From Nyon to the Signal de Bougy Via the Vineyards

Yesterday I went for a bike ride. The watch said to go for a one hour ride at 100 watts of power. I set off with the intention of following this recommendation and then got distracted. My original plan was to ride above the road that goes from Luins to avoid traffic, and then to go down and ride along the cycling route near the motorway.

Instead of doing that small, easier ride I did this one- With this ride I went from Eysins to Signy, and from Signy I went towards Asse, before heading for Coinsins, and from Coinsins up to Genolier before heading down towards Luins. It is at this point that I went into the agricultural network of paths and followed them to avoid the main narrow road, where people drive without due care and attention. It’s when I got to Gilly that I headed towards Tartegnin, Bugnaux, Mont Dessus and finally to the Signal de Bougy. When you head down from the Signal de Bougy towards Sous-Bougy you have a beautiful view of the lake. When I got to Aubonne I went to see the view before heading down. There is a pedestrian crossing and that is where I turned towards Fechy along narrow riverains roads towards Féchy. I came across this route, or at least this opportunity when hiking from Bière to Aubonne. The advantage of this road is that it’s parallel to the Route du Lac but with far less traffic. It’s convivial for cyclists to use this route.

Eventually I got onto the Route De L’Etraz, which I hate for cycling, due to how cars drive too fast and too close and I headed down through Perroy and then into Rolle. I went up and away from the lake for a bit, before returning down to the lake road.

Before Prangins I turned right towards the psychiatric hospital buildings before heading above Prangins, into Nyon.

Although this route is quite physical, to get onto the vineyard roads, it does reward you with minimal car traffic. It also rewards you with great views.

During this ride I came across the Route du Vignoble de la Côte. This is a route that goes from Nyon to Morges, and vice versa. It involves less climbing than the route I took and takes you towards Vufflens-Le-Chêteau. This castle is worth a detour. It can’t be visited, but it looks interesting.

And Finally

There is value in trying new variants. Normally I would go from Eysins to Trelex, to Genolier, and then up. This time I went from Eysins towards Signy Centre, to Asse, and then across, on flatter routes, until I got distracted and climbed a little. If I had not done the two bonus climbs then route 488 should be quite a pleasant ride. I would take it from Nyon to Morges, so that I can then cycle home to Nyon on the flat. I’d rather tire myself on the outward journey than the home journey.

When I did this ride it was pleasant and quiet.