Overview

Cully is a lakeside settlement on the northern shore of Lake Geneva in the Swiss Confederation, located in the canton of Vaud. Historically an independent municipality, it served as the administrative centre of the district of Lavaux before the 2006 reorganisation that created the district of Lavaux-Oron. Cully lies within a famous band of terraced vineyards that face the lake and form an important cultural landscape.

Character and landscape

The village is characterised by steep, stone-walled terraces planted with vines, narrow streets, and a small harbour on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). Wine production, largely focused on the local white grape Chasselas, has shaped land use and architecture for centuries. The pattern of small plots and retaining walls gives the area a distinct appearance and supports both commercial viticulture and wine tourism.

History and municipal changes

Cully's identity has long been tied to viticulture, lakeside trade and regional administration. After acting as district capital, the village became part of the reorganised district mentioned above. On 1 July 2011, Cully merged with the neighbouring communes of Epesses, Riex, Villette (Lavaux) and Grandvaux to form the new municipality of Bourg-en-Lavaux, changing its municipal status while retaining local traditions.

Culture, economy and transport

The local economy remains heavily influenced by wine production and by tourism. Cully hosts cultural events that attract visitors from around the region, including music festivals and wine-related fairs. It is accessible by regional rail and road links that follow the lakeshore, linking it with larger urban centres to the west and east.

Notable facts and importance

  • The terraced vineyards of Lavaux, which include the slopes around Cully, are recognised for their cultural and historical value.
  • Cully has a small harbour that supports leisure boating and contributes to the village's appeal for visitors.
  • The merger into Bourg-en-Lavaux in 2011 aimed to coordinate services and planning across neighbouring villages while preserving local viticultural practices.

Today Cully is appreciated as a compact village with panoramic lake views, active vineyards, and seasonal cultural programming that link its agricultural heritage to contemporary leisure and tourism activities. For administrative history, tourism information and local events consult regional resources and municipal notices for Bourg-en-Lavaux via official channels (local municipality, cantonal and lake references).