Riex — former municipality in Lavaux, canton of Vaud, Switzerland

Location and characteristics

Located within the Lavaux-Oron area, Riex shared the steep terraced slopes, narrow lanes and stone-built houses typical of the Lavaux wine-growing zone. Its setting offered panoramic views over the lake and the Alps, and its parcels of land were largely used for viticulture. The community infrastructure and local services were coordinated with nearby villages in the district of Lavaux-Oron and the wider canton of Vaud.

History and municipal change

On 1 July 2011 Riex ceased to exist as an independent municipality when it merged with Cully, Epesses, Grandvaux and Villette (Lavaux) to create the new municipality called Bourg-en-Lavaux. The merger was part of a broader Swiss trend of combining small communes to improve administrative efficiency and public services. For local historical references see the neighboring village of Epesses.

Economy and cultural importance

Viticulture and wine production were the principal economic activities in Riex, as in much of the Lavaux terraces. The landscape is valued both for its agricultural productivity and for the cultural heritage represented by the stone walls and traditional cultivation methods. Tourism, wineries and lakeside recreation also contributed to the local economy.

Notable distinctions

• Part of the Lavaux vineyard region, noted for its terraced slopes and scenic value.
• Integrated administratively into Bourg-en-Lavaux after the 2011 merger.
• Representative example of small rural communes that characterize Vaud's lakeshore.

For administrative, cultural or visitor information consult regional resources and the official Bourg-en-Lavaux publications or archives: canton of Vaud pages and district notices in Lavaux-Oron records may provide original documents and maps.