The joy of travelling and exploring a new place often makes me giddy with excitement. Especially when the country is one of the most gorgeous ones in the world, the thrill is even higher. On a recent trip to Switzerland, I had the pleasure of exploring various towns and cities using the Swiss Travel System, which runs like clockwork. Traversing through its varied regions that have influences from Italy, Germany, and France, was nothing less than exhilarating, but one destination that instantly took my breath away was Montreux.
After roughly a picturesque three-hour train ride from Zurich, I reached Montreux — a resort town on the shores of Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Alps. I was welcomed to this French-speaking region with a mild drizzle and grey skies, but this didn’t hamper its charming beauty consisting of Belle Époque architecture, the largest alpine lake in Europe, and the mountains. A five-minute walk from the station led me to my hotel, Mona, which got a slick new upgrade in 2023. All its one hundred and fifty-four rooms across 16 floors offer sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps, thanks to its proximity to the water body. After taking in the spectacular scenery through my eyes and my phone, it was time to head 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
Also known as Chillon Castle, this historical monument dates back to the 12th century and is touted as the most visited monument in Switzerland. The lakeside castle is accessed after crossing an 18th-century bridge that straddles a natural moat. The current structure is a beautiful blend of history that has changed in different eras. Today, it houses modern amenities to make it tourist-friendly; for instance, the defence tower at the entrance is now a museum shop, but its walls still have paintings from 1898. Get an actual or audio guide to learn more about the castle’s architecture and past as you explore different rooms and courtyards. From artistic murals to writings on the prison walls, Chillon Castle is replete with interesting stories.
For wine enthusiasts, the castle offers its own “Clos de Chillon”, a white wine that is made, stored, and sold here. The Chasselas grapes are grown by the castle walls in a large vineyard that enjoys Montreux’s microclimate. If you feel peckish, head to Cafe Byron, named after the English poet Lord Byron, who wrote the poem The Prisoner of Chillon, bringing ample attention to the castle.
Useful link: https://www.chillon.ch/en/
Go on a Freddie Mercury Tour
British rock band Queen, helmed by lead singer Freddie Mercury, has its fair share of Montreux stories! Known for their hit numbers like We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, and We Are the Champions, the band members, especially Mercury, spent several 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 various anecdotes about the band’s connection with Montreux as you walk around these key spots, including Queen’s former recording studio. The tour gives a wholesome overview of Mercury’s musical journey through audio, videos, and in-person stories. One of the highlights of this tour includes writing a message for the band on the wall outside the studio if you can find space. After a genuinely immersive session, the tour concludes by the lake, where there’s a Freddie Mercury statue.
Useful link: https://www.freddie-tours.com/en/
Enjoy Montreux Riviera
There’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying the natural beauty of a place at your own pace. Thankfully, Montreux offers several ways to do so. Walk along its seven-kilometre-long quays lined with themed plant sculptures each autumn. When temperatures soar, take your pick from a bevvy of watersports such as 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 swimming pools. For the less adventurous, there are also Riviera tour cruises, with some offering lunch and wine-tasting options. Or, rent a smaller boat for your private cruise. With most hotels and restaurants facing the lake and mountains, you will likely find plenty of them offering meals with gorgeous views.
Useful link: https://www.montreuxriviera.com/en/
Explore Montreux’s Jazz Culture
A visit to Montreux is incomplete if you don’t delve, even if slightly, into its jazz culture. It has hosted the annual Montreux Jazz Festival since 1967 and has seen greats like Stevie Wonder, Elton John, David Bowie, and many more perform. Held on the shores of Lake Geneva for 16 days in July, it offers music lovers a chance to see their favourite artists perform in a serene setting. Various free activities, like jam sessions, open-air concerts, pool parties, and silent discos, are part of the offering. Several food and bar stalls pop up during the festival, one restaurant that jazz lovers should not miss is the Montreux Jazz Cafe at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Hotel. Serving lip-smacking seasonal plates with a side of jazz memorabilia, the restaurant is also steeped in history and has had some of the biggest artists dine here. Across the road, head to the garden, where you can see sculptures of many jazz musicians along with a brief 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 view is often from the top, and Montreux’s easy accessibility to the peak of Rochers-de-Naye means you can get a panoramic view along with some fresh mountain air. The fifty-minute journey begins with a cogwheel train ride that runs throughout the year, taking one to an altitude of over two thousand metres. The narrow track 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. The all-year-round destination has a host of offerings, including gourmet restaurants, hiking routes, and ski trails in the winter. Come December, Father Christmas takes up residence in Santa’s House at Rochers-de-Naye, making it a fun experience for families! On your way back to Montreux, make a pit stop at Haut-de-Caux to admire the narcissus flower in the month of May that covers the meadows in a white coat. Here, you can also head to Le CouCou restaurant, which has been serving gourmet alpine cuisine since 1959. Set in a garden overlooking the lake, and offering indoor seating, the dining and chalet is an iconic stop 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 adventure activities, are looking for a quiet retreat in the lap of nature, or are an avid music or history buff, Montreux is sure to please you. Its pleasant climate throughout the year is the icing on the cake.
