Montreux

Lake Geneva is Europe’s largest freshwater lake, lying in both France and Switzerland and bordered by the cities of Geneva and Lausanne as well as the charming towns of Vevey and Montreux. On the eastern tip of the lake in French-speaking Switzerland, Montreux has a wonderful location pinned between the lake, the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Lavaux region and the Swiss Alps.
Montreux’s Vieille-Ville (Old Town) forms a little knot of brightly painted wooden houses uphill from the modern lakeside town; an hour’s walk around the narrow lanes will uncover local restaurants and fabulous views across Lake Geneva. 
The town’s crown jewel is the medieval Château de Chillon, just south of the town and perched on a rocky islet on the waterfront; this romantic little castle has an array of towers and ramparts and was built by the House of Savoy in the 11th century as a defense fortress to protect trade along the lake. It makes for a delightful lakeside stroll from Montreux, past gardens filled with exotic plants and trees in roughly 45 minutes.
Snow lies all year around up at the ski resort of Glacier 3000, where the Alpine Coaster, an adrenaline-busting sled ride, is open from May until September. The viewpoint of Rochers-De-Nayne and the Alpine slopes of Hauts de Montreux form a summer hiker’s paradise, reached by cog railway from the town’s main station. Montreux also has a lively cultural scene, from the world-famous Jazz Festival in July to its atmospheric Christmas markets.

Practical Info

Montreux is 75 minutes from Geneva along the fast E25, which skirts the north shore of Lake Geneva. Château de Chillon is found at avenue de Chillon 21, Veytaux, near Montreux.