Switzerland, Montreux is an upscale European resort. Montreux Attractions and attractions Montreux
On the shores of Lake Geneva lies the pompous and fashionable town of Montreux. It is Montreux that is most often called the capital of the so-called "Swiss Riviera".
Until the 1960s, the name Montreux was borne by a small village lying in the center of 24 winegrowing communes scattered across the neighboring hills - from the picturesque Clarens in the northwest to Territet in the south. But the tourist boom at the end of the 20th century and the beauty of the region led to the rapid growth of settlements, and now this entire coast is a series of chic suburbs, all year round receiving crowned heads, heads of government and corporations, literary and artistic bohemians from all over the world.
Attractions Montreux
The city of Montreux is known all over the world for its closed private schools and beauty institutes, nightclubs and cabarets, bars and casinos, jazz and classical music festivals, the Golden Rose TV festival and the festival of laughter. The exhibition center constantly hosts all kinds of expositions and fairs, including the prestigious International Television Symposium. Many great writers and musicians have lived in Montreux, including Vladimir Nabokov, who is buried in the cemetery of the suburb of Clarens. And on the embankment near Place du Marche there is a bronze monument to another famous resident of the town (or rather, the suburb of Territe) - Freddie Mercury - the only one in the world, by the way.
Strict modern building casino Montreux on the Rue du Theater was built on the site of the famous original complex, which opened back in 1883 and was destroyed by fire on December 4, 1971 (it was this event, which "accompanied" Frank Zappa's concert, and served as the impetus for the creation of the famous Deep Purple hit - Smoke On The Water). Now this magnificent building is open again every day, admission is free.
Around Montreux
On a small rocky peninsula 3 kilometers south of Montreux stands the famous Byron Chillon castle, or Chillon (XII-XIII centuries), with medieval dungeons, a knight's hall, a hall of Justice, a ducal bedroom and a wooden chapel. Built to control the strategically important coastal road from Northern Europe to Italy, it is one of the continent's most efficient fortifications. With its small size and extremely simple device, it was never taken by storm (except for the two-day siege by the Bernese in 1536, which freed from the dungeon the prototype of Byron's famous poem - the Swiss patriot François Bonivard). For a long time, the castle was a prison, and now there is a museum (
Guide to Montreux:
Montreux- the capital of the Swiss Riviera, full of luxury palace hotels. The city is known for its mild climate, the most beautiful embankment of Lake Geneva overlooking the snowy peaks of the Alps and many restaurants and cafes with cozy terraces.
An international jazz festival is held in Montreux every summer. For these two weeks, the small town turns into a huge open-air music venue.
Montreux is ideal for wealthy people - everything here is created for a luxurious life. However, there are not so many attractions for the visiting tourist. The city itself is a continuous line of luxury hotels. The only thing that really deserves attention is the Chillon Castle in the suburb of Montreux, the most famous of all Swiss castles and one of the symbols of the country. Walking from Montreux station to the castle and back will take about an hour and a half, plus a tour of the castle can take about an hour. The rest is Lake Geneva cruises, vineyard excursions and a relaxing break in expensive restaurants.
Find your way in Montreux:
From the station, just go down (along the escalator near the hotel) - you will come out just in time for the embankment and the port, from where the pleasure boats leave. There is also a tourist office. Nearby you can also find mini-tourist trains that go on excursions to Chillon Castle and the surrounding area. The Chillon Castle itself will be on the left if you are facing the lake. To go to it on foot - about 40 minutes along a pleasant green embankment. If you want to avoid a long walk, you can take an electric train to S1 to the Veytaux-Chillon station (runs every half an hour), or by boat to the Château-de-Chillon pier. The second option takes longer, but the boat stops closer to the castle.
Get to Montreux:
If your goal is Montreux, it is better to fly to Geneva airport, from there to get closer than from Zurich.
From Geneva airport to Montreux- at 21 and 51 minutes there is a direct train hourly, the ticket costs 35 francs (as of 2016). At 03 and 33 minutes a train departs, with a change in, to Montreux. Travel time is 1:17 on a direct train and 1:28 on a train with a transfer. The last train from Montreux departs at 23:10 (with a change in), the last direct train at 22:21. The earliest train from Montreux to the airport is at 5:17 (at 6:39 you will be in).
From Geneva to Montreux- at 00 and 30 minutes hourly direct train in the direction of. The ticket costs 30 francs. The train runs at approximately 1:08 am. At 12 and 42 hours you can get to Montreux with a change at. First the train towards or, then the S2 suburban train towards Villeneuve. On the way 1:20.
Lausanne to Montreux- direct trains at 00, 17, 36, 50 minutes every hour. Travel time - from 19 to 30 minutes (slower - commuter S2 and S3, faster - Inter Regio in the direction of). A ticket costs 25.20 francs (as of 2016) - Mobilis Tageskarte for 7 zones (tariff zone map).
From Zurich to Montreux:
Travel time: 2: 30-3: 00. Travel through.
To get there: You can only get from Zurich to Montreux with a change in Lausanne.
Directions: from Zurich HB:
- 1) at 32 minutes every hour - with 1 change in Lausanne. Zurich HB-Lausanne (from track 17, the Inter City train in the direction), Lausanne-Montreux (from the 3rd track, the Inter Regio train in the direction of Brig). On the way - 2:32.
- 2) at 04 minutes - with 1 or 2 transfers (in Lausanne or also in). On the road - 2:35.
- 3) at 06 minutes every hour with changes in and Lausanne (direct train with the end in, from there towards Lausanne, then from the 3rd track by train towards Montreux. On the way - 3:33.
- 4) at 30 minutes every hour with 3 transfers (Olten, Lausanne). Zurich HB - Olten (from track 16, train in the direction, 31 minutes), Olten-Bern (from track 10, direct train to the terminal, 47 minutes), Bern-Lausanne (direction Genève-Aéroport, 1:11 on the way), Lausanne - Montreux (from the 3rd track the Inter Regio train in the direction).
See www.sbb.ch for the exact timetable.
Ticket prices: 79 CHF one way second class.
Attractions Montreux:
Château-de-Chillon
The pearl of Montreux is rightfully considered the famous Chillon Castle, sung by Byron in the poem "The Prisoner of Chillon". It is located 4 km, that is, about 40 minutes walk, from the city. It would be best to walk along the promenade, but you can take the train.
At the entrance to the castle museum, you will be given an information brochure in your preferred language, and you can personally walk through the ancient halls (Knight's Hall, Hall of Justice, Duke's bedroom), go down to the cellar that served as a prison, or wander around the courtyard, which has preserved the spirit of the era of the struggle of the dukes Savoyard with Protestants.
The castle was built and rebuilt over time. The earliest buildings date back to the 8th century. Since then, the castle has served as a tribute collection site due to its location on a strategic road sandwiched between the lake and the mountains. The appearance of the castle has not changed since the middle of the 13th century.
Working hours: except for January 1 and December 25 all days
April-September 9:00 - 18:00
October, March 9:30 - 17:00
November - February 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
adults - 12 CHF
children 6-16 years old - 6 CHF
students / seniors - 10 CHF
Family ticket - 28 CHF
Audio guide - 6 CHF.
Along the Nabokov places
For a long time Vladimir Nabokov lived in Montreux in one of the most prestigious hotels in the city - Montreux Palace. The hotel houses a monument to the writer and a small exhibition.
After the Great October Revolution, Vladimir Nabokov, together with his wife Vera, emigrated to Germany, then he lived in France and America, until he finally settled in Montreux in 1961.
Freddie Mercury
The monument to this popular singer stands right at the embankment of the city, a little to the left of the port, in the direction of the Chillon Castle. At any time of the year, armfuls of flowers lie around the monument.
Freddie Merury, head of the rock band Queen, chose Montreux because of the tranquility of the town. He bought an audio studio here, where he recorded his last album with the group - "Made in Heaven". He died of illness in 1991.
At the beginning of September, fans of the talented singer gather in the city every year to honor his memory.
Montreux Museum
At the entrance to the old town, on the site of the former village of Sales, in a series of 17th century wine-making houses, which are among the architectural treasures of the canton of Vaud, there is a museum dedicated to the history of Montreux. You will be able to see all sorts of collections related to the city: coins, irons, carpenter's tools, traditional utensils and much more. Especially worth noting is the huge collection of embroidery thimbles and numerous items related to lace-making and embroidery.
The museum also houses an exhibition dedicated to 4 areas of the region: history, land, tourism and hospitality.
Recent donations have allowed the restoration of three rooms dedicated to numerous writers, musicians and other famous artists in the region.
- Working hours:
April-October daily 10:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 17:00
November - March closed
- Price:
adults - 6 CHF
children under 16 - free
students / seniors - 4 CHF
- The address: Rue de la Gare 40 (7 minutes walk from the station)
museemontreux.ch
+41 21 963 13 53
Maison visinand
This building is located in the old town of Montreux. The Maison Visinand, listed as a listed building, houses a cultural center with an exhibition hall, as well as other facilities for lessons, work and conferences.
- Price: from harm until Sun from 15:00 to 18:00 admission is free.
- The address: Rue du Pont 32
maisonvisinand.ch
Excursions from Montreux:
Tourist mini train
If you don't really want to wander along the embankment for a long time, you can use such a train. And you will enjoy the beauty of nature and the splendor of greenery without the slightest difficulty.
- Trains run from mid June to mid September.
- The cost is 4.5 francs per person.
Chocolate train
The train leaves Montreux and passes by Broca, giving you the opportunity to explore the region of the famous Gruyères cheese and delicious Swiss milk chocolate.
- Departure time: from Montreux at 9:12, return back at 18:10. Seat reservations are required.
- Cost - 89 francs for adults (1st class).
Panoramic train Golden Pass
One of Switzerland's most scenic train routes - will show you the beauties of Switzerland between Montreux, Interlaken and Lucerne.
- Cost: Montreux-Gstaad for 1 adult - 48 francs in 2nd class and 80 francs in 1st class.
Rochers-de-naye
55 minutes drive on a cogwheel railroad and you will find yourself on the top of the mountain, at an altitude of 2042 m above sea level, from where you can enjoy a delightful panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura Mountains. In summer, you can walk around the reserve with marmots for free, as well as visit the free interactive training center dedicated to these animals (open all year round).
There is also a unique alpine garden "la Ramberita", in which more than 1000 species of flowers and plants grow. It is open only in summer, but admission is free.
In winter, a ski resort opens here.
The train leaves from Montreux starting at 8:46 am and runs every hour at 46 minutes. The first three weeks of November, the train leaves only on weekends.
Price:
- mid-April - end of November - 72 francs for adults (special price at the Golden Pass ticket office in Montreux - 59 francs), children 6-16 years old 29.5 francs, groups of 10 people - 46.80 francs. With the Montreux Riviera Card - 36 francs.
- from mid-December to mid-April - adults 32 francs, children 6-16 years old - 16 francs. Special prices for the Christmas market.
In the vicinity of Montreux:
Villeneuve
A picturesque small town on the eastern edge of Lake Geneva.
Aigle
Aigle- a tiny town in the Rhone valley, famous for its magnificent white wine, endless vineyards and a beautiful castle. The castle houses a wine and grape museum.
Vevey
The second most famous city on the Swiss Riviera is Vevey, a little more peaceful and less pompous than Montreux. With many great museums, a long promenade and a cozy old town. Vevey was once a favorite place of the Russian aristocracy, as is now reminiscent of the small Orthodox Church of St. Barbara near the train station. Among the famous residents of the city is Charlie Chaplin, whose monument is erected on the Vevey embankment, in a public garden named after him.
Save money in Montreux:
Montreux Riviera Card
Issued free of charge by hotels, private schools and clinics and entitles you to free travel by public transport of the VMCV network, as well as a 50% discount on trains and ships, many museums and parks.
Regional pass from Lake Geneva to the Alps
This regional ticket entitles you to unlimited use of trains, buses and funiculars for 2 or 3 days, and gives you a 50% discount on public transport on other days. You can buy it at any tourist office, train stations and ports. There is also a "junior card" for children 6-16 years old.
There is a ticket "5 regional pass", which entitles you to 2 days of free use of transport and 3 days of 50% discount. Cost (2nd class) - 94 francs for adults, 75 francs if available, or 75 francs, children 6-16 - 47 francs.
For a 7-day ticket (3 free and 4 days with a 50% discount) - 114, 91 and 57 francs, respectively.
Montreux stands on a low hill, stretching out between a mountain range and the calm waters of the lake. These places are fantastically beautiful and have a particularly mild microclimate, rightfully bearing the title "Pearls of the Swiss Riviera".
Graceful mansions are buried in the greenery of laurels, magnolias, palms, cypresses and almonds. The stairs descend directly to the shore, along which a beautiful boulevard runs. Each season is full of charm here. The Alps located here provide an opportunity not only to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, but are also an accessible paradise for sports lovers all year round.
Montreux is truly the most beautiful city on the Riviera. The city of eternal holiday. It was here that creative people came to draw inspiration. Nabokov and Stravinsky lived here, after whom the concert hall is named, it is here that the famous jazz festival and the festival of feature films Krasnaya Roza are held every year.
The embankment is decorated with sculptures directly related to jazz. The festival was invented 36 years ago by Swiss enthusiast Claude Nobs. Already in the first years of its existence, Montreux Jazz Festival gained worldwide fame, glorifying the town by Lake Geneva throughout the world. During the festival, music is heard everywhere, the city seems to be immersed in a whirlwind of funny jazz melodies that captivate with its unique rhythm. The famous "Montreux Jazz Festival" taking place in summer gathers fans of all styles of music, and just lovers of a noisy and festive atmosphere from all over the world, which is why the usually measured city life begins to bubble up.
Montreux has a huge number of clinics that have gained worldwide fame. For lovers of outdoor activities, it is impossible to choose a better place to make excursions every day.
Near Montreux, at a distance of an hour's walk along the shore of the lake, there is one of the most famous castles in Europe - Chillon Castle, which shook Byron and glorified by him in the poem "The Prisoner of the Chillon Castle". The appearance of the castle, majestically towering on a small rocky island, has not changed since the middle of the 13th century. The dungeons and dungeons, the knight's hall and the hall of Justice, the duke's bedroom and the wooden chapel still perfectly retain the spirit of the era of the struggle of the Dukes of Savoy with the Protestants. The ancient fortress was founded in the X century. Pierre II of Savoy significantly expanded and strengthened it. Bonivar, a supporter of church reform in Geneva, languished in it for four years.
Lake Geneva is perhaps one of the most picturesque lakes in Switzerland. If you take a trip from Geneva towards Zion, you can be sure that you will have a lot of impressions. On one side of the lake, you can see slender rows of vineyards that descend from the hills directly to the water surface sparkling in the sun. On the other, "French" territory, alpine mountain ranges rise menacingly. Cirrus clouds slowly float over the lake, it seems that they are about to touch the water ... And flowers ... everywhere: on the windows of houses, at railway stations, along the embankment, on the tables of restaurants. An extraordinary tranquility reigns here, so conducive to complete relaxation and relaxation.
The Swiss Riviera is truly a paradise for those who can afford to live there permanently or on short trips. Colorful, almost Mediterranean vegetation on the coast, followed by a classic alpine panorama. It is the coast of Lake Geneva that many wealthy people have chosen as a place of permanent residence. Especially prestigious are Vevey and Montreux, charming towns that were once located at some distance from each other, and now - almost touching their borders.
The "Golden Pass Panoramic" panoramic train from Montreux connects you to Lucerne, the tourist capital of Switzerland. This so-called "Golden Pass" route is one of the most attractive train routes in Switzerland. It connects the historic center of Switzerland Lucerne, the snow-covered peaks of the Jungfrau region (Interlaken) and the Swiss Riviera. The 250 km Golden Pass trail takes 5 hours and offers you an exciting tour of the most beautiful regions of the country. Distance to Geneva - 86 km, to Zurich - 188 km, to Lucerne - 200 km, to Interlaken - 148 km, to Lugano - 364 km.
Small but so cozy Switzerland attracts tourists with the enchanting beauty of local landscapes, high-quality service, interesting sights. Montreux is considered one of the most popular and prestigious resorts not only in Europe but also in the world. In summer, wealthy travelers come here to enjoy the view of the Alps, wander along the embankment, which at one time inspired many writers, poets and composers to create masterpieces.
The town is located on a small hill, it is surrounded on one side by a calm and on the other - by a mountain range, which Switzerland is known for. Montreux is surrounded by a very mild climate, which is why it is also called the "pearl of the Swiss Riviera". The unique microclimate is reflected in the local vegetation. The city is surrounded by greenery of magnolias, laurels, cypresses, palms, almonds. Along the coast there is a boulevard decorated with flowers and interesting sculptures. All of this is reminiscent of the annual international jazz festival held in Switzerland in the middle of summer.
Montreux cannot be counted among the cities with a breathtaking history, a huge number of architectural monuments. He is very rich, not everyone can afford to rest in this area. Luxurious hotels stretch along the coast, amaze with their appearance... Active tourists will not be bored; in Montreux, equestrian sports, tennis, and hiking in the mountains are offered to tourists. In the evening, you can have fun in a bar or a casino, dance to fiery music in a disco, taste local cuisine in one of the many restaurants, taste the famous white wine of the Canton of Vaud, which Montreux is so proud of.
Which is interesting to many tourists, it can boast of both old and modern historical, architectural and cultural monuments. Fans of ethnography can be recommended to look into the Museum of Old Montreux, which tells the history of the city from the moment of its foundation to the present day. In the old part, not far from the central station, on the Market Square, there is a statue of the famous Queen soloist - Freddie Mercury.
Switzerland is also famous for its luxurious castles. Montreux has one of the famous fortresses, which was built in the XIII century. On a small rocky island is located which at one time amazed Lord Byron, and he wrote the poem "The Prisoner of Chillon Castle". Tourists can see with their own eyes the ducal chambers, the knight's hall of Justice, dungeons and dungeons, a wooden chapel. It seems that everything here is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the struggle of the Dukes of Savoy with the Protestants.
Montreux hotels await guests throughout the year. Switzerland is beautiful in any season, and the good location of the city allows you to travel to every corner of the country. Not far from Montreux is Lausanne with a magnificent Roman amphitheater, Roche, where the Organ Museum is located, Aigle with the Salt and Wine Museum. Not far from the city there is the world's largest labyrinth, a water park, children's parks, and zoos.
For those who are gnawing at cultural hunger, and the long-awaited vacation is just around the corner, we would like to offer a good option for spending time. Today we invite you to visit the resort town of Montreux, which is located in the western part of Switzerland. The city of Montreux is built on the coast of the largest lake, and indeed of the whole of Europe. Montreux has something to see and where to go. This place is rightfully called the "Pearl of Switzerland", as well as its cultural center. Let's take a short walk around the area so that you can fully appreciate the benefits of your vacation here.
General informationAs already mentioned, the city of Montreux is located on the shores of the huge Lake Leman. Other very interesting cities, such as Villeneuve, are located in close proximity to it. Arriving here, you will find yourself in the very center of the region of winemakers - you will guess about this yourself, passing countless vineyards (by the way, they are a very popular place). Due to its unique location between a large lake and majestic mountain peaks, the city of Montreux could be safely ranked among.
Weather
The weather in Montreux is significantly different from other resort towns in Switzerland. In autumn, there is very little rainfall in it, and in winter there is practically no snow. Such climatic conditions are created by the Alps, which seem to defend the city from bad weather. In winter, the average air temperature in Montreux is +3 degrees, and in summer - +20. These are ideal indicators for growing grapes, as well as for a comfortable tourist vacation.
The special climatic conditions of this place allowed nature to show itself in all its glory. Here you can see magnolias, palms, cypresses, as well as almond and laurel trees, the city seems to be buried in their luxurious greenery. Along coastline there is a beautiful quiet boulevard with many monuments to celebrities. Directly from it you can go down to the coast along one of the many stepped descents.
 |
 |
You will lose a lot if, having visited Montreux, you do not see what is held annually. This event usually starts in early July, hundreds of thousands of fans of jazz music from all over the world gather for this grandiose event. But apart from this enchanting event, there is something to see here!
You should definitely visit the monument to Vladimir Nabokov, which is installed in the city of Montreux opposite one of the best Montreux Palace. It was here that this outstanding writer lived, who was forced to leave his homeland due to the persecution of the authorities. After the death of an outstanding figure in 1977, his wife donated her personal richest collection of butterflies to the University of Lausanne, where she occupies a worthy place to this day.
A visit will be no less interesting for vacationers in Montreux. It is believed that its construction began in the 12th century, and its final appearance, which has survived to this day, it acquired in the middle of the 15th century. This structure is built on the top of a cliff that rises above Lake Leman, from where a magnificent panoramic view of the surroundings opens up, from which it is simply breathtaking!
As you walk along the waterfront, be sure to check out Place du Marché. Here in the city of Montreux there is a monument in honor of the legend of rock music Freddie Mercury. He stood forever with his hand raised upward on the pedestal of the embankment, in his favorite pose. There is nothing to add here, the show must go on, no matter what ...
The guests of this city will not be bored, because there are all conditions for a calm quiet rest, and for active pastime. There are several large ones nearby, such as Champery, Leysin or Villars. You can also go for a walk in the mountains, go water skiing, play tennis, learn horse riding. In this city there are a lot of hotels for all levels of income, as well as countless good inexpensive bars, restaurants, discos and cafes. In general, you will definitely not be bored here, you can be sure of it!
 |
 |
 |
 |
Montreux is the ideal place to sample almost all of the very best authentic Swiss cuisine. Of course, the main dishes in the city's restaurants are teeming with an abundance of seafood, and the favorite drink in them is real delicious wine. In Montreux, you will find many cafeterias or restaurants with other national cuisine (Asian, French, European, etc.). The prices for food in them are varied. For example, in restaurants located on the territory of hotels, meals are much cheaper than in establishments in the city center. But at the same time, Montreux is not a cheap city, which means that a full-fledged dinner will result in you a lot of money. But in return you will receive the most delicious, hearty and refined dishes, the taste of which will make you forget about the cost of the treat. So, among all in Montreux, tourists distinguish the following:
- Restaurant Le Museum (Swiss, European and vegetarian cuisine);
- Le Pont de Brent (French cuisine);
- La Rouvenaz (European and Italian cuisine);
- La Terrasse du Petit Palais;
- Jaan Restarant.
 |
 |
The transport infrastructure in Montreux is quite well developed. Visitors to the city mostly prefer to travel by taxi, but its services are distinguished by their high cost among other resorts in Switzerland (6 francs per km). If you do not want to spend a lot of money on a taxi, then take the better public transport.
More than 30 buses run in Montreux in ten directions, which means that you will not stand for a long time at stops waiting for transport. Many tourists buy themselves a Regional Pass - a regional pass. It will allow you to use public transport completely free of charge and not only in Montreux. Cost - 155 CHF.
Some hotels in the city provide their own Montreux pass for certain routes. Basically, they run between the main attractions. Such a ticket is already included in the payment for a long (more than five days) stay at the hotel. You can also get around the outskirts of Montreux using a cruise ship. Compagnie Generlade de Navigation is responsible for all water transportation in the city. In this company you can arrange a trip on Lake Geneva or rent a yacht.
