-
Essentials
-
So what's it like?
Walking
Whether strolling along the promenade or wandering around the town admiring its architecture, exploring Montreux is never dull. Montreux Riviera boasts a wonderful lakeside walk starting in Villeneuve passing through Montreux and going all the way to Vevey.
Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Lavaux. Take the Vineyards train from Vevey to the start of this pretty walk, Chexbres. Follow the Route de Corniche through stepped vineyards that roll down to the lake shore. As you get closer to the village of Cully, dive into the wine caves to taste the produce of the hills. Swiss wine rarely makes it out of Switzerland for good reason.
More adventurous walkers should take a trip to the Rochers-de-Naye. For a good walk in this pre-alp setting, start at Jaman station and head towards the Grottes de Nayes, then continue on to the summit of the Rocher-de-Naye. Why not try -- Saying hello to the timid Marmottes at Rochers-de-Nayes Marmottes Paradise
- Taking a train to Vevey and walk back to Montreux - along the way, cool your toes in the lake
- Heading to Gstaad for some chocolate box chalets, lush meadows and alpine walks
Culture
Join the likes of Lord Byron, Charlie Chaplin, Freddie Mercury and Bill Gates who have all spent time in this vibrant region. Vineyard clad hills and snowcapped peaks frame this cosmopolitan town, which is renowned for its jazz festival, lakeside promenade, shops and belle epoque steamers chugging around the lake.
If chocolate and cheese is your thing the Geneva region will be right up your street. Climb on board the Chocolate train for a day of indulgence. As you travel in the Orient Express style carriages the class French breakfast of coffee and croissants will be served. First stop - amble down the cobbled streets of Gruyéres, visit the castle before entering cheese heaven (the Gruyére Cheese museum). Next stop the Cailer Nestle chocolate factory, take the fascinating tour before entering the magical tasting room, chocolate heaven. Jump on a steamer and cruise round Lake Geneva to Chateau Chillon. Discover 1000 years of history in this special place, find out about battles fought and how they lived in times of peace. Descend to the "seven pillars of Gothic mould, In Chillon's dungeons deep and old," in this dank place keep an eye out for Byron's name carved into the wall. So fascinated was he by this castle, he penned a very long poem about a former prisoner. Why not try -- Sampling the tangy white wine of Chateau de Chillon
- A sporty day out and visit the Olympic museum in Lausanne
- A lake cruise to Evian - have a glass of water from the world famous spring
Chocolate Train (pre-bookable)
A perfect trip for chocolate and cheese lovers alike. Journey on a Belle Époque train to the town of Gruyère where you will sample its world famous cheese. The train will then take you to a Swiss chocolate factory where you will see how it is made and once again have a chance to sample the produce! - £46
Rocheur de Naye (pre-bookable)
Take a memorable journey on the cog railway from Montreux to the 2000m high summit where you will enjoy spectacular views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. At the summit there is a Marmotte sanctuary and the Ramberita gardens, which are home to over 800 alpine plant varieties. - £20
Golden Pass Round Trip (pre-bookable)
Enjoy gourmet food in the chique and picturesque setting of Gstaad. You are sure to enjoy this return train trip through the lush green mountains to this gem of a town. Renowned for its craft shops and local culinary treats, you are sure to find lots to entertain, before heading back on the train. - £19
Château de Chillon - Enjoy the castle's wonderful historical architecture and its spectacular lakeside setting. Visitors can also explore the castle's vineyard, sample the tangy white wine produced here and even help fund the castle's upkeep by buying some bottles of wine. If you descend into the dungeon of the castle you will see the name of a previous visitor carved into the wall, Lord Byron who was so captivated by the castle's beauty he wrote poetry about it. Use your Riviera Card to get the best price.Active
• all activities are in various locations around the lake • walking • cycling • wine tasting in the Lavaux vineyards • indoor/outdoor swimming • water-skiing • rafting • kayaking • golf • Montreux Jazz Festival 29 June-14 July • over 50 museums within an hour of Montreux including Olympic museum in Lausanne and Red Cross museum in Geneva