- Flight time from London: 1 hour 45 min
- Geneva Airport: 91km from the city centre; transfer time about 1 hour 22 min
- Nearest railway station: Montreux railway station
- Currency: Swiss franc
A beautiful town nestled in the bay of Lake Geneva, Montreux's stunning location makes it the perfect holiday destination all year round. The many excursions into the Lake Geneva region make Montreux an ideal starting point for visiting this beautiful part of Switzerland. In summer, water sports and cruises take place on the lake and hikes starting from the Rochers-de-Naye can be enjoyed. In winter, the layer of snow that engulfs this town makes it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts and there is also a charming Christmas market to be discovered.
Montreux is also famously a paradise for music lovers. Not only does it boast an extremely interesting musical history, being the former residence of Freddie Mercury, who is forever remembered via his statue in Place du Marchébut, it also hosts the Jazz Music Festival in June/July. This runs for two weeks and has various acts performing on numerous stages dispersed over the parks of Montreux.
The Chateau de Chillon is arguably the most important building in Montreux. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and built in the 13th century, the castle was formally the residence of the Counts of Savoy. Ornate decorations were later added to reflect the pomp and ceremony of life within the castle walls.
The Chateau La Tour de Peliz is also on the shores of Lake Geneva and hosts the Swiss Museum of Games, which hosts exhibits on games cultures from Roman times to today.
A local village where there are plenty of regional wines to be tasted.
The GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Montreux to Zweisimmen, or the Chocolate Train which it is fondly known as, is an all-day trip that includes visits to cheese and chocolate factories and is well worth doing.
Montreux offers a wide variety of places to enjoy good food and drink. Brasserie des Alpes has delicious pasta dishes while Restaurant City and Migros are both self-service.
To enjoy the scenery and history of Montreux, dine in the Old Town and eat traditionally. Caveau des Vigneronsis locally renowned for its fondue and Swiss dishes.
Confiserie Zürcher opened in 1894 and is Montreux's oldest tearoom. This charming place is perfectly situated with plate-glass windows for crowd-watching and serves an exquisite variety of cakes as well as having a restaurant section.
The shopping culture in Montreux is not to be missed. There are upscale boutiques which sell Swiss watches, knives and fashion accessories, as well as the leading fashion brands that line the town's streets. Montreux is also world-renowned for its perfumeries. Parfumerie de la Tour d'Ivoire is one of the most highly recommended places to shop for your favourite fragrance.
During the Christmas season, the markets that take over the town are beautifully decorated. The main road is where the majority of the market is held with stalls selling local wine, chocolates and local crafts. There is also a Ferris wheel and ice skating rink, creating a sparkling festive atmosphere.
A thriving hot spot in a modern building in the centre of Montreux. There are over 200 slot machines and roulette tables, enough to excite any visitor. There is also a small disco where dancing continues untill the early hours of the morning.
A sophisticated and modern bar, managed by Le Montreux Palace, frequented by a vibrant and young crowd.
Known for its cabaret entertainment and dances on the terrace.
For those who want a place to dance, the Mayfair Café is one of the oldest bars in Montreux. It serves cocktails and has a house DJ. Also on offer are Black Pearl, Le Bar Blue, Jazz Café and the Moto Nostalgie Bar, all of which are excellent places to go clubbing.
© Fred. Olsen Travel 2024.
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