Introduction
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canton of Vaud, Switzerland
Lavaux, Vineyard TerracesUNESCO World Heritage SiteInteractive map of Lavaux, Vineyard TerracesLocationCanton of Vaud, SwitzerlandCriteriaCultural: (iii), (iv), (v)Reference1243Inscription2007 (31st Session)Area898 ha (2,220 acres)Buffer zone1,408 ha (3,480 acres)Websitewww.lavaux.chCoordinates46°29′31″N 06°44′46″E / 46.49194°N 6.74611°E / 46.49194; 6.74611LavauxLocation of Lavaux in Switzerland
Lavaux (French pronunciation: [lavo]) is a region in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, in the district of Lavaux-Oron. Lavaux consists of 830 hectares (2,100 acres) of terraced vineyards that stretch for about 30 kilometres (19 mi) along the south-facing northern shores of Lake Geneva.
Although there is some evidence that vines were grown in the area in Roman times, the actual vine terraces can be traced back to the 11th century, when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries controlled the area. It benefits from a temperate climate, but the southern aspect of the terraces with the reflection of the sun in the lake and the stone walls gives a mediterranean character to the region. The main wine grape variety grown here is the Chasselas.
World Heritage Site
[edit]
Under cantonal law, the vineyards of Lavaux are protected from development. Since July 2007, Lavaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Since 2016, the vineyards of Lavaux are not treated with synthetic pesticides any more.
Hiking trail
[edit]
There are many hikes possible through the vineyards of Lavaux. There is a hiking trail ("Terrasses de Lavaux"), going from Saint-Saphorin to Lutry, recommended by the Tourism Office of Switzerland.
Legal protection
[edit]
Commemorative plaque honouring the commitment of Franz Weber for the protection of Lavaux.
In 1977, the voters of the Canton of Vaud accepted (55%) the cantonal popular initiative "Save Lavaux" Consequently, in 1979, a law was made to protect Lavaux (Loi sur le plan de protection de Lavaux).
In 2003, the new constitution of the Canton of Vaud came into force but did not contain the article about the protection of Lavaux. A second popular initiative "Save Lavaux" was launched to re-introduce it and was accepted in 2005 by 81% of voters.
In 2009, Franz Weber launched a third initiative "Save Lavaux" to reduce the possibilities for new construction in Lavaux, which was rejected on 19 May 2014 by 68% of voters. The counter-initiative of the regional government (Council of State of Vaud) was accepted by 68% of voters (strengthening the protection but less strictly than the initiative of Franz Weber).
