Montreux Mini Guide
Montreux in a Nutshell
Montreux is a city in the district of Riviera-Pays-D’enhaut in Vaud, Switzerland. The city is situated on Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps.
How do I get There?
Geneva is the closest airport and about an hour away by car. The train is a little quicker - you can use the SBB from the airport to Montreux. The SBB is an excellent train service that connects many towns in Switzerland and then further afield on to Europe. For those
hiring a car in Switzerland for the first time you can expect a very high quality service with nearly new cars. It's not as cheap as some European destinations but the service won't dissappoint.
What can I see in Montreux?
Walk around the lakeside and get a feel for the city or take a guided walking tour – look out for the statue of Freddie Mercury in the main square. Visit the picturesque Chateau of Chillon it is Switzerland’s most visited historic monument. Apart from the film festival, there's also one of the world's most prestigious jazz festivals held in the town at the beginning of July.
Out and About
Take a scenic train trip through Hauts de Montreux and then join a forest trail or hike in the Alpine Garden. Enjoy a relaxing day cruise on a paddle steamer and see the vineyards and pretty landscape of Lavaux. For something different, why not spend a night at an Alpage? Stay on a farm and help make the local cheese – you can milk the cows and sample the cheese too.
After Dark
The White Horse Pub is Montreux’s busiest bar and popular with locals and tourists alike. For good views and a cocktail, go to the terrace bar at Hotel Suisse Majestic. It’s hard not to eat well here – book a table at Le Pont de Brent, a Michelin 2 star restaurant or for a little molecular gastronomy head for Denis Martin’s restaurant in Vevey.
Where can I Stay?
The Le Montreux Palace has Belle Epoque style and was built in 1906. It offers five star facilities and overlooks Lake Geneva – if you want to stay somewhere really special. A cheaper alternative is the appropriately named ‘A Room With A View Bed and Breakfast’ – this 5 star B&B has panoramic views over Lake Leman and the Alps.
Are There Special Events in the City?
The city is famous for its Golden Award of Montreux Festival where awards are given for creative excellence. It is held in April every year. The city also has a Jazz Festival every July and is well known for its Christmas markets in winter.