The Tour de Gourze is a restored medieval keep standing on a wooded hill at 925 m above sea level, overlooking Lavaux. An internal staircase leads up to a platform with sweeping views over Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura.
Towers
Tour de Gourze
Main highlights
- A 360-degree panorama over Lake Geneva, the Alps, the Jura and the Swiss Plateau
- An 11th-century keep built for the Bishop of Lausanne, with walls 2 m thick at the base
- Waymarked trails from Cully, Riex, Chexbres and along the Jorat ridges
Overview
The Tour de Gourze was built in the 11th century on the orders of the Bishop of Lausanne. It formed part of a network of watchtowers tasked with monitoring transport routes and signalling threats. This cylindrical tower was the keep of a castle that has since disappeared.
Over the centuries, it served as a lookout post and later as a seigneurial residence. Partly destroyed during the Burgundian Wars in the 15th century, it was restored several times, notably in the early 20th century. Its position on a hill overlooking the surrounding area explains its defensive role.
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What to see and do
The tower is 15 m high and nearly 9 m in diameter. Its walls, built of local limestone rubble, are around 2 m thick at the base. Information panels trace the history of the site, and an internal staircase leads to the viewing platform.
From the top, the view takes in Lake Geneva, the Swiss and French Alps, including the Mont Blanc massif on clear days, the Jura range and the Swiss Plateau. You can make out Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux and the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On clear days, visibility extends to nearly 200 km.
The tower is a popular stop for hikers : the Jorat ridge trail between Chexbres and Palézieux, the path climbing from Cully through the vineyards, and a themed trail on nature and history. The wooded hill is home to many birds, including birds of prey, as well as flora typical of the Pre-Alpine hills.
Practical information
Getting there : by car via the A9, Chexbres exit, then park at Cornes de Cerf, about 15 minutes’ walk away. By train to Chexbres-Village, then bus to Riex or Epesses, followed by a walk of about 45 minutes.
Site : the exterior of the tower is freely accessible. Access to the interior may be restricted depending on the season or weather.
On site : there are several picnic spots near the tower.
Visiting tips
Pick a day with clear weather and check the forecast, as the view depends on it. Early morning and late afternoon are less crowded and offer better light for photos.
Bring walking shoes, water, binoculars and, in summer, sun protection : the site is very exposed.
Nearby attractions
- Lac de Bret, above Puidoux, is fed solely by natural springs.
- Château d’Oron, first mentioned in 1137, traces the history of the Lords of Oron and the Bernese period.
- Tour Plein Ciel, on Mont-Pèlerin, features a viewing platform 65 m above the ground.
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