This lovely apartment in Epesses was the perfect place for us to spend a week amongst the vineyards of the Lavaux. It is clean, spacious and well-equipped for cooking and relaxing and is very convenient for visiting other communities and sites nearby.
If you have any questions about where to eat or what to do, both Marine and Jens are quick to help. Their ready smiles and easy-going nature makes you feel so very welcome — like you’re staying with friends.
We never rent a car, and thus rely on public transportation. This was not a problem here. The Epesses train station is about 10 minutes down hill … with many, many steps. We would NOT recommend coming up those stairs or attempting to go to or from the Epesses station with any sort of luggage. Rather, if arriving by train, get off at the Cully station, and take bus 382 to the Epesses Village stop (only a 5-minute ride up the hill). Check the schedule at the bus stop located at the foot of the drive leading to the station. Similarly, we took the bus down when leaving with our luggage. Otherwise, we loved starting our days with a 25-minute walk though the vineyards to Cully. (Go up to the little park with the panoramic view, and you’ll find the steps going down there.)
For dining, we highly recommend the Auberge du Vigneron right in Epesses (caring and professional staff, a good chef and marvelous views from its terrace), the Cafe de Riex about a 10 minute walk to the next village of Riex (excellent chef who prepares a surprise menu and a head waiter who will make great wine selections for you), and Cafe du Raisen in St Saphorin (excellent perch and a terrace overlooking the lake). In each instance, Marine was happy to make reservations for us. There are also two great places for a glass of wine right in Epesses just a short walk from the apartment.
Finally, the house manual is one of the best we’ve ever seen. It covers restaurants, sightseeing and even how to work the washer and dryer (which can always be a bit tricky). Travel info is plentiful within the apartment, and the Lavaux tourist card that comes with the stay allows you free use of public transportation in the area.
As we closed the door behind us for the final time this morning, we may have left the apartment, but memories of our stay here will remain with us always.