Montreux is nestled in a sheltered cove on Lake Geneva, surrounded by vineyards and magnificent snow-capped alpine peaks. The Montreux Jazz Festival, which takes place every summer in June-July, offers concerts in different venues and in the open air, and is considered one of the most important for performers and jazz lovers.
Because of its stunningly mild climate, Montreux is called the capital of the Vaudois Riviera. Plants usually associated with the Mediterranean, cypresses and palm trees are well established here. Charlie Chaplin, Freddie Mercury and several other famous people have lived and ended their days here on the Vaudois Riviera.
The long, flower-fringed promenade connects Vevey and Montreux and, following it to Chillon Castle, literally invites you to stroll. Cultural events such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, as well as countless opportunities for excursions into the mountainous regions or around the lake, make Montreux a popular holiday destination. Many buildings along the shoreline, including the magnificent Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, date back to the Belle Epoque period. There’s also the modern Montreux Music and Convention Centre (2M2C).
Winter
Lovers of winter sports and hiking are attracted by Rocher-de-Naye and the family-friendly regions of Les Avants and Les Pléiades. For example, Les Avants has a 2.3-kilometer downhill sledding track. In December, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland is located on the main street Grand-Rue, as well as on the waterfront.
Summer
The lake is ideal for swimming, water sports or cruises. Along the waterfront there are stylish bars with piano and jazz, discotheques and the oldest casino in Switzerland, there are also many hotels and restaurants.
From Montreux you can take the train to Rocher-de-Naye, where at an altitude of 2042 meters you have a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva, Savoy, Vaud, Valais and the Bernese Alps. Rocher-de-Naye is a great place to start hiking in the mountains, as well as to dive into the world of paragliding and hang-gliding. The GoldenPass panoramic train takes its passengers to the vineyards above the city with their paths for hiking or biking, to the Vaud and Bernese Oberland mountains, for example to Gstaad.
Conferences and congresses
Montreux Riviera is the ideal place for unforgettable events. Ideally nestled between the lake and the Alps, Montreux Riviera with its microclimate and its sun-filled Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO World Heritage) is the absolute top destination for meetings and events. Centrally located and close to the international airport of Geneva, the destination is an outstanding place to hold international congresses, conferences, or incentives. A unique region, attached to its roots but open to the world, Montreux Riviera, home of the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival has inspired many artists over the years. After Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury it’s now your turn. Come to Montreux Riviera, get inspired and make this beautiful place the ideal location for your event!
