Day 29 SW Lausanne to Vevey

Lausanne to Vevey – A Day to Remember

The morning started off very relaxed — no rushing, and a few short legs ahead for the coming days. I took the opportunity to explore the city a bit before heading to my next destination. After yesterday’s long distances, it was good to take it easy and recover.

I began the day with a peaceful stroll through town, heading towards the Notre Dame Cathedralto get my pilgrim passport stamped. It was a beautiful morning — the city was just waking up as I arrived around 9 o’clock. There’s something very civilized about Monday mornings in Switzerland. Everyone seemed calm and unhurried. People sat outdoors, sipping coffee as if the concept of stress didn’t exist. It was genuinely refreshing.

All around the city, I noticed small performance spaces — stages for live music, likely used in the evenings. It gave the city a vibrant, artistic feel, even in the early hours.

Today’s walk took me along the coast of Lake Geneva towards Vevey — a route I’d been looking forward to. The promise of lakeside views, vineyards, and maybe even a glimpse of some Olympic history had me excited. And wow — what an epic walk.

The Olympic Museum in Lausanne was magnificent. The exhibitions were immersive, and the setting — right on the lake — made it feel even more special. The water here is crystal clear. I could see nearly 2 meters (6feet) down. That’s not an exaggeration.

On the Way to Vevey

The path to Vevey felt almost magical. I don’t know if I was walking or just floating in awe. Sailboats glided silently past, villages nestled into the hillsides, and the air was filled with peace and purpose.

Lake Geneva itself is difficult to describe — majestic, tranquil, vast, and yet somehow intimate. You feel both tiny and alive when walking beside it.

The vineyards, part of the Lavaux region, are UNESCO World Heritage-listed. Steep terraces, cultivated for centuries, stretch down to the lake. Every few kilometers brought another breathtaking view, another charming winery, another moment of quiet appreciation.

Vevey – A Town with Surprises

I arrived in Vevey around 5 PM, not realizing what a special place it would turn out to be.

Vevey, nestled on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, is known for its cultural richness and artistic legacy. Most surprisingly, it was home to Charlie Chaplin for the last 25 years of his life. There’s even a bronze statue of Chaplin by the lake, gazing out at the water. Nearby, you’ll find Chaplin’s World, a museum dedicated to his life and work.

I also stumbled upon the iconic giant fork sculpture embedded in the lake — part of the Nestlé Alimentarium, a food museum headquartered here (Nestlé’s global HQ is in Vevey). The fork has become one of the town’s most recognizable — and whimsical — landmarks.

A Glimpse of Ugliness in Paradise

Despite the idyllic surroundings, I had a sobering encounter near the train station. I noticed a man following someone along the path and sensed something wasn’t right. I quietly approached the person being followed, made conversation, and guided them into a nearby bar. We waited there for about 20 minutes until the suspicious individual disappeared.

They were incredibly grateful — a reminder that even in the safest and most affluent places, it pays to stay aware. Unfortunately, opportunists exist everywhere. It was a small act, but one that felt necessary.

Final Reflections

What a day. If I were to recommend a starting point for anyone doing the Via Francigena, I’d honestly say begin here — along the lake, through Vevey, and onward into Italy. France was amazing, but once you experience what Switzerland has to offer — the lake, the mountains, the calm — it’s hard to compare.

Next, I head inland. The terrain will rise. The journey continues.