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Montreux-Vevey Tourisme

Rue du Théâtre 5

1820 Montreux

T +41 (0)84 886 84 84

F +41 (0)21 962 84 86

info@montreuxriviera.com

http://www.montreuxriviera.com

Because of the exceptionally mild climate Montreux is called the capital of the Vaud Riviera. Plants

associated with the Mediterranean, such as pines, cypresses and palm trees grow here. Charlie

Chaplin, Freddie Mercury and several other famous people of world-renown lived and continue to live

on the Vaud Riviera.

The long, flower-bordered lake promenade which links Vevey and Montreux going all the way to

Chillon Castle is simply asking to be strolled along. Cultural events, such as the Montreux Jazz

Festival, as well as countless excursion options to the mountainous hinterland or on the lake make

Montreux the most popular excursion and holiday destination. Many of the houses along the lakeside

road, including the magnificent Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, date from the hayday of the Belle

Montreux

The town of Montreux nestles in a sheltered Lake Geneva bay,
surrounded by vineyards and against the breathtaking backdrop of
snow-covered Alps. The Montreux Jazz Festival, which takes place in
June/July and features concerts on a variety of stages and parks is
very famous.

200 m

1000 ft

General Info

Important holidays 2013 in Montreux

01. Jan 2013 Tu New Year s Day

29. Mär 2013 Fr Good Friday

31. Mär 2013 Su Easter

01. Apr 2013 Mo Easter Monday

09. May 2013 Th Ascension Day

19. May 2013 Su Whitsun

01. Aug 2013 Th Swiss National Holiday

16. Sep 2013 Mo Bettagsmontag

25. Dec 2013 We Christmas

Opening hours

Shops/shopping

Monday - Friday: 8 am / 8.45 am - 6.30 pm /

7 pm

Saturday: 8 am / 8.45 am - 6 pm

Late night shopping: Friday, 9 am - 8 pm

(Shopping centre)

Banks and currency exchange

Monday - Friday: 9 am - 12 noon / 2 pm - 5

Saturday: closed

Public authorities and offices

Monday - Friday: 8 am - 11.30 pm / 2 pm -

4.30 pm

Saturday: closed

Canton:

Vaud

Postcode/ZIP:

1816 - 1831

Altitude:

372 m

Population:

22,100

Language:

Französisch

Important phone numbers

Emergency calls:

117 Police

118 Fire

144 Ambulance

1414 Swiss heli rescue

General information:

1811 General information such as eg

doctors, theater, etc.

140 Breakdown Service

162 Weather Information

163 Road conditions

187 Avalanche Bulletin

Epoque. And the town has a modern congress and exhibition centre: the Montreux Music and

Convention Centre (2M2C).

Highlights

●

Rochers-de-Naye - the Rochers-de-Naye rack-railway, after overcoming a difference in altitude

of 1600 metres, reaches one of the most beautiful vantage points in western Switzerland.

●

Golden Pass Line - the panorama train operates between Montreux, Gstaad and the Bernese

Oberland with connections to Lucerne.

●

Lake Geneva Shipping Company - the ships, some of which are still powered by paddles, take

visitors to the picturesque lakeside resorts.

●

Chillon Castle - located on a rocky island near the shore featuring fortified walls and towers; the

prison in which Bonivard was held in chains for four years and which provided Lord Byron with

the inspiration for his famous poem "The prisoners of Chillon" in 1816 deserves particular

attention. Nowadays the castle is a museum.

Top Events

Montreux Jazz Festival - since its beginning in 1967 the festival has developed into a big event which

frequently features the greatest jazz, blues, rock, world music and soul musicians (June/July).

Comedy Festival - the humour festival every year brings together the most famous comedians from

the French-, German- and English-speaking areas (December).

Christmas Market - one of Switzerland's famous Christmas Markets with numerous attractions and

over one hundred decorated wooden houses brimming with gifts (December).

A perfect day in Montreux Riviera.

Is this the path to happiness? The lakefront promenade between chic
Montreux and charming Vevey is said to be the finest in Switzerland.
The terraced vineyards of Lavaux, meanwhile, have been declared a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. “This must be heaven,” sang an
enchanted Freddie Mercury – a view no doubt shared by many of the
stars who flock to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

00:00

Fairmont Le
Montreux Palace

In terms of atmosphere and style, this place is hard to beat. The

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is one of Switzerland’s most

famous palace hotels – a dream destination offering total

relaxation.

16:00

Lake Geneva’s
famous castle

The Château de Chillon, perched on a rock just off the shore of

Lake Geneva, is Switzerland’s most-visited historical attraction. It

has inspired countless artists and writers from JMW Turner and

Gustave Courbet to Victor Hugo and Lord Byron; visit the castle

today, and hundreds of years of history – from the 12th to the 16th

centuries – are as vivid as ever. The lake-and-mountain setting is

perhaps the finest in Switzerland.

18:00

In the golden light
of evening

For wine lovers, the Vinoteca at the restaurant La Rouvenaz on

the promenade is the place to meet to taste exquisite Italian

wines. Tuscan wine on your lips, Lake Geneva before your eyes

and the golden light of evening on your face: “La Terrasse” of the

Rouvenaz is a wonderful summer venue at which to await

Switzerland’s finest sunset.

19:30

A taste of the
East

A masterpiece of Middle Eastern architecture in the heart of

Montreux: the Palais Oriental, for decades a private residence,

has been lovingly renovated by Moroccan craftsmen. Today it is

home to a restaurant boasting filigree honeycomb carving,

colourful windows, ornate mosaics and exquisite marquetry, and

serving mouth-watering Lebanese-Moroccan cuisine. Undisputed

speciality of the house: the finest Iranian caviar.

Current events

MÄR

Easter at Chillon

11:00 Uhr

All visitors can let their imaginations soar on Easter Sunday by

decorating eggs to be hung on the tree in the Bernese Garden,

aiming at 2,013 eggs for the tree!

The workshop is free of charge and open to all visitors from 11:00

to 16:00, - 1 egg per person until stock runs out.

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

APR

Montreux Choral
Festival

The Montreux Choral Festival was created in 1964 under the

name International Choral Encounters. Each spring it welcomes

choirs of all styles from Switzerland and abroad, regardless of the

age or the number of performers. The only criterion applied by the

selection committee and the jury is quality! In 2013, the Festival

will feature a new concept based on conviviality and sharing.

1816 Chailly-Montreux

APR

Wood Workshop
"My little wooden
toy"

10:00 Uhr

During Easter and autumn holidays, Chillon castle is offering

educational workshops that give children between 9 and 12 years

old the chance to come into direct contact with our monuments

and its collections. These participative workshops are held in a

stimulating environment that encourages learning.

A branch and a knife !

This is a unique opportunity for children to safely discover how to use a knife properly. Whittling or

carving wood to make objects is an age-old skill accessible to anyone!

Sitting on a little block of wood in front of the fire crackiling in the fireplace, children will each have a

little knife and will learn how to work with this ancient tool to carve their own little wooden toy.

Workshop leader: Claude Veuillet, wood conservator and restorer

Two workshops each day 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

APR

Cooking
Workshop
"Cooking with
Medieval recipes"

10:00 Uhr

During Easter and autumn holidays, Chillon castle is offering

educational workshops that give children between 9 and 12 years

old the chance to come into direct contact with our monuments

and its collections. These participative workshops are held in a

stimulating environment that encourages learning.

Come and discover the flavours of the Middle Ages and prepare princely dishes that used to be

made for knights and princesses!

Banquets and menus made to Maître Chiquart’s recipes!

Workshop leader: Yvan Schneider, cooking professor in Vevey

Two workshops each day 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

APR

Architecture
contest

09:00 Uhr

The improvement of its visitor services facilities has been

targeted by the Chillon Castle Foundation within the framework of

its development strategy. This applies in particular to arrivals at

the castle by assuring quality installations.

This vision is also completely in line with the needs for the

conservation and continuous development of our heritage site, as it aims to relieve the impact on the

monument generated by tourist-linked activities.

In order to achieve this objective, the Foundation organised a SIA 142 architecture and landscape

architecture contest, on 16 October 2012. Open to all, the project includes further enhancement of

the site and its landscaping, as well as the construction of a service building outside the castle.

This new building will house a cafeteria and a new sales venue that will group the two existing shops,

along with the necessary services.

A highly qualified jury has been designated to select the winner and the other projects that will be

granted awards on April 18 2013.

In accordance with SIA 143 regulations, all projects submitted to the jury will be displayed to the

public as of 19 April. The exhibition will be on view in various rooms and halls in the castle, and will

allow visitors to see the contestants’ work and the future aspect of the areas around the castle itself.

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

MAY

Narcissus
Festival

During the Narcissus Festival, you have the opportunity to take

part in a series of guided tours among the fields of narcissus, in

Mont-Pélerin, the Pléiades and Les Paccots. For more

information: Montreux-Vevey Tourisme +41 (0) 962 84 74 or

info@mvtourism.ch

La Riviera, 1820 Montreux

MAY

14th Museum's
Night

17:00 Uhr

Let's party as in the Middle Ages!

Music and juggling that will turn your head!

Unusual performances and tours for the whole family, not to

mention the great raclette and ever-present cervelas sausages

grilled over the fire!

Entertainment and guided tours from 5 until 11pm

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

MAY

Mothers'Day
Brunch

10:30 Uhr

Mothers'Day Brunch and children workshop

TIMETABLE

Brunch 10:30 – 13:30

Workshop 13:00-à 15:00

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

MAY

Montreux Volley
Masters

The Montreux Volley Masters is a must-attend event, where the

worldâ??s best volleyball teams meet. Participation of the eight

best national selections of womenâ??s teams, with the presence

of China, Cuba, Brazil, the USA, Italy and Russia. The 28th edition

of the most prestigious international womenâ??s volleyball

tournament will be held at Salle Omnisports du Pierrier in

Clarens-Montreux.

1816 Chailly-Montreux

JUN

Open-air theatre
"The Taming of
the Shrew"

19:30 Uhr

Open-air theatre "The Taming of the Shrew" by William

Shakespeare

Producer Grantly Marshall and ADG Europe

Directed by Paul Stebbings

Performed in English only!

In the castle's third Courtyard, in all weathers.

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

JUN

ARS AMATA
ZÜRICH

19:00 Uhr

Ars Amata is devotion to Art, as well as the joy of playing and

sharing chamber music...

Elisabeth Weber-Erb and Cornelia Messerli- Ott violons

Rudolf Weber alto

Maja Weber cello

Fabio di Casola clarinette

Kenneth Henderson horn

PROGRAMME

G.Mahler Piano Quatuor

W.A.Mozart Clarinette Quintet KV 581

E.v.Dohnanyi Piano Sextet op. 37

The Ars Amata Zürich ensemle was created in 1974. The group plays chamber music in various

formations. Ars Amata often invites other musicians, enabling up to eight musicians to play together:

musicians who play strings, wind instruments and sometimes even a pianist, when the piece

performed so requires. The core of the ensemble consists of a family threesome; the founders and

one of their daughters.

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

JUN

GN Ultima Necat
Role-playing

18:30 Uhr

A new life-size role-playing game!

This third edition is full of surprises for the players. There will be

constant eventful action and some rooms in the castle that

exceptionally will be accessible to the participants.

For just one evening Chillon Castle will live in the XIII the century once again:

- Experience court intrigues among the nobility

- Transmit the word of the Church in the twilight years of the Crusades

- Make the people’s voice be heard

- Be a champion at a jousting tournament

Chillon Castel and the Coryphée Association invite you to bring the Middle Ages back to this

thousand-year old monument through a life-size role-playing game designed for novices, lovers and

passionate fans of these activities.

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

JUL

Montreux-
Rochers de Naye
Walk

Setting off from Montreux and heading towards the summit of

Rochers-de-Naye, located at an altitude of 1,981 metres, this

event always attracts large numbers of participants. A natural

promontory overlooking the Vaud Riviera, Rochers-de-Naye offers

one of the most wonderful panoramic views over Lake Geneva

and the surrounding Alps. Participants cover a distance of 18.8

km with 1,600 metres difference in altitude; this monumental effort is rewarded throughout the

course by the magnificent landscape. Various departure points are located in Montreux and Caux

depending on the category of event (runners, walkers and Nordic walkers). Supporters are of course

welcome to encourage competitors, either at departure points in Montreux and Caux, or at other

strategic points on the course. Finally, for those wishing to be present at the finishing line, they can

take advantage of very attractive fares and reach Rochers-de-Naye by jumping aboard the cogwheel

1816 Chailly-Montreux

AUG

National Day

10:30 Uhr

Celebrate our magnificent Swiss National Day as a family with a

succulent country-style buffet, then test your knowledge of our

country in the quizzes and games to be held at the castle.

So, for example, did you know that Switzerland will be 722 years

old? How about you, can you match that?!?

Brunch from 10:30 to 13:30

Outdoor games and activities from 13:00 to 17:30

Château de Chillon, Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux

SEP

Route Gourmande
(wine trail)

Take a stroll through the verdant vineyards around Montreux and

sample the excellent local wine and culinary specialities of the

region. Info : www.routegourmande.ch

Les vignobles de l'appellation Vevey-Montreux, 1816 Chailly-Montreux

Architecture

Chillon Castle -
Water Castle on
Lake Geneva

The rock island between Lake Geneva and the steep looming

mountains was inhabited even in prehistoric times. For hundreds

of years the passage of ships on Lake Geneva and the important

land route to the St. Bernhard Pass was controlled from this

island. Chillon belonged to the Counts of Savoy from the 12th to

the 16th century, then the inhabitants of Bern conquered the

water castle, and subsequently the inhabitants of Vaud prevailed.

It’s possible to rent the castle for various events. From the Castle, you can reach Montreux (by boat,

by bus or on foot), where you can admire ten mile of sheltered bays, bordered with flower-lined

promenades, exotic plants and palm trees.

More than 300,000 guests visit Chillon per year. They view the wall paintings from the 14th century,

the subterranean vaults, parade halls and the bedroom (which has been preserved in its original

form) dating to the time of Bernese rule. The entire complex consists of 25 buildings and three

courtyards, protected by two circular walls.

Bars

Casino Barrière
de Montreux

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Casino Barrière

welcomes its guests amid luxurious surroundings decorated with

a panoramic view of the lake and the Alps. With an area of 10,000

m2 reserved for entertainment, the Casino offers: three elegant

restaurants, two bars, terraces, 24 gaming tables and 377 slot

machines, shops, a superb swimming pool as well as a poker

room and jackpots.

Creative cuisine and fine service are on the menu at the casino’s 3 restaurants: Le Récital, with

panorama and fine dining, Le Saxo, French, Italian and Swiss cuisine with a jazzy decor and one of

the most beautiful terraces in the region; l’Entracte, with fast and varied cuisine.

Casino de Montreux · Rue du Théâtre 9 · 1820 Montreux · T +41 (0)21 962 83 83 · F +41 (0)21 962

83 90 · casinomontreux@lucienbarriere.com · www.casinodemontreux.ch

City Museums

Blonay-Chamby -
Oldest Museum
Railway

The museum railway of Blonay-Chamby is owned by a

cooperative that maintains the museum's own narrow gauge

railway line and exhibits over 60 historic vehicles ranging from the

steam tramway locomotive to the electric streetcar in two halls in

Chaulin. The museum is unique especially because the steam

locomotives, electric locomotives, electric railcars, tram

carriages, railway carriages, freight cars and company vehicles are maintained so that they are

operational at any time.

The museum train Blonay-Chamby uses the three kilometer long narrow gauge line between Blonay

and Chamby, which was built in 1902. The best-known structure on the line is the 78-meter-long and

45-meter-high viaduct over the ravine of "Baye de Clarens".

Musée vivant du Chemin de Fer Blonay-Chamby · Case postale 366 · 1001 Lausanne · T +41 (0)21

943 21 21 · F +41 (0)21 943 22 21 · info@blonay-chamby.ch · www.blonay-chamby.ch

Swiss Camera
Museum Vevey

Swiss Camera Museum on the market square in Vevey was

opened in 1979 and extended in 2001.

A wide range of equipment may be viewed here, everything from

the camera obscura and the magic lantern to digital cameras.

There are also photographs on display, especially prints from the

early days of photography. Also provided are details of the history of some of the inventors who

contributed to the development of photography.

In addition to the permanent collection, there are temporary exhibitions on display all year round. To

ensure that all visitors get their money’s worth, there are also games, texts and special installations

for our younger guests.

Musée Suisse de l'Appareil Photographique · Grande Place · 1800 Vevey · T +41 (0)21 925 34 80 ·

F +41 (0)21 921 64 58 · cameramuseum@vevey.ch · www.cameramuseum.ch /

www.cameramuseum.ch

City Tours

Old City of Vevey

The pedestrian zone of the old city, the lakeside, and the market

(Tuesday and Saturday mornings) in the Grande Place (the heart

of the old city), are well worth a browse.

From the Place de la Gare, walk towards the lake to the Grande

Place and the Vevey landing stage. Each Tuesday and Saturday

morning in summer, the square belongs to the famous Vevey market, with its colourful, perfumed

stands offering flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, fish and old objects. On Saturdays in

July and August, these markets give way to folklore markets: thanks to a glass of wine - you pay for

your first glass only - everyone can sample the various regional wine appellations in the company of

their vintners! The atmosphere is assured with fanfares, alphorns and winegrowers in their traditional

costumes!

Via the Rue du Lac (on the east side of the Grande Place, after the Swiss Camera Museum), you

come to the picturesque part of Vevey, intimate and pedestrians only.

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme · Grande Place 29 · 1800 Vevey · T +41 (0)84 886 84 84 · F +41 (0)21

962 84 86 · info@montreuxriviera.com · www.montreuxriviera.com

Excursions

Lavaux, Vineyard
Terraces

St-Saphorin, Dézaley, Epesses - names which roll easily off the

tongue of fans of fine wine. And the views from the Lavaux

vineyards, set high above Lake Geneva, provide the perfect

backdrop for winelovers. The natural, cultural and culinary

highlights of this area are definitely well worth a visit.

The blue-yellow "Train des Vignes" is a very convenient way to travel. In just twelve minutes it winds

its way from Vevey through the lush green vineyards up to Puidoux-Chexbres. Here you can sample

the local produce, as tasting is available at almost every cellar.

Now, to really get a taste you need to visit one of the charming pintes. These mini-restaurants are as

typical of the Lavaux as are the original winegrowers' villages and the picturesque shores of Lake

Geneva at the foot of its vineyards. All in all, Unesco deserves an award - as a world heritage.

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme · Rue du Théâtre 5 · 1820 Montreux · T +41 (0)84 886 84 84 · F +41 (0)

21 962 84 86 · info@montreuxriviera.com · www.montreuxriviera.com / www.lavaux.ch

Daffodils in bloom

The wild, flowering daffodils in April and May transform the region

above Montreux and Vevey into gleaming white and fragrant

landscapes. Ernest Hemingway himself described this

phenomenon.

Immediately after the snow melts, the daffodils sprout their leaves

(narcissus radiiflorus) from the ground and use the energy stored in their bulbs for the early

flowering.

There is a wonderful signposted educational trail about daffodils that starts in the village of Les

Avants. There are other marked trails that start at the railway stations of Les Pléiades, Glion, Caux

and Mont-Pèlerin. They all take you through beautiful meadows and spectacular scenery.

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme · Rue du Théâtre 5 · 1820 Montreux · T +41 (0)84 886 84 84 · F +41 (0)

21 962 84 78 · info@montreuxriviera.com · www.montreuxriviera.com

Restaurants

Le Pont de Brent

Under the direction of chef Stéphane Décotterd and with 2

Michelin stars and 18 Gault Millau points, the restaurant Le Pont

de Brent occupies a top position in Swiss gastronomy.

Restaurant Le Pont de Brent · Route de Blonay 4 · 1817 Brent · T +41 (0)21 964 52 30 · F +41 (0)21

964 55 30 · sdecotterd@bluewin.ch · www.lepontdebrent.com

Restaurant Denis
Martin

Denis Martin, in the vanguard of molecular cuisine in Switzerland,

will serve you original dishes that will even surprise the most

discriminating of palates. His cuisine has been awarded 2

Michelin stars and 18 GaultMillau points.

Restaurant Denis Martin

Rue du Château 2

1800 Vevey

+41 (0)21 921 12 10 · www.denismartin.ch

Restaurant Le
Montagne

David Tarnowski and his team offer a monthly changing menu of

seasonal specialities. Le Montagne was voted the Gault Millau

"Discovery of the Year 2009" and was awarded 16 points (and 1

Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Montagne · Rue du Village 21 · 1803 Chardonne · T +41 (0)21 921 29 30 · le-

montagne@bluewin.ch · www.le-montagne.com

Sculptures

Charlie Chaplin

When Charlie Chaplin (London, 1889 - Vevey 1977) presented his

film "Limelight" while on a European tour, he was denied reentry

to the USA - because of McCarthyism.

He decided to settle in Vevey, along with his wife and children,

four of whom were born in Switzerland. The family stayed in the

Manoir du Ban in Corsier, a mansion in the neoclassical style of 1840, and which is set in a vast 14

hectare park with century-old trees. His children attended the public school. At the peak of his fame,

Charlie Chaplin starred in "A King in New York" (1957) and "A Countess from Hong Kong" (1967),

which he also directed.

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme · Grande Place 29 · 1800 Vevey · T +41 (0)84 886 84 84 · F +41 (0)21

962 84 86 · info@montreuxriviera.com · www.montreuxriviera.com

Freddie Mercury

The son of a British official of Indian origin, Freddie Mercury

(1946-1991) was born on the island of Zanzibar and moved to

London where he began his fruitful collaboration with Queen in

1970.

At the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1978, the singer recorded the

album "Jazz" with Queen. He fell in love with Montreux and Lake Geneva and decided to settle here.

He said, among other things, "If you want peace of soul, come to Montreux".

To commemorate his time in Montreux, a bronze statue of Freddie Mercury was placed by the

waterfront in 1966. And what of today? Well, his fans still come and place flowers by his monument

every day.

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme · Rue du Théâtre 5 · 1820 Montreux · T +41 (0)84 886 84 84 · F +41 (0)

21 962 84 86 · info@montreuxriviera.com · www.montreuxriviera.com