This trail is sure to quench your thirst for knowledge and for the great outdoors. It is a fascinating voyage of discovery through the vineyards of Mont Vully – silent witnesses to thousands of years of Swiss history. It also offers stunning views of the Jura and Alps. Along the way, why not take a break and make use of one of the many designated barbecue areas.
From Sugiez train station, head into the village. Behind the bakery «Guillaume», also worth a visit for a piece of the delicious Gâteau du Vully (baked cream tart), the path will lead you up into the vineyards. You will be able to enjoy the wonderful view across the lake and the Alps until you reach the historic pathway between Praz and Môtier. This leads directly to the intriguing sandstone caves of Le Vully, which were used as a military support base during World War I. But today the caves provide an ideal play area for kids, as well as a ready-made barbecue site, perfect for that alfresco picnic! Continue to scale the heights of Mont Vully, past the Restaurant Mont Vully, over the fields and through the woods where you will come across other fascinating relics from the region’s past, all described in full on the interpretive panels. There is also the picturesque play area and picnic spot, the «Reduit du Vully», from where you can catch a breath-taking glimpse of Lake Neuchâtel. Another interesting artefact you will encounter along the trail is the Louis Agassiz Stone, named after the renowned naturalist from the village of Môtier. Soon afterwards, you will begin your descent. The path will take you past the «Rempart des Helvètes», a reconstruction of the ramparts built by the inhabitants of Mont Vully in Roman times. A little bit further along is the nature trail path which winds it way through the vineyards, taking you down into the village of Praz and to Lake Morat. If you want to round off your trip in leisurely fashion, why not cross the lake by boat?
| Length: | 12.4 km |
| Altitude difference: | 420 m |
| Time: | 4.00 h |
| Max. altitude: | 625 m.o.s. |
| Region: | Fribourg |
| Starting point: | Sugiez, station |
Places along the route: Sugiez - Le Vully caves - Sur le Mont - Reduit du Vully - Pierre Agassiz - past the Rempart des Helvètes - Praz
Note(s): Sandstone caves at Mont Vully are not lit. So, don’t forget to bring a torch!
Variant(s): Alternative A: Rempart des Helvètes - Plan Châtel - Sugiez Past the Rempart des Helvètes, is the summit of Mont Vully, equipped with a fire pit and offering a stunning panoramic view. The signposted trail will lead you back down to where the trail began - Sugiez. Alternative B: Praz - Nant - Sugiez From Praz, take the path below the Restaurant Bel-Air towards the lake short path. This will lead you directly to Lake Morat and ultimately the La Broye canal. To cross the canal and get back to where the trail started, carry on to the left until you reach the bridge. Once you have crossed the bridge, the path will lead directly to the train station.
