Montreux is a municipality in Switzerland, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva.
It is an especially popular destination for music fans, who come from all over the world to see the annual Montreux Jazz Festival.
Montreux has many musical claims to fame, it was even the home of Queen legend Freddie Mercury, who chose Montreux for its peace and tranquillity.
This beautiful lakeside resort has been a tranquil oasis for many famous figures seeking solitude, including Mary Shelley, Charlie Chaplin, and Lord Byron. With endorsements like that, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Montreux…
Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux is a relatively small town but it has a lot to offer, from beautiful views to ancient fairytale castles and a fascinating literary and musical legacy. One of the top attractions is the annual Montreux Jazz Festival.
The festival has a fantastic, electric atmosphere that draws people from all over the world. It’s not exclusively jazz either, there are all kinds of world-class performances and artists, so whatever your taste in music there’ll be something for you. This electric, vibrant experience really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Queen Studio Experience
The studio has displays that chronicle the bands history and rise to fame, as well as exhibits of customers, instruments and memorabilia from different concerts, including Live Aid. There are also interactive displays and video guides narrated by Brian May and Roger Taylor.
The Studio Experience is completely free, and you don’t have to worry about booking in advance. It’s a very personal ‘museum’ that really gives you an insight into one of the world’s greatest bands.
Freddie Mercury Statue
Located in an unassuming yet beautiful spot along the promenade, overlooking Geneva Lake, you will find a statue of Freddie Mercury, Queen’s lead vocalist and songwriter.
The statue is a beautiful portrayal of a much-loved icon, and many people leave flowers and even poems and notes by the statue in memory of the late musician. It’s a moving tribute, and it literally brings fans from all around the world together.
Vladimir Nabokov Statue
Another famous person who decided to settle in Montreux is the Russian poet and author of the famous (and at the time infamous) Lolita novel, Vladimir Nabokov.
Nabokov is lauded by many as a literary genius for his incredible way with words, and to quote the Guardian was a ‘stylistic virtuoso in a language that was not his mother tongue.’ You’ll find a statue of him casually sitting on a bench, in a quiet garden facing the lake.
Montreux Lakeside
Take a quiet walk around the lakeside and enjoy the picturesque views across Lake Geneva to the mountains in the distance.
The lakeside is lined by colourful plants and foliage, giving it a calming yet energising feel that makes a perfect change of pace from the bustling town centre. It’s a beautiful spot year-round, whether you visit when the sun’s shining down or when the frost is stretching out in front of you.
Chateau de Chillon
The Chateau de Chillon is a 13th-century fortress, located just off the mainland. It’s a popular tourist destination, boasting mediaeval beautiful frescoes and atmospheric Gothic dungeons that make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a movie set.
The Chateau is also the inspiration for one of Lord Byron’s poems, The Prisoner of Chillon, which is of interest to many literary enthusiasts.
Casino de Montreux
The Casino de Montreux is the perfect place if you’re looking for a fun evening out. It’s sophisticated and glamorous and offers everything from Roulette to Black Jack to slot machines, as well as a delicious range of classic cocktails.
The Casino is also home to the Queen Studio Experience, and there’s free parking around the building.
Swiss Chocolate Train
This one is for all you chocolate lovers! The Swiss Chocolate Train runs along an idyllic scenic railway, which allows you to see even more of the beautiful Swiss countryside.
Although the views are lovely, the reason this train is so popular is due to the delicious cheese and chocolate tastings. You can enjoy traditional Gruyere cheese, decadent Swiss chocolates, croissants, drinks and more. This really is one of the best ways to travel.
Plexus Art Gallery
The Plexus Art Gallery is inside a beautiful villa, located right on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is home to a variety of artworks, including a wide selection of works by Marcel Mathys and Sylvie Spillmann.
It’s definitely worth a visit if you like art, and it’s also a great place to get some holiday photos since it’s set against a beautiful lakeside backdrop.
Lab VR
This virtual reality experience is well worth a visit. Here you’ll find games and interactive activities that are fun for the whole family.
Lab VR really is a must if you’re visiting with kids, it’ll keep them entertained for hours, and everything is a very reasonable price.
Tandem Paragliding Centre
If you’re planning an adventurous holiday, why don’t you try tandem paragliding? This extreme sport is sure to get the adrenaline pumping, and it’ll make your trip very memorable.
There are several places in Montreux that offer tandem paragliding, and it is a very popular activity here because of the incredible views you get. The landscapes here are beautiful from any angle, but nothing can beat looking down on the stunning scenery from above as you glide by.
Eglise du Sacré Coeur
This imposing Catholic church is quite an impressive landmark. If you’re interested in history and architecture then it’s a must-see.
From the outside, it looks like a simple plain stone building, but inside it has an unmistakable grandeur and colourful atmosphere that is quite captivating, and a long red carpet leads right up to the altar.
Christmas Market
Montreux is beautiful year-round, but it is especially magical over Christmas when the town transforms into a winter wonderland and the Christmas Market materialises.
For all of December, the festival is in full swing, with stalls selling colourful knick-knacks, decorations covering the streets and a fairytale themed festival at the Chateau Chillon.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva really makes Montreux what it is, and it’s one of the most stunning and scenic places you’ll ever see. Crystal clear water meets mountain backdrops in this picture-perfect part of Switzerland.
But it’s not only good for looking at, but it’s also a hub for watersports during the summer. You can go canoeing, hire a sailboat and get lessons, go water skiing and more! The choice really is endless in this wonderful seaside resort town.
Lavaux Vineyard
When you think of vineyards, you most likely think of France or Italy, but Switzerland has its fair share of the wine trade as well. The Lavaux Vineyard in Geneva is an excellent example of this. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans an incredible 2,050 acres between Montreux and Lausanne, overlooking Lake Geneva.
Visitors can stroll through the vast vineyards and explore the beautiful setting where the famous Chasselas wines are made. There are also opportunities for wine tastings where you can try different grape varieties and learn more about the fermentation process.
