On the shores of Lake Geneva and dominated by mountains, Montreux is a charming town. Ancient Belle Époque hotels and prestigious establishments attract many business travelers and luxury tourists to the town. And yet, with its mountain scenery and rich culture, Montreux has much to seduce travelers. So what's there to do and see in Montreux? Discover the 13 must-sees of the town.
1- Visit the Old Town of Montreux
Beyond its luxury hotels and Belle Époque palaces, Montreux hides a colorful old town on the mountainside. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in its narrow streets, until you reach the Temple Saint-Vincent, a 15th-century church from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the town and lake. Be careful, though, it's a climb! Bring good shoes if you want to visit the old town.
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2- Chillon Castle
A Montreux landmark, the Château de Chillon sits majestically on the shores of Lake Geneva. A true symbol of Switzerland, this historic castle has stood the test of time: according to excavations carried out as early as the 19th century, the site was already occupied in the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages, it was the seat of the powerful counts of Savoy, before becoming the residence of the Bernese bailiffs in 1536. Today, the castle can be visited, and a museum and exhibitions will enable you to learn more about the history of the site.
Activities to book 2- Book your Chillon Castle tickets now .
3- Stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva
It's impossible to pass through Montreux without admiring the magnificent Lac Léman. At an altitude of 372m, the largest of the Alpine lakes offers the towns that surround it an atmosphere of the Swiss Riviera , with its mild, pleasant climate. From Montreux, don't hesitate to take a stroll along the lake's beautifully landscaped quays. As well as enjoying a beautiful view of the landscape, there are numerous sculptures along the way, and there's always plenty of entertainment.
4- Montreux Museum
To discover the history of this beautiful Swiss town, be sure to visit the Musée de Montreux. Housed in a group of 17th-century winegrowers' houses, the museum has been staging exhibitions since 1874. Through its four main themes, it traces the history of the town and region, focusing on terroir, history, tourism and the hotel business. You'll also find numerous everyday objects and coin collections.
5- What can you visit in Montreux, Switzerland? The Garden of the Fairmont Montreux Palace
A sumptuous Belle Époque building emblematic of the Vaud Riviera , the Montreux Palace was built between 1905 and 1906, under the direction of architect Eugène Jost. Right in front of it and facing Lake Geneva, its remarkable garden offers a pleasant stroll. Here you'll find a large collection of sculptures.
6- See the Terrasses de Lavaux
Near Montreux, Lavaux stretches its vineyards along the mountainside, facing Lake Geneva. This Unesco World Heritage site dates back to the 12th century, and is now considered a veritable work of art. To adapt to the terrain, the vineyards are built on terraces, and most of the harvest has to be done by hand. The wine produced in Lavaux owes its taste to the richness of the soil and the reflection of the sun on the water of the lake.
7- Take a cruise on Lake Geneva
While in Montreux, don't hesitate to discover the region from Lake Geneva. You can take a cruise to discover the Riviera. During these cruises, you'll be able to observe the surrounding area and admire the magnificent mountain scenery that surrounds the lake. You may even catch a glimpse of Lausanne or the towns on the French side of the lake, such as Évian-les-Bains.
The activity to book : this 2-hour cruise on the Riviera departing from Montreux.
8- What to see in Montreux, Switzerland? The Freddie Mercury statue
Many tourists, Queen fans or not, come to Montreux to pay homage to Freddie Mercury. While recording an album in 1978, the singer fell in love with the town. He was quoted as saying, "If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux". It was here that the band recorded their last two albums , and where the singer spent the last months of his life, before his death in 1991.
The activity to book : this renowned guided tour will take you around Montreux in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury.
9- Visit the Cailler chocolate factory
Chocolate is one of Switzerland's most famous specialties. Take advantage of your stay in Montreux to visit a Swiss chocolate house and taste some chocolate. Founded in 1898, Cailler is located thirty minutes from Montreux, in Broc to be exact. After a tour of the museum, which explains the history of chocolate, you'll learn more about how it's made, and end the visit with a tasting session.
Activities to book you can book your admission tickets for the Cailler to the Cailler chocolate factory to learn more about the history of the chocolate house.
10- What to do in Montreux, Switzerland Mont Pèlerin
Just outside Montreux, in the town of Vevey, a funicular will take you to the summit of Mont Pèlerin. This hill is one of the many that dominate the town, but is also easily accessible. Perched at an altitude of 1,800 metres, you'll be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva and the surrounding area.
Good to know if you're driving to Switzerland, don't hesitate to buy a toll tag directly from our partner's website.
11- Take the cogwheel train to Rochers-de-Naye
From Montreux, a cogwheel train takes you to Rochers-de-Naye in less than an hour. At an altitude of 2045 m, this viewpoint is one of the most beautiful in the region. Once up there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva and the surrounding area. You can also go hiking, visit the Rambertia alpine garden or book a marmot-watching activity.
Must-read article the view of Lake Geneva from Rochers-de-Naye is one of the 10 most Instagrammable views in Europe.
12- Chaplin's World
Near Montreux, in the town of Corsier-sur-Vevey, Chaplin's World is one of the finest museums on the Riviera. It is housed in the filmmaker's estate, a superb villa set in a beautiful park, where Charlie Chaplin lived with his family at the end of his life. This highly didactic museum will take you on a tour of the filmmaker's life and work. Learn more about silent cinema and how he revolutionized the genre.
The activity to book book your Chaplin's World tickets now.
13- Go to Glacier 3000
To reach Glacier 3000, head for Les Diablerets, about thirty minutes from Montreux. If you're a keen skier, you'll be able to enjoy the 125km of pistes in the Diablerets Villars ski area. A must-see attraction is the Peak Walk by Tissot, the world's only suspension bridge linking two peaks. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps, from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc and the Jungfrau.
Below you'll also find some of the hottest things to do in Montreux:
Where to stay in Montreux, Switzerland
Montreux offers a wide range of accommodation options for your stay. Here's a selection of the best-rated hotels:
- Le Tralala Hôtel Montreux. This charming hotel, housed in a 1616 mansion, offers comfortable rooms with a musical theme. More information and booking here.
- Hôtel Eden Palace au Lac. This 4-star belle époque-style hotel is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and offers rooms with lake views. There's also a small swimming pool. Book your stay now.
- Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior. This 4-star hotel just a stone's throw from the center of Montreux boasts a refined atmosphere, spacious rooms and an exceptional view of Lake Geneva. You can book your stay here.
Family activities in Montreux, Switzerland
If you're traveling to Montreux as a family with children, here are a few activities for young and old alike:
- Visit the Château de Chillon and discover with the whole family the history of this impressive site, while enjoying a beautiful view of Lake Geneva.
- Visit the Cailler chocolate factory for a chocolate tasting session and learn more about its manufacture.
- Introduce your children to silent cinema at Chaplin's World, where you can trace the history of the filmmaker and cinema.
- Visit the Queen Studio Experience at the Casino de Montreux. Located in the former Mountain Studio, this space dedicated to the band is well worth the detour.
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our train ticket prices and book now!
