Montreux, the town, isn’t just any other town in Europe. It’s the magnificent Alps, the breathtaking Lake Geneva and the romantic vineyards all mixed up to create a cocktail of the most desirable one. It’s like a matured casket of wine that has aged over the years and recently brought for a special occasion. Add to it the beautiful climate throughout the year, the majestic Chillon Castle and the beautiful promenade along the banks of Lake Geneva and you have yourself a destination that will enjoy a high spot on any traveler’s 50 places to see before you die.
Admiring the beauty of Chillon Castle at sunset time, Montreux – Vaud- Switzerland
Coming to Montreux Riviera
Montreux and the Lake Geneva region is well connected with the rest of the country by the rail and the road network. Take a comfortable coach ride while coming in from Geneva or the rail route also known as Golden Pass Line. When you come to Montreux by train (whether it is from Lausanne or the other direction), you will have a dazzling view over the lake and the Swiss Alps. Actually you will even feel like the train is crossing the lake as it is so close to the water.
Walking from Montreux to Chateau Chillon
The Castle of Chillon, also known as Château de Chillon is a sight. Sitting on the Lake Geneva, this medieval island castle was what many say inspired the castle of Hans Christian Andersen famous the Little Mermaid. It remains one of the most visited castles in the world. The good news is that there is a very beautiful walk from Montreux to Chillon Castle. This is a MUST to do in Montreux and I invite you to read my article about it: Montreux: self guided walking tour to Chillon Castle – Switzerland
Montreux Jazz Festival (July)
Every year around the time of June / July the Montreux Jazz Festival is celebrated here. It is a befitting platform for one of the largest concerts of its kind in Europe and the rest of the world. Must see if you are planning to come down to the Lake Geneva region around that time. Many famous singer have performed there such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Ray Charles, Norah Jones, Prince, Sting and Alanis Morissette. Link to the festival: Montreux Jazz Fesival Website
Day or Half day trips from Montreux
Located 10 minutes by train from Montreux, Lavaux boasts of some 830 hectares of vineyard. The vineyards are best visited while hiking from Saint-Saphorin to Lutry. Lavaux is a Unesco World Heritage Site. For more information and photos: Lavaux – Hiking in UNESCO Heritage – Vaud
Autumn path to an abandoned hut, Mont Pelerin – Order online a decorative print, license or download this image
Autumn colors tree carpet with the Swiss Alps. View of the left part of Lake Geneva from Mont Pèlerin Order a fine art print
Lines of green vineyards with Lac Léman – Lavaux wineries Order a fine art print
Gruyères and the Chocolate Factory of Cailler combine to form a short one day excursion ex Montreux. Take a train ride and visit the serene village of Gruyères located on the foot of the beautiful Alps. It is a first-hand experience of life in the countryside.
Chaplin’s world is another fantastic destination. A must go for anyone who has been touched by his work. Take a bus ride to Chaplin’s World. Watch how the greatest entertainer of the 20th century worked to make his iconic films. Get inside the mind of a true icon.
Montreux in few words…
Montreux-Chillon is a wonderful weekend getaway for the whole family. There is a lot you can do over a weekend at this beautiful Lake Geneva destination before you move on to explore the rest of the country. Or you can simply idle away time floating on the Lake Geneva doing nothing and just soaking in the sights and sounds of the place.
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