Explore Montreux: A Gateway to Culture, Nature, and Freddie Mercury
Montreux, a charming Swiss city on Lake Geneva, is renowned for its legendary July jazz festival. But this event is just the beginning of what this stunning destination has to offer. Beyond the festival, the Montreux Riviera and the towering Prealps invite further exploration.
The city is known for its Mediterranean-style landscaping along the beautiful lakeside promenade, making it a walkable and welcoming destination. Start your journey at the Marché Couvert de Montreux, a late-19th-century market funded by Henri Nestlé. Built in a Beaux-Arts style with an Eiffel-like iron structure, it hosts markets, concerts, and local events. On quieter days, you might find locals practicing yoga under its roof.
A must-see is the Freddie Mercury statue, located near the market. This bronze statue immortalizes the legendary rock star in one of his iconic poses, with one arm raised and a microphone stand in the other. It’s the perfect spot for a selfie and a tribute to Montreux’s rock history.
Book your vacation in Montreux today and explore the perfect blend of culture, nature, and music.
Chillon Castle and the Queen Experience in Montreux
Built directly over Lake Geneva, medieval Chillon Castle guarded access through the Alps. Its unique oval shape fits the rocky islet it stands on. The castle’s name comes from an old Waldensian word meaning “rock.”
If you didn’t know about Queen’s deep ties to Montreux, the small exhibition at the Montreux Casino might surprise you. Queen the Studio Experience occupies the former Mountain Studios, where the band recorded six albums. Among displays of flamboyant costumes, you can try out your skills on a full mixing board.
For a deeper dive, the Freddie Tour offers walking routes with live guides and audio/visual elements featuring Queen’s songs and clips.
Near the casino, the Tour d’Ivoire stands out—a 25-story residential building with sleek 1960s Modernist design and wing-like balconies. This tower is a striking landmark in the low-rise town.
Just under two miles down the lake in the Vaud canton, you move from modern rock back to medieval times at Chillon Castle, a fortress built on a rocky protrusion in the lake. Its stone walls tell stories from centuries past, guarding the gateway through the Alps
The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is one of the Belle Époque hotels overlooking Lake Geneva in Montreux.
Chillon Castle, with its three courtyards and maze of tunnels, was designed to confuse invaders. For centuries, it served as a toll point for the House of Savoy. In the mid-16th century, the Bernese army took control.
The castle features grand banquet halls, a vast prison, and a soaring watchtower offering stunning views of the lake and mountains. It’s recommended to use the audioguide to explore this massive fortress and its rich history. The castle is too large to fully appreciate without the narrative tracks that provide insightful commentary.
Chillon’s legacy in popular culture includes Lord Byron’s poem The Prisoner of Chillon and a painting by Delacroix. The castle also appears on the cover of Bill Evans’ live album from the 1968 Montreux Jazz Festival.
After exploring the castle, take a break at Café Byron outside the gates. You can also visit Fort Chillon, a WWII-era defensive bunker converted into a museum.
In Montreux, several Belle Époque hotels line the waterfront. The Grand Hôtel Suisse Majestic has a Wes Anderson-ish charm, while the Eden Palace au Lac, near the casino, offers tales of high society.
For dining, La Terrasse du Petit Palais offers lakeside meals at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. Its Montreux Jazz Café serves fine dining, despite its casual name. The lively Funky Claude’s Bar honors Claude Nobs, the founder of the jazz festival.
The Rochers de Naye cogwheel railway quickly ascends from Montreux on Lake Geneva to the Prealps.
Switzerland’s public transportation system is excellent, making it easy to travel around, especially with the Swiss Travel Pass. For those wanting to go higher, the cogwheel railway is a fun ride up to the 6,700-foot Rochers-de-Naye peak. It’s not a funicular, as often assumed.
At 3,800 feet, stop at Le CouCou in Caux hamlet. This Alpine chalet restaurant is cozy with wooden floors, fireplaces, and booth seating. Guests enjoy regional dishes and wines from the Lavaux terraces by the lake. The menu includes classic Swiss comfort food like lamb shanks, rösti with Gruyère, and fondue with Champagne and truffles. They also run the Tralala Hotel in Montreux, themed around the musical artists who’ve made the city famous.
Just a minute away from Le CouCou, the home of the late Claude Nob occasionally opens for events. Inside, you’ll find memorabilia from rock and jazz stars, including outfits, guitars, pianos, and artwork by Ronnie Woods. There are also jukeboxes, pinball machines, and model trains lining the walls – a true adult playroom.
The Montreux Jazz Festival, held from July 4-19, is known for more than just jazz. Major rock acts have been part of the festival since its early days. This year, Chaka Khan will perform a tribute to the late Quincy Jones.
