Enjoying the glorious sunset over Lake Geneva costs nothing. But what else can you do in the “Pearl of the Swiss Riviera” for less than CHF20?
Tour of Montreux with a guide
Every Saturday morning from 10am to midday, we offer guided tours of Montreux for CHF10. You can find out about the history of a town that has been home to Nabokov, Rousseau and Hemingway over the years, as well as getting some local tips for the best places to eat.
Château de Chillon
Photo: Bolla Ugo
Château de Chillon is approaching its 900th birthday, although the building that you can visit today has grown over the centuries and now consists of many interconnected buildings. It has inspired creative minds for generations, including that legendary hooligan Lord Byron, who etched his name into a pillar in the basement during his grand tour. The walk to Chillon from Montreux is approximately 45 minutes along the shore of the lake, past pretty flower gardens and lots of joggers. Entry to the castle is 10 CHF for students.
The “beach” at Le Pierrier
From “Chillon” to “chilling”: it’s not really a beach, but at least there is some sand (on the beach volleyball courts). This is where locals come to swim, barbecue and enjoy the sunshine during the long summer months. It’s approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Montreux.
Wine tasting in the vineyards of Lavaux
Photo: Patrick Nouhailler
Surprisingly little Swiss wine is exported, which is a shame because it’s lovely. And it tastes best in the context of the UNESCO Heritage listed vineyards. Local wine growers take the same approach as Switzerland’s watch-makers and choclatiers: the little details count.
Eat tasty chocolate
Photo: Lucien Moutarlier
The story of milk chocolate started just a couple of km from Montreux in Vevey, where Nestlé has its headquarters today. You will find good chocolate in the supermarkets, you will find incredible chocolate if you know where to look. Confiserie Poyet in Vevey is excellent, as is Lucien Moutarlierin Montreux. If you are curious to find out how chocolate is made, you can…
Visit a chocolate factory
If you enjoyed Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, this is for you. In fact, even if you haven’t read the book (or seen the movie), a trip to the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc is an excellent way to spend a day. During the visit, you will learn all about how chocolate is made.
Transportation is free for students at our Montreux school.
Pédalo on Lake Geneva
After the vineyards and chocolate factory, a little exercise won’t hurt! Pack something to drink and some sun lotion and head out onto the open waters on a pédalo. You can find your own place to swim in the lake, just watch out for the ferries that pass every 30 minutes or so! CHF28 per hour (split it between two for a romantic hour, between four for a party!)
Summer: free concerts at the Montreux Jazz Festival
Photo: Alex Hammond
For two weeks each summer, the Montreux Jazz Festival is the biggest show in town. Featuring huge names like Prince, along with greats from the world of jazz, blues and rock music, the festival makes the first weeks of July a great time to be in Montreux. Alongside the megastars, for which tickets can be expensive, there are loads of free concerts, both in the open air and in the venues. From live samba to cutting-edge electronic music, just check the programme and turn up!
Winter: Marché de Noël de Montreux
When you picture a European Christmas market, Montreux’s is probably what you have in mind: a cluster of huts and stalls under the snowy winter sky, the smell of cinnamon, warm cider and mulled wine filling the air as the Alps glitter in the distance. It’s lovely, and it’s free to browse. If you are lucky, some of the stalls selling local produce will give you samples to try.
A walk in the hills
From the centre of Montreux, point upwards and keep going. The higher you go, the better the view of the lake – in one direction you can see Dents du Midi, in the other Lausanne. A short distance out of town, there are loads of paths to enjoy, whatever your level of fitness.
Have you been to Montreux? Let us know your local tips in the comments.
Many thanks to Arnaud from our Montreux partner school and Rita Balesi for their help with this article.
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