Overview

Montreux is not renowned for its sightseeing opportunities, although there are many to be enjoyed. The town boasts a stunning location on the banks of Lake Geneva and therefore has a number of natural sights to be seen. There are also historic castles, fascinating museums, beautiful vineyards and amusement parks to be visited. There are many sights to keep visitors busy for days on end.

Château de Chillon

This historic castle is one of the most visited in the whole country. Scenically located on the banks of Lake Geneva, it was originally built in order that the city could take a toll from people passing between Italy and the rest of Europe. There was no way round the castle sp people had no option but to pay. In modern times the castle was famous for featuring in Lord Byron's poem, The Prisoner of Chillon, which was based on the true story of François Bonivard. Byron is believed to have carved his name in one of the columns in the dungeon where Bonivard was detained for a number of years.

Marmots‘ Paradise

The mountains surrounding Montreux are dotted with nature trails, villages, caves, and an abundance of wildlife. There is a natural compound located within the mountains which is known as Marmots' Paradise and is home to countless marmots (large ground squirrels) which live in a network of underground burrows. These marmots can be observed daily and are not shy of man. Further up the mountain from this natural marmot city, visitors will find stunning views of Montreux and beyond. There are many hiking trails leading over the mountain range.

Chateau La Tour-de Peilz

This beautiful lakeside castle can be found on the banks of Lake Geneva and dates back to the 13th century. Today, it is home to the Swiss Museum of Games, which is a permanent exhibition detailing games culture from around the world and from Roman times until the present day.

St-Saphorin

This is a stunning wine village in the vineyards outside Montreux. It is possible to complete a guided tour of the area followed by wine tasting. It is a must for those who like good wine and there is also the chance to stock up your wine cellar. Local specialty wines include St-Saphorin and Epesses.

Region of Villeneuve

This is one of the region's most popular destinations for families. It is an amusement park with a number of attractions to suit any age group. There are old-fashioned engines to view and ride, one of the largest mazes in the world to find your way through, go-karting and water slides. It will keep every member of the family entertained for hours.

Old Montreux Museum

This fascinating museum can be found in the heart of Old Montreux and is situated in two old wine-growers' houses. The museum details an interesting history of the town and its inhabitants.

Old Town

Montreux's Old Town comes complete with cobblestone streets, old fashioned houses and a lively character which still has an air of times gone by. A walking tour of this part of the town is well worth the effort (despite the steep lanes) as it will take you back to a time when the city was not only geared to tourism. There are many buildings which date back to the 17th century and a number of local sights and traditional stores and markets. It is a real insight into Montreux in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Overview

Montreux boasts a wide variety of sporting activities suitable for every season. During the summer, hiking, golf and swimming are popular while during the winter, skiing, snowboarding and ice skating are enjoyed. Whenever you come to the city, you will never be short of a way of occupying your time.

Swimming

Montreux is located on the banks of Lake Geneva and the coast of the Swiss Riviera. There are many opportunities for swimming, whether it is in fresh water, the sea or in indoor swimming pools. Swimming is a good way to cool down in the summer months and also a great way to exercise for all of the family.

Hiking

Montreux boasts an excellent selection of hiking trails and paths which are found across the city, in the surrounding countryside and the mountainous backdrop. The mountains offer stunning views across the city as well as some long and interesting hikes. Free maps are available at the local tourist offices.

Golf

There are a number of golf courses in Montreux and the surrounding towns and countryside. As well as international-standard courses, tourists will also find beautiful smaller courses and a putting green. While there are member only courses, there are also many open to the public.

Skiing and sledging

During the winter months, the Montreux-Vevey region offers a variety of winter sports and comes alive with people wrapped up for the cold. It is possible to enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes and snowboarding. It is also possible to go back to your youth and enjoy some sledging down one of the biggest runs in Europe.

Ice skating

During the winter months, Lake Geneva freezes over and the community takes to the ice. Skating on the lake is very popular with the locals and can also be enjoyed by tourists of all ages; there are always skates for hire and as long as you're wrapped up warm, it's a great day out for the entire family.

Dining and shopping

Montreux may be a small town in relation to other destinations in Switzerland, and may not be one of the most popular tourist destinations but it still boasts a wealth of choices when it comes to restaurants and international cuisine. It is possible to enjoy meals from all around the world as well as a range of local dishes and fondue. Many restaurants are themed and have live music, while others are quiet and intimate, serving up some of the best cuisine in the country. Part of Montreux's international appeal is the wealth of leisure options available.

Surprisingly for many people, there is an abundance of restaurant choice close to the train station. There is a good selection of cuisine available in a range of prices which will suit everyone's taste and budget. For a more scenic location, visitors should head to the lake where there is also a good selection. The Old Town has restaurants on every corner serving up cuisine from Switzerland, France, China, Mexico, Austria, Thailand and the UK.

Montreux sits at the crossroads of France, Italy and Switzerland and as a result, local cuisine has influences from all three countries. Together with national influences, the lake also impacts on local cuisine as there are many fresh fish dishes.

Local specialities include: perch fillet; papet vaudois (mashed potatoes with leek, cheese and occasionally diced sausage); longeole (Genevese sausage); local cheese such as Tomme and Gruyère and of course fondue.

Traditional fondue is a shared dish and sees food such as bread and potatoes dipped into a cheese sauce which is kept warm. It is also possible to have meat fondues which include raw meat; this is dipped into an oil based liquid to cook. Chocolate fondue is often enjoyed for dessert and fruit, pastries, cream cakes and marshmallows are dipped into the hot chocolate sauce. Other popular desserts include: cheese platters; gâteaux à la raisinée (raisin cakes); and Swiss chocolates.

Montreux is literally brimming with trendy shops and small designer boutiques. It is possible to buy all of the latest fashion straight off the catwalk although it does not come cheap. In fact, most shopping opportunities in Montreux are expensive. There are no cheap markets where you can haggle or backstreet stores selling second hand merchandise.

Popular buys include: Swiss watches, Swiss chocolate and locally made jewellery, European fashions and accessories, electronics and local souvenirs. Department stores and independent retailers are dotted throughout the city while the Old Town is the best place to head to indulge in jewellery, chocolate and designer wear.

There are a number of ski shops available although these are limited to the winter months. During the summer, outdoor and hiking shops open their doors and you can buy everything you need for a day's hike, including a tent and sleeping bag in case you get lost.

Shopping is much more than a chore in Montreux; there are quaint cafés and coffee shops found everywhere, making it possible to have a break and a coffee before setting off to the next shopping destination.

Despite being a small town and somewhat off the main tourist trail, Montreux boasts a wide selection of restaurants serving up a variety of cuisine. There are many choices for fine dining as well as many more which are practical for families. Restaurants come in a range of budgets so there is something to suit everyone. Many hotels have weekly buffets which are always good quality and good food. There is also a selection of fondue restaurants which should be tried while in Switzerland.

Overview

Most people who arrive in Montreux fly into Geneva Airport, which is 66kms away from the town. It is easily accessible by taxi, car or train and has a good selection of facilities. Other options for arriving in Montreux include hire car, bus or train. The town is linked to France, Italy, Germany and the rest of Switzerland by a very reliable public train network as well as the highly expensive Orient Express. Once in the city, walking is the best way to get around and car hire should be considered for day trips and mountain exploration.

Airports

Montreux does not have its own airport; the nearest facility to the town is Geneva's Cointrin Airport. This is 66kms away from Montreux and the most convenient and busiest gateway into the region. It is a large facility serving a number of airlines from across the world and is a major European hub. It sees over 10 million passengers each year and despite just having one terminal, facilities are extensive.

There are a number of restaurants bars and cafés to choose from as well as duty-free shopping for all of those last minute purchases. Banking facilities are excellent with bureaux de change counters, ATMs, and national banks all present. There is a post office in both arrivals and departures and a medical centre for any unforeseen accidents or illnesses. The entire airport is easily accessible for disabled passengers and help is on hand with information desks and porters who will help with luggage, directions and any other queries.

It is just a short taxi or bus ride into Geneva city centre where there are daily train and bus connections to Montreux. However there is a direct train from the airport which takes just over one hour to reach Montreux. Many people choose this option as it is the most convenient. Hire cars are available from Arrivals and if booked in advance, is a very simple process of collecting the car. It is an hour's drive to Montreux through beautiful scenery and on good roads. Hiring a car will also give you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas.

Public transportation

Montreux is linked to France, Germany, Italy and the rest of Switzerland by an excellent network of motorways. It is very easy to get there and the town is well signposted.

The town also lies on the Orient Express line which links Paris to Milan and for those who cannot afford the Orient, Montreux is linked to many other towns and cities in Switzerland and beyond. There are daily trains to France and Italy from where it is possible to reach most other European cities.

Steamships travel between Montreux, Villaneuve and Geneva along Lake Geneva taking approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes to and from Geneva. It is longer than taking the train or driving, but it is a unique way to get around.

It is worth considering hiring a car as there are many quaint villages within easy driving distance of Montreux and Italy and France are both under an hour's drive. The scenic mountain roads are best accessed by car and the Swiss Riviera is certainly best explored by driving.

Once in the city, however, the heart of it can be explored on foot. Taxis and local buses are available, but these make it much harder to gain bearings. Most of the sights are located within the Old City and this is full of winding alleys and pedestrianised streets. During the winter months, local buses make the journey up the mountains to the ski resorts.