Visiting the Village of Puidoux in Switzerland
The Charm and Variety of Puidoux’s Vineyards, Forests and Lakes
Aug 27, 2009
Of all the villages in the Lavaux region, the commune of Puidoux covers the most area and has the most variety. A typical lakeshore community becomes a more modern village with shopping and apartment buildings which then extends further into the surrounding farmland. And surrounding it all are several small forests with views on the Alps and the other nearby hills.
Geography and History of Puidoux, Switzerland
The commune is divided into roughly three geographic areas: Dézaley, which sits perched on the steep slopes of Lake Geneva, Puidoux-Gare, further inland beside the main train station, and Puidoux-Village, a quaint and calm village surrounded by farmland and woodlands. Although Roman ruins have been found scattered around Puidoux, many parts of Puidoux are much younger than their Lavaux neighbors.
Both the name of the village and the nickname of the villagers provide a charming picture of the commune. The name of the village may have come about because most of the water drawn by the village and the surrounding farms comes from a large fresh water spring located on nearby Mt. Chesau. Puidoux may be another way of saying puits doux, meaning fresh water wells. And in the old dialect of the region, the people from Puidoux are called les Amoureux, translated as the Lovers.
Notable Buildings and Tourist Attractions in Puidoux
- Puidoux Chapel: Originally constructed in the eleventh century, this diminutive place of worship has kept its original dimensions and aesthetic for ten centuries and still serves for Sunday services and weddings. It is located in the oldest part of Puidoux-Village.
- The Marsens Tower: One of the first towers in all of Switzerland to be constructed out of stone, this originally-defensive structure overhangs Puidoux’s celebrated vineyards and was designated a historic monument in 1946.
- The Dézaley Vineyards: A parcel of steep, lakeshore land was given to monks in the twelfth century by the Bishop Amédée de Clarmont d’Hauterive and a winemaking tradition was born. Dézaley wine is considered one of the most prestigious of the Lavaux region.
Planning a Visit to Puidoux – Where to Eat
- Restaurant du Lac de Bret: Specializing in lake fish and lobster, this elegant establishment has a diverse menu and an enchanting ambiance. In the summer, enjoy the view from the restaurant’s wide terrace.
- The Logis du Pont: Located just at the exit of Puidoux-Gare, the restaurant offers a gastronomic menu in its small dining room and more traditional brasserie fare in the café.
- Auberge Communale: A traditional restaurant in the center of Puidoux-Village that also offers banquet facilities.
Puidoux offers one thing most of the other Lavaux villages cannot…woodlands. The village is surrounded by a number of lovely forests, all laced with well-maintained walking paths. Mushroom gatherers will be delighted in the late spring and early fall, while wildlife enthusiasts will be treated to frequent sightings of deer, fox, numerous birds and other flora and fauna.
For further reading, see these related articles on The Lavaux Region and Visiting the Village of Chexbres.
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