along, the route reaches Prangins. Château de Prangins stands directly beside the trail; it houses the Swiss National Museum’s branch in French-speaking Switzerland and has a large kitchen garden featuring plant varieties from the 18th century. Settlements, open countryside and short stretches of woodland then alternate.

Beyond Crans and Céligny, the route climbs gently once more. Near Mont de Barie, it reaches its highest point at around 440 metres. At Château de Bossey, the trail passes close to the building before descending via Founex to Coppet. Shortly before the destination, it passes the church in Commugny. The nearest bus stop, Commugny, centre, is around 400 metres from the endpoint.