By admin 
The joy of traveling and exploring a new place often makes me giddy with excitement. Especially when the country is one of the most beautiful in the world, the tension is even greater. On a recent trip to Switzerland I had the pleasure of exploring several towns and cities using the Swiss Travel System, which is running like clockwork. Traversing the varied regions with influences from Italy, Germany and France was nothing short of exhilarating, but one destination that immediately took my breath away was Montreux.
After about a three-hour scenic train ride from Zurich, I reached Montreux – a seaside resort on the shores of Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Alps. I was welcomed to this French-speaking region with mild drizzle and gray skies, but this did not get in the way of the charming beauty of the Belle Époque architecture, Europe’s largest alpine lake and the mountains. A five-minute walk from the station took me to my hotel Mona, which received a nice new upgrade in 2023. All one hundred and fifty-four rooms, spread over sixteen floors, offer beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps, thanks to their proximity to the body of water. After admiring the spectacular scenery through my eyes and my phone, it was time to get out and explore more. I did it so you knew the best parts! So here’s your guide to making the most of your time in Montreux.
Visit Château de Chillon
Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva, one of the most powerful medieval strongholds in Europe. Photo courtesy: Switzerland Tourism: swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger
Also known as Chillon Castle, this historic monument dates back to the 12th century and is touted as the most visited monument in Switzerland. The lakeside castle is accessed via an 18th-century bridge that spans a natural moat. The current structure is a beautiful blend of history that has changed over different eras. Today it houses modern amenities to make it tourist friendly; For example, the defense tower at the entrance is now a museum shop, but the walls still display paintings from 1898. Get a current or audio guide to learn more about the castle’s architecture and past as you explore the different rooms and courtyards. From artistic murals to texts on the prison walls: Chillon Castle is full of interesting stories.
For wine lovers, the castle offers its own “Clos de Chillon”, a white wine that is made, stored and sold here. The Chasselas grapes are grown against the castle walls in a large vineyard where the microclimate of Montreux prevails. If you’re hungry, head to Cafe Byron, named after the English poet Lord Byron, who wrote the poem The Prisoner of Chillonwhich brought a lot of attention to the castle.
Useful link: https://www.chillon.ch/en/
Go on a Freddie Mercury tour
British rock band Queenaccompanied by singer Freddie Mercury, has a large number of Montreux stories! Known for their hit songs such as We will rock you, Bohemian RhapsodyAnd We are the championsthe band members, especially Mercury, spent a few days here in the 1980s. The singer-songwriter fell in love with Montreux and once said, “If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux.” Book the guided walking tour (one or two and a half hours), where you will hear several anecdotes about the band’s connection to Montreux as you walk around these important sites, including Queen‘s former recording studio. The tour provides a wholesome overview of Mercury’s musical journey through audio, videos and personal stories. One of the highlights of this tour is writing a message for the band on the wall outside the studio if you can find space. After a truly immersive session, the tour ends at the lake, where a statue of Freddie Mercury stands.
Useful link: https://www.freddie-tours.com/en/
Enjoy Montreux Riviera
Wakeboarding in Montreux (Photo courtesy of: Valentin Flauraud for Switzerland Tourism)
There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying the natural beauty of a place at your own pace. Fortunately, Montreux offers several ways to do this. Every autumn, stroll along the seven kilometers of quays full of thematic plant sculptures. As temperatures rise, you can choose from a variety of water sports, including water skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga and more. Head to Chillon Beach to take a dip in Lake Geneva or to hotels with indoor or outdoor pools. For the less adventurous, there are also Riviera cruises, some of which offer lunch and wine tastings. Or rent a smaller boat for your private cruise. Since most hotels and restaurants overlook the lake and mountains, you’ll likely find plenty offering meals with beautiful views.
Useful link: https://www.montreuxriviera.com/en/
Discover the jazz culture of Montreux
A visit to Montreux is not complete without immersing yourself, even just a little, in jazz culture. It has hosted the annual Montreux Jazz Festival since 1967 and has seen greats such as Stevie Wonder, Elton John, David Bowie and many more perform. Held for 16 days in July on the shores of Lake Geneva, it offers music lovers the chance to see their favorite artists perform in a serene environment. Various free activities, such as jam sessions, open-air concerts, pool parties and silent discos, are part of the offer. Various food and bar stalls will appear during the festival, one restaurant that jazz lovers should not miss is the Montreux Jazz Cafe at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Hotel. Serving delicious seasonal dishes with a touch of jazz memorabilia, the restaurant is also steeped in history and has hosted some of the greatest artists. Go across the street to the garden, where you can see sculptures of many jazz musicians, along with a short note about their work.
Useful links: https://www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/en/; https://www.fairmont.com/montreux/
Take the train to Rochers-de-Naye
The best views are often from the top, and the easy access from Montreux to the summit of Rochers-de-Naye means you can enjoy panoramic views and some fresh mountain air. The fifty-minute journey starts with a ride on a year-round cog train that takes you to a height of over two thousand meters. The narrow path makes the uphill climb feel more exciting, as it passes through fields, forests and villages. Once you reach the top, the views are a sight to behold. On a clear day you can see as far as the French Alps. This destination is open all year round and offers a range of offers including gourmet restaurants, hiking trails and ski slopes in winter. In December, Santa Claus moves into Santa’s House in Rochers-de-Naye, making it a fun experience for families! On the way back to Montreux, make a pit stop in Haut-de-Caux to admire the daffodil flower that covers the meadows with a white coat in May. Here you can also go to the Le CouCou restaurant, which has been serving gastronomic Alpine cuisine since 1959. The restaurant and chalet are set in a garden overlooking the lake and offer indoor seating. It is an iconic stopover between the two destinations.
Useful links: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-in/experiences/rochers-de-naye/; https://www.coucoumontreux.com/en/
Whether you are in the mood for adventurous activities, are looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, or are an avid music or history lover, Montreux is sure to please. The pleasant climate all year round is the icing on the cake.