St Saphorin in the back drop of Lake Geneva

Beginning of this month, I was travelling through Lausanne, the Lavaux vineyard terraces and Montreux in Switzerland. The distances were covered through scenic train journeys, biking and hiking.

Listed amongst the UNESCO's World Heritage in 2007, The Lavaux terrace stretches for about 30 kilometres along the shores of Lake Geneva, from Lausanne to Chateau de Chillon, south of Montreux.The best way to explore these regions however would be on a cycle.Lausanne Roule is a non-profit association that makes bicycles available in Lausanne, Renens and Vevey. This project is based on the principles of sustainable development, promoting soft mobility, social integration and health.


View of the village Rivaz from Chebrex

In collaboration with the 'Etablissement Vaudois Accueil aux Migrants', asylum seekers are incorporated into the taking care of the rental service. About thirty asylum seekers are working at the three stations during each seasons.

With the help of the Oeuvre Suisse d'entraide ouvrière, school-leaving young adults are also involved in bicylce maintenance as part of professional integration especially in Vevey. Local people are entrusted with the supervision of the asylum seekers . The team of Lausanne Roule consist of a group of professionals, a subsidised post intended for an unemployed person and a committee of volunteers.

Vevey in the back drop of Lac Léman

Itinerary from Lausanne to Vevey or vice versa: 20 kms. The same distance can be covered on a return journey by the ferry in 60 minutes. The bike rental is free until 2100 with a refundable deposit amount of 20 CHF .

Labels: Biking tours, Lausanne, Sustainable Development, Switzerland