Montreux Holidays

The magnificent Belle Epoque town of Montreux nestles in a sheltered bay by Lake Geneva. Surrounded by vineyards, and set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains, it is, perhaps, most famous for its annual festival which nowadays features not only jazz, but much, much more.

Montreux is the capital of the Vaud Riviera which boasts an exceptionally pleasing microclimate and the mild temperatures allow for a profusion of plants normally associated with the Mediterranean further to the south; pines, cypresses, palm trees, mulberry and magnolia all thrive here.

The lakeside is enlivened with the colours and perfumes of exotic trees and flowers and ephemeral floral displays and plant sculptures can be viewed throughout the year.

The Montreux quayside extends along the shores of Lake Geneva where walkers can admire the foliage and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Celebrity, as well as creativity, has also enriched Montreux. Since the 19th century, various artists developed a fond affection for the town and writers including Lord Byron, the Shelleys, Hans Christian Andersen, Victor Hugo and Charles Dickens spent long periods of time here. More modern artists include Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury, both of whom, in a show of reciprocated fondness, have lakeside statues dedicated to them.

Chateau de Chillon

Montreux is a wonderful base from which to explore the whole region of this Swiss Riviera by boat, train, bus or on foot and it’s easy to stroll along the 4km flower-bordered lake promenade to the medieval Chateau de Chillon.

This charming 13th century fortress enjoys a splendid position overlooking Lake Geneva and its romantic disposition, when viewed from the lake, belies the heavy fortifications found on the land side. It was, perhaps, destined to become Switzerland’s most visited historic building from the moment Lord Byron carved his name into one of the pillars of the dungeon, following the publication of his celebrated poem, The Prisoner of Chillon. Rousseau, Dumas and Mary Shelley made mention of it and William Turner immortalised it in oils.

If you’re willing to forgo the delightful 45 minute walk along the promenade to or from the chateau, trolley bus number one can take you there or, if you’d like to arrive in vintage style, maybe chug along the lake aboard a Belle Epoque paddle steamer.

Music & Montreux

Music and Montreux seem inextricably linked. The famous Montreux Jazz Festival, established in 1967, consumes the town for two weeks every July. Jazz aficionados lament the changing nature of the event as something of its musical purity, from times when Miles Davis and Ray Parker headlined, has been lost.

Nowadays, you’ll find as many genres of music as you’ll find stars from the world of popular music; from hip hop to rock, Paul Simon to Lady Gaga. Freddie Mercury and Queen recorded seven albums in the Mountain Studios and it is possible to visit this lovingly preserved space in the Casino Barriere de Montreux, the studio’s original home. During the interactive tour, visitors can mix tracks in a revered recording space where major musical luminaries, including the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, have performed. Classical music has its own dedicated event each year from late August to mid-September.

We tailor-make all holidays and can book flights from your local UK airport to Geneva.