Route du Vignoble genevois

With around 1400 hectares of cultivated land and an annual production of over 13 million litres, Geneva is the third largest wine canton in Switzerland. The Chasselas grape variety, which is thousands of years old, is particularly widespread here. But lesser known white wine varieties are cultivated as well, such as Aligoté or Viognier. Among the red grape varieties, Gamay clearly dominates. This bike tour leads through a part of the two Geneva wine-growing regions "Le Mandement" and "Entre Arve et Rhône". After starting at La Plaine station, the tour crosses the vineyards of Dardagny, Les Baillets, Peissy and Peney in a clockwise direction, as well as the wine regions of Bernex, Laconnex and Soral.

Long rows of vines line the paths and little roads around the winegrowers' village of Dardagny, distinguished with the Wakker prize. The centrepiece is the imposing castle. Those who want to deepen their knowledge of viticulture can complete an educational trail on foot. In addition to learning about the production of wine, you can also gather interesting facts about the history of the village and the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. The route then descends through the vineyards of the municipality of Peissy to the banks of the Rhone. As you pass through the hamlet of Loëx, where a rehabilitation clinic is run by the University Hospital of Geneva, a stop should be planned to see the parrots. Some truly magnificent and even rare specimens can be observed in the aviaries. The rescue centre is run by volunteers.

The hill "Signal de Bernex" is located just outside of Bernex. It can be reached by bike, but the climb is a bit steep and stony. Nevertheless, the detour is worth it: once at the top, a wide panorama over the Geneva region opens up. Situated at an altitude of 509 metres, this vantage point is the second highest in the canton of Geneva. Before finishing the bike tour, you may want to relax on the sandy beach of La Plaine just below the railway station and the road to Challex near the Rhone. It is accessible free of charge all year round.