Montreux

Montreux is mostly known for its world-famous two-week-long Jazz Festival, but it is well worth a wander through, if only to get to the scenic Château de Chillon or to get to the hiker's paradise of Hauts de Montreux.

• Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21 (The castle is 45 minutes' walk from Montreux along the lakeside, or 4 minutes by train (Veytaux-Chillon station)., +41 21 966 89 10. April to September: 09:00-21:00, October: 09:30-18:00, November to February: 10:00-17:00. A historic castle and the country's most visited place, on a small island in Lake Geneva only a few meters from the shore. It was built to allow the occupants to extract a toll from people and goods passing between Italy and the rest of Europe on the road north from the St. Bernard pass. The roadway here is wedged between the lake and the cliffs, so there was no way to get around Chillon. The Castle is more famous in modern times for having inspired Lord Byron's poem, "The Prisoner of Chillon", based on the true story of François Bonivard, a political prisoner from Geneva who was released in 1536. Byron is said to have carved his name in one of the columns in the dungeon where Bonivard was detained during a few years. Adult Fr. 12.50.

• The Riviera Promenade. Stroll along it and challenge yourself to recognise each tree and flower. The city gardeners create each vegetal sculptures on a special theme. On week days the quai are the perfect place to roller skate from Clarens to Villeneuve.

  * Freddie Mercury statue, Quai de la Rouvenaz (at the lakeshore. Likely the best known statue in Montreux, the voice of the rock band Queen overlooking the lake.

• Queen the Studio Experience.

• The old town. Like Lausanne, Montreux has an old town on a quite steep hill above the modern city with a nice view over the city, the lake and the Alps. There isn't a funicular here, though, but you can ride the local bus about halfway to the highest point.
• Casino Barrière de Montreux, Rue du Théâtre 9, +41 21 962 83 83. It was built in 1881, then rebuilt in the 1970s after a fire in 1971 which was immortalised by the Deep Purple classic "Smoke on the Water".

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21 (The castle is 45 minutes' walk from Montreux along the lakeside, or 4 minutes by train (Veytaux-Chillon station)., +41 21 966 89 10. April to September: 09:00-21:00, October: 09:30-18:00, November to February: 10:00-17:00. A historic castle and the country's most visited place, on a small island in Lake Geneva only a few meters from the shore. It was built to allow the occupants to extract a toll from people and goods passing between Italy and the rest of Europe on the road north from the St. Bernard pass. The roadway here is wedged between the lake and the cliffs, so there was no way to get around Chillon. The Castle is more famous in modern times for having inspired Lord Byron's poem, "The Prisoner of Chillon", based on the true story of François Bonivard, a political prisoner from Geneva who was released in 1536. Byron is said to have carved his name in one of the columns in the dungeon where Bonivard was detained during a few years. Adult Fr. 12.50.

The Riviera Promenade. Stroll along it and challenge yourself to recognise each tree and flower. The city gardeners create each vegetal sculptures on a special theme. On week days the quai are the perfect place to roller skate from Clarens to Villeneuve.

* Freddie Mercury statue, Quai de la Rouvenaz (at the lakeshore. Likely the best known statue in Montreux, the voice of the rock band Queen overlooking the lake.

Queen the Studio Experience.

The old town. Like Lausanne, Montreux has an old town on a quite steep hill above the modern city with a nice view over the city, the lake and the Alps. There isn't a funicular here, though, but you can ride the local bus about halfway to the highest point.

Casino Barrière de Montreux, Rue du Théâtre 9, +41 21 962 83 83. It was built in 1881, then rebuilt in the 1970s after a fire in 1971 which was immortalised by the Deep Purple classic "Smoke on the Water".

• Cruises. Take a cruise on the unique Belle Epoque paddle steamers and discover Lavaux from the lake. Timetable at [www.cgn.ch Compagnie Générale de Navigation's website].
• Take a journey at the "alpage". Up High but not so far away, spend a night at a true "alpage", have a dinner with the "armailli", sleep on straw, and if you are awake early enough, milk the cows, watch the cheese making on woodfire and if you are lucky turn the "batte à beurre". Nothing can beat a spoon of cream served with a wooden spoon carved by a local artisan. Don't miss the L'Etivaz cheese, of course. Information: Olivier et Huguette Yersin. Tel. +41 79 230 30 77
• Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux Musique & Convention Centre and other venues. It is the second largest annual jazz festival in the world after Canada's Montreal International Jazz Festival. As more rock and pop artists have been invited, you're just as likely to catch Beck as, say Steve Coleman.
• Golden Award of Montreux Festival, Grand Rue 92, +41 21 966 55 53. An award festival that takes place annually in April in Montreux and is the first international advertising and multimedia competition in Europe, starting the global season for awarding creative excellence. Montreux has been home to a number of creatives and artists, such as Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway, Vladmir Nabokov, and Freddie Mercury, and the awards reflect that history.

The mountains around Hauts-de-Montreux are threaded with forest trails, isolated villages, caves, grottos, and wildlife. Any of the train stops will lead to several hiking options. For a real hiker's hike, tackle the four hour, 1000-metre climb from Caux to Rochers-De-Naye peak. (2045 m above sea level). Saner folks might want to get off at Dent-De-Jaman station., just below the peak (1875 m above sea level), where you can enjoy the views and fresh air without the huffing and puffing. You can walk the trails up there which are not difficult, one being across to The Alpine garden which is very beautiful with nearly 800 varieties of plants and flowers.

• Marmots' Paradise. Rochers-De-Naye is home to an odd little compound called "Marmots' Paradise" where marmots from all over the world live in an observable system of underground burrows.
• Via Ferrata Rochers-De-Naye.
• Another option is to go to Vevey & take funicular to mont Pelerin or a train to Les Pleiades. From Les Pleiades, enjoy the amazing views including the majestuous Mont-Blanc.
• Go to Chexbres and walk to Cully to discover the "à pic" scenery of Lavaux vineyards.

The mountains around Hauts-de-Montreux are threaded with forest trails, isolated villages, caves, grottos, and wildlife. Any of the train stops will lead to several hiking options. For a real hiker's hike, tackle the four hour, 1000-metre climb from Caux to Rochers-De-Naye peak. (2045 m above sea level). Saner folks might want to get off at Dent-De-Jaman station., just below the peak (1875 m above sea level), where you can enjoy the views and fresh air without the huffing and puffing. You can walk the trails up there which are not difficult, one being across to The Alpine garden which is very beautiful with nearly 800 varieties of plants and flowers.

The mountains around Hauts-de-Montreux are threaded with forest trails, isolated villages, caves, grottos, and wildlife. Any of the train stops will lead to several hiking options. For a real hiker's hike, tackle the four hour, 1000-metre climb from Caux to Rochers-De-Naye peak. (2045 m above sea level). Saner folks might want to get off at Dent-De-Jaman station., just below the peak (1875 m above sea level), where you can enjoy the views and fresh air without the huffing and puffing. You can walk the trails up there which are not difficult, one being across to The Alpine garden which is very beautiful with nearly 800 varieties of plants and flowers.

Marmots' Paradise. Rochers-De-Naye is home to an odd little compound called "Marmots' Paradise" where marmots from all over the world live in an observable system of underground burrows.

Via Ferrata Rochers-De-Naye.

Another option is to go to [[Vevey]] & take funicular to mont Pelerin or a train to Les Pleiades. From Les Pleiades, enjoy the amazing views including the majestuous Mont-Blanc.

Cruises. Take a cruise on the unique Belle Epoque paddle steamers and discover Lavaux from the lake. Timetable at [www.cgn.ch Compagnie Générale de Navigation's website].

Take a journey at the "alpage". Up High but not so far away, spend a night at a true "alpage", have a dinner with the "armailli", sleep on straw, and if you are awake early enough, milk the cows, watch the cheese making on woodfire and if you are lucky turn the "batte à beurre". Nothing can beat a spoon of cream served with a wooden spoon carved by a local artisan. Don't miss the L'Etivaz cheese, of course. Information: Olivier et Huguette Yersin. Tel. +41 79 230 30 77

Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux Musique & Convention Centre and other venues. It is the second largest annual jazz festival in the world after Canada's Montreal International Jazz Festival. As more rock and pop artists have been invited, you're just as likely to catch Beck as, say Steve Coleman.

Golden Award of Montreux Festival, Grand Rue 92, +41 21 966 55 53. An award festival that takes place annually in April in Montreux and is the first international advertising and multimedia competition in Europe, starting the global season for awarding creative excellence. Montreux has been home to a number of creatives and artists, such as Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway, Vladmir Nabokov, and Freddie Mercury, and the awards reflect that history.

Every Christmas Montreux hosts an excellent Christmas market for several weeks over the holiday period. The main road through the town (Grand' Rue) and the lakeside path are lined with wooden chalets where you can find anything to buy from local wine (free tasting sometimes on offer) to chocolates (of course) and local crafts. The atmosphere is magical, your kids can visit Pere Noel (Father Christmas). With all the regular shops also open you could do all your Christmas shopping in one trip and get some unique presents into the bargain.

For the cheapest souvenirs in Montreux, check out the Kiosque Biblique, which is housed in a small wooden chalet next to the Eurotel. It's not always open because it's run by volunteers, but it always offers a friendly welcome to everyone and has lots of free Christian literature in many languages.

• Coop Pronto grocery store. 08:00 - 22:00. Offers a range of sandwiches and salads.
• Forum shopping mall, Place du Marché 6B (walk about 10 minutes into the town centre: straight ahead out of the railway station and down steps to the lake front, then turn left, +41 21 966 40 20. M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa 08:00–19:00, Su 10:00–19:00. There are two supermarkets (Migros and Denner) selling sandwiches.
• If you turn left as you leave the débarcadère (where you get of the boats) you will see a small outdoor café selling drinks and Mövenpick ice creams. If you buy something there you can sit under the spreading vine that shelters the café from the sun and watch the world go by. As long as it's not too busy you can sit there as long as you like - drinks and ice creams are about Fr. 3.50 each.

Coop Pronto grocery store. 08:00 - 22:00. Offers a range of sandwiches and salads.

Forum shopping mall, Place du Marché 6B (walk about 10 minutes into the town centre: straight ahead out of the railway station and down steps to the lake front, then turn left, +41 21 966 40 20. M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa 08:00–19:00, Su 10:00–19:00. There are two supermarkets (Migros and Denner) selling sandwiches.

If you turn left as you leave the débarcadère (where you get of the boats) you will see a small outdoor café selling drinks and Mövenpick ice creams. If you buy something there you can sit under the spreading vine that shelters the café from the sun and watch the world go by. As long as it's not too busy you can sit there as long as you like - drinks and ice creams are about Fr. 3.50 each.

• Le Palais Oriental, Quai Ernest Ansermet 6, +41 21 963 12 71. Unique architecture and beautiful terrace
• The Museum, Rue de la Gare 40, +41 21 963 16 62.
• Restaurant au Parc, Grand'Rue, 38, +41 21 963 31 57. 11:30-14:00 and 18:00-22:00.
• Brasserie Bavaria, Avenue Nestle 17, +41 21 963 25 45.
• La Rouvenaz, Rue du Marche 1, +41 21 963 27 36.
• Dolce - Ristorante Bar Pizzeria, Place Du Marché 6 (at the corner of Grand Rue and Rue du Quay, officially in the Forum shopping center, +41 21 963 0965. The main fare is (delicious) pizza but you can also enjoy other kinds of Italian foods, or just an ice cream or a drink. Both indoor and outdoor seating.
• Safran, Grand rue 81 (Centre of Montreux on the promenade, +41 219662222. 10:00–23:00. Authentic yet creative cuisine. Fantastic terrace located right on the lake shore. Very nice atmosphere inside the restaurant. from €16.

Le Palais Oriental, Quai Ernest Ansermet 6, +41 21 963 12 71. Unique architecture and beautiful terrace

The Museum, Rue de la Gare 40, +41 21 963 16 62.

Restaurant au Parc, Grand'Rue, 38, +41 21 963 31 57. 11:30-14:00 and 18:00-22:00.

Brasserie Bavaria, Avenue Nestle 17, +41 21 963 25 45.

La Rouvenaz, Rue du Marche 1, +41 21 963 27 36.

Dolce - Ristorante Bar Pizzeria, Place Du Marché 6 (at the corner of Grand Rue and Rue du Quay, officially in the Forum shopping center, +41 21 963 0965. The main fare is (delicious) pizza but you can also enjoy other kinds of Italian foods, or just an ice cream or a drink. Both indoor and outdoor seating.

Safran, Grand rue 81 (Centre of Montreux on the promenade, +41 219662222. 10:00–23:00. Authentic yet creative cuisine. Fantastic terrace located right on the lake shore. Very nice atmosphere inside the restaurant. from €16.

• Le Pont de Brent. North of Montreux, in the village of Brent. Before Gérard Rabaey retired, it had 3 Michelin stars. It still has two.
• Au Fil de l’Eau, Rue du lac 75, +41 21 964 44 11. Tu-Sa 08:00-00:00, Su 07:00-17:00.
• La Terrasse du Petit Palais., Avenue Claude Nobs 2, +41 21 962 12 00.
• Le deck Baron Tavernier. In Chexbres, follow the motorway towards Lausanne.
• Mirador Kempinski. In Mont Pélerin, north of Vevey.
• L'Auberge de L'Onde. In St Saphorin, near the lake west of Montreux.

Le Pont de Brent. North of Montreux, in the village of Brent. Before Gérard Rabaey retired, it had 3 Michelin stars. It still has two.

Au Fil de l’Eau, Rue du lac 75, +41 21 964 44 11. Tu-Sa 08:00-00:00, Su 07:00-17:00.

La Terrasse du Petit Palais., Avenue Claude Nobs 2, +41 21 962 12 00.

Le deck Baron Tavernier. In Chexbres, follow the motorway towards Lausanne.

Mirador Kempinski. In Mont Pélerin, north of Vevey.

L'Auberge de L'Onde. In St Saphorin, near the lake west of Montreux.

• The terrace at the Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, 45 avenue des Alpes (directly across from the train station). +41 21 966 33 33. The prices are not bad, and the view superb. There's a saxophonist who plays along to some kind of super drum machine during the early evening hours, and he's pretty good. Even if you're not normally into the sort of music he plays (smooth jazz) you'll have to admit that it works in this environment.
• The White Horse Pub, 28 Grand Rue). +41 21 963 15 92. English-style pub, is usually the busiest bar in Montreux at night and well-frequented by young locals. There's a nice selection of beer pool table and darts.

The terrace at the Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, 45 avenue des Alpes (directly across from the train station). +41 21 966 33 33. The prices are not bad, and the view superb. There's a saxophonist who plays along to some kind of super drum machine during the early evening hours, and he's pretty good. Even if you're not normally into the sort of music he plays (smooth jazz) you'll have to admit that it works in this environment.

The White Horse Pub, 28 Grand Rue). +41 21 963 15 92. English-style pub, is usually the busiest bar in Montreux at night and well-frequented by young locals. There's a nice selection of beer pool table and darts.

• Vevey — a lovely city in a cove, and the corporate home to the Nestlé chocolate and food empire.
• Lavaux — terraced vineyards and one of the prettiest landscapes anywhere stretching between Lausanne and Vevey.
• Lausanne — a university town and home to the International Olympic Committee.
• Château d'Œx — a ski town that also offers a wide range of multi-season sporting activities.
• Yvorne — yet another wine growing region, this one on the slopes of the Vaudois Alps.
• Montreux is the western end of the luxurious Golden Pass scenic train line going all the way to Lucerne.