Switzerland Cully, Vaud, Switzerland

Cully sits on the northern shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in the heart of the Lavaux vineyard terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its steep, sun-facing slopes between Lausanne and the Château de Chillon. The village is now part of the municipality of Bourg-en-Lavaux (since 2011), and its lakeside port anchors a shoreline of promenades, small beaches, and marinas tucked beneath stone-walled vines

Cully developed as a market village on the lake and later gained a railway station in 1861, which helped shift it from a fortified settlement to an open, wine-growing hub on a key transport route along the lake. In 2011, the former communes of Cully, Epesses, Grandvaux, Riex and Villette merged to form Bourg-en-Lavaux, reflecting the area’s shared identity around viticulture and lake trade.

The ingredients are outrageously photogenic: terraced vines stepping to the water; a tidy little harbour with masts and reflections; the Alps forming a blue-grey wall across the lake; and buttery evening light that kisses the limestone walls. From above, the view lines pull your eye diagonally across vines to the pier; from the water, the amphitheatre of vineyards stacks up like a green origami fan. The main marina you’ll encounter on the east side is Port de Moratel, with additional small harbour basins nearby, giving plenty of angles for shoreline compositions.

Golden/blue hour rule: Shoot the port at blue hour for mirror-calm reflections; climb a terrace path for golden-hour side-light on vineyard walls.

Foreground matters: Use vine leaves, stone steps, bollards or mooring rings as leading elements into the frame.

Vertical vs. horizontal: Go vertical from vineyard paths to stack vines, village, lake, and Alps; go wide and low at the quay to exaggerate sky colour and boat masts.

By train: Take the Simplon line (RER Vaud) to Cully. Trains from Lausanne run frequently, and it’s a 5–7 minute walk from the station to the lake and port.

By boat: Lake Geneva boats (CGN) serve Lavaux ports, including Cully in season. It’s the most scenic option and lands you right at the lakeside; check the current timetable, especially outside summer.

By car: Use the A9 motorway and follow signs for Lavaux / Bourg-en-Lavaux, then down to Cully. Parking near the waterfront is limited—use village car parks and walk a few minutes.

By bike or on foot: The lakeside Route du Lac and vineyard paths link Cully with Lutry, Epesses, Rivaz, and Vevey. Terraces can be steep, so bring low gears or good walking shoes.