Château de Chillon
If ever a castle could fit the fairy-tale bill, the dashingly handsome Château de Chillon would be it, with its moat, double ramparts and riot of turrets…
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Montreux
In the 19th century, writers, artists and musicians (Lord Byron and the Shelleys among them) flocked to magical Montreux, what was then a pleasing lakeside resort. It's been a visitor-magnet for the rich, famous and everyone in-between ever since.
Montreux' main draws include peaceful walks along a lakeshore blessed with 19th-century hotels, a mild microclimate, a hilltop Old Town, one of the world's premier jazz festivals, Friday-morning lakeside markets and a fabulous 13th-century fortress.
Rock-trivia buffs love the story of British hard rockers Deep Purple recording an album at the town's casino in 1971 and commemorating a fire that broke out during a Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention gig (also held at the casino). The pall of smoke cast over Lake Geneva inspired Deep Purple to pen their heavy-chorded classic, 'Smoke on the Water'.
Explore Montreux
- Château de Chillon
If ever a castle could fit the fairy-tale bill, the dashingly handsome Château de Chillon would be it, with its moat, double ramparts and riot of turrets…
- QQueen: The Studio Experience
British rock band Queen recorded seven albums in this lovingly preserved studio (they also owned the joint from 1979 to 1993), and a visit here will give…
- RRochers de Naye
A fabulous cogwheel-train ride (return adult/child Sfr70/35, 55 minutes, hourly) from Montreux station is half the reason to ascend the mountain to…
- FFreddie Mercury Statue
Year round, fresh flowers adorn the feet of this 3m-tall statue of Freddie Mercury in front of Montreux’s old covered market on the waterfront. Created by…
- MMusée de Montreux
Displays range from Roman finds and period furniture to thimbles and street signs at Montreux’s local history museum, situated inside an old winegrower’s…
- LLa Rambertia
This lovely Alpine garden with around 1000 plants is located about 400m from the Rochers de Naye cogwheel-train station.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Montreux.
See
Château de Chillon
If ever a castle could fit the fairy-tale bill, the dashingly handsome Château de Chillon would be it, with its moat, double ramparts and riot of turrets…
See
Queen: The Studio Experience
British rock band Queen recorded seven albums in this lovingly preserved studio (they also owned the joint from 1979 to 1993), and a visit here will give…
See
Rochers de Naye
A fabulous cogwheel-train ride (return adult/child Sfr70/35, 55 minutes, hourly) from Montreux station is half the reason to ascend the mountain to…
See
Freddie Mercury Statue
Year round, fresh flowers adorn the feet of this 3m-tall statue of Freddie Mercury in front of Montreux’s old covered market on the waterfront. Created by…
See
Musée de Montreux
Displays range from Roman finds and period furniture to thimbles and street signs at Montreux’s local history museum, situated inside an old winegrower’s…
See
La Rambertia
This lovely Alpine garden with around 1000 plants is located about 400m from the Rochers de Naye cogwheel-train station.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Montreux
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