Round trip cruise from Lausanne to Chillon

Exploring the Lake Geneva Cruise from Lausanne to Chillon: A Practical Review

If you’re planning a trip to Lausanne and looking to enjoy some of Switzerland’s most beautiful scenery, a round-trip cruise from Lausanne to Chillon might catch your eye. While it’s not a full-day adventure, this approximately 3-hour journey promises stunning vistas of vineyards, mountains, and historic castles. We’ve looked into the experience based on reviews and details available to help you decide if this cruise suits your travel style.

What we love about this tour is the spectacular views of the Lavaux vineyards—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and the cruise’s relaxed pace, which allows you to take in the scenery without feeling rushed. Plus, the arrival at the Château de Chillon by boat is quite a sight, offering a unique perspective of this iconic Swiss landmark. On the flip side, some travelers mention the stops along the route as a downside, feeling they make the trip longer than expected or disrupt the flow.

If you’re someone who enjoys layered landscapes, leisurely boat rides, and a touch of wine country, this experience could be right up your alley. However, if you’re expecting a private, no-stops, luxury cruise, this might not be the ideal choice. That said, it’s a good pick for those who want a cost-effective, scenic, and laid-back way to explore Lake Geneva, especially if you’re curious about the vineyards and the castle.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery including Lavaux vineyards, the Alps, and the Riviera region
• Relaxing boat ride with options to enjoy on board amenities and views
• Multiple stops along the route, which can extend the trip or feel like a detour
• Spectacular arrival at Château de Chillon from the water’s perspective
• Affordable price point around $68, with the potential for on-board meals (reservation required)
• Convenient meeting point in Lausanne with easy access via public transportation

The Experience in Detail

Planning a trip on this cruise starts with knowing where to meet. The departure point is Quai Jean-Pascal Delamuraz in Lausanne, a spot that’s fairly accessible and close to public transit, making it easy to hop aboard without much hassle. Once on the boat, you’ll notice it’s equipped with restrooms, which is a thoughtful touch for a 3-hour journey. There’s no need for ticket exchanges—just show your mobile ticket and hop on.

The Route and what makes it special

The route is quite comprehensive. The boat heads directly to St Gingolph, which is at the far end of Lake Geneva, before turning back. Along the way, you’ll pass through Le Bouveret, Villeneuve, Chillon Castle, Montreux, and Vevey. Each of these spots offers its own charm, but the real highlight is the stretch between Vevey and Lausanne, where the boat cruises past the Lavaux vineyards. These terraced slopes of grapevines are a UNESCO Heritage site, and the views are quite memorable—especially on a clear day.

The vineyards and wine villages

While you’re enjoying the gentle sway of the boat, you’ll gaze upon the rolling vineyards that spill down toward the lake. If you’re a wine lover, this is a notable feature, as many of these small villages are known for their wine production. The cruise offers several stops in the wine villages of Lavaux, giving you a chance to explore or perhaps enjoy some local tasting (though the tour itself doesn’t include wine tastings).

Château de Chillon arrival

One of the most striking moments of this cruise is the arrival at Château de Chillon. From the water, the medieval castle looks even more fairytale-like, with its towers and ramparts rising above the lake. It’s a great photo opportunity and a different way to view this iconic site. Many reviews mention how special this arrival feels, especially if you’re a castle or history enthusiast.

Onboard amenities and meal options

The cruise includes onboard restrooms, which is convenient given the duration. You can also bring your own drinks or purchase from the boat, although alcohol, coffee, and soda are not included in the ticket price. For lunch, there’s an option to reserve a meal on board, but you’ll need to pay separately. This makes it suitable for a laid-back lunch cruise, especially if you want to enjoy a drink with your scenic views.

The Reviews: Balancing the Good with the Not-So-Good

The feedback from travelers paints a fairly balanced picture. A review from Joe describes the cruise as a “great relaxing cruise on the lake with friends,” highlighting the nice crew, good drinks, and the overall beautiful weather and scenery. It’s clear that when the weather cooperates, this cruise can be quite a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

However, some travelers, like Maria_R, found the experience less satisfying. She noted she was disappointed by the stops and felt they wasted time—a common sentiment when the route is designed to serve multiple destinations rather than focus solely on the lake cruise. She also mentioned a desire for more options for seating, especially upstairs, which she would have gladly paid extra for.

Another reviewer, Michel_V, sums it up well by emphasizing “the beauty of the landscapes,” the comfort of the boat, and the friendly staff that made their afternoon special. Such comments reflect the core appeal of this experience: a scenic, leisurely boat ride with welcoming service.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For a ticket around $68.68 per person, this cruise is quite reasonable considering the views and experience. It includes the boat ride and onboard restroom facilities. However, lunch is not included, and you’ll need to reserve and pay for it separately if you want to dine on board. Be aware that beverages like coffee, soda, or alcohol are also extra. It’s worth planning ahead if you want to bring your own drinks or snacks.

Practical Considerations

The ticketing process is straightforward—your mobile ticket grants direct boarding, no need to exchange papers. The cruise runs most days, but it’s weather-dependent—poor weather could lead to cancellations, with a full refund or alternative date offered. Refunds are available for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance.

For those concerned about group size, the tour can accommodate up to 650 travelers, making it a fairly social experience but not overly crowded if you arrive early or during off-peak times.

Who This Cruise is Best For

This experience is well-suited for those who enjoy scenic, relaxed outings. If you love wine country views, historic castles, and peaceful boat rides, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s a good option if you’re traveling with friends or want a low-key way to see Lake Geneva without committing to a full-day tour.

However, if you’re expecting a private or luxury experience without stops, or if time is tight, this might not be the best choice. The multiple stops and the route’s structure mean it’s more about seeing several sights in one trip rather than a dedicated cruise to one destination.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this round trip cruise from Lausanne to Chillon offers a charming and affordable way to experience Lake Geneva’s beauty. The highlights are the stunning vineyard vistas and the castle views, both of which make for memorable moments. It’s perfect for those wanting a laid-back, scenic outing with minimal fuss.

While some may find the stops somewhat disruptive, others will appreciate the chance to see multiple spots along the lake. The friendly crew and comfortable boat make this a pleasant ride, especially if the weather is clear. The price is reasonable considering the scenery and convenience, especially if you’re interested in a casual experience rather than a detailed tour.

If you’re visiting Lausanne and want to combine sightseeing with some relaxing lake time, this cruise is worth considering—just be sure to check the weather and possibly book your lunch ahead of time if you want to dine on board.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for families?
While the tour is accessible to most travelers, it doesn’t specifically mention family-friendly features, so it’s best suited for older children or adults.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own drinks or purchase beverages on board, but alcohol, coffee, and soda are not included in the ticket price.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, including stops along the route.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
The meeting point is Quai Jean-Pascal Delamuraz in Lausanne, which is near public transportation.

Is the ticket purchasable on the day?
It’s recommended to book in advance, as it’s usually booked about 25 days ahead, to secure your spot.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there different seating options?
The ticket does not specify different classes, but some reviews suggest that upstairs seating might be available at extra cost.

Can I enjoy wine during the cruise?
The tour itself does not include wine tastings, but the scenery and the wine villages nearby make it a great area for wine enthusiasts.

Is this a private tour?
No, it’s a group tour with a maximum of 650 travelers on the boat.

What makes this cruise special?
The combination of lake, vineyard, and castle views, along with the relaxed pace, makes it a memorable way to see part of Switzerland’s Lake Geneva region.