Almost seven kilometres of lakeside promenade, cultural sites in the Old Town and nearby mountain destinations showcase the different sides of Montreux. When choosing where to stay, you can first consider whether you mainly want to stroll along Lake Geneva, explore cultural history and contemporary art, or plan an excursion to higher ground. Montreux is in the canton of Vaud and the Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut district.
Lakeside promenade and nature trails
The quays of Montreux stretch for almost seven kilometres along Lake Geneva, forming a promenade lined with palm trees and plant sculptures. The Gorges du Chauderon offer a different landscape: this wild natural setting is just a few steps from the Old Town. If you are looking for a signposted route through nature, consider the Sentier des Narcisses. The trail leads through meadows and forests and offers viewpoints over Lake Geneva and the Alps. The lakeside promenade and hiking trail therefore differ not only in their landscapes but also in character: one features a long stretch along the lake, while the other alternates between meadows and woodland.
Culture between regional history and the present day
In the Old Town, the Musée de Montreux has been housed in historic buildings since 1920. Its collections cover, among other things, daily life, occupations, crafts and tourism, as well as people who have shaped the region. One exhibition is devoted to the history of Montreux and its region, from prehistoric times to the present day. This lets you explore the town’s development alongside different aspects of everyday and working life.
The Centre Culturel Maison Visinand in the Old Town focuses on something different: contemporary art. It holds several exhibitions each season, as well as cultural activities for all age groups. The building was built in 1592 and designated a historic monument. Together, the two cultural venues span the region’s history through to contemporary art; at the Maison Visinand, the changing seasonal programme is part of what the venue offers.
A Queen experience and Freddie Mercury by the lake
Another musical attraction is The Queen: The Studio Experience, a museum exhibition dedicated to the band Queen. The exhibition includes personal belongings, stage costumes, handwritten letters, contemporary photographs and instruments belonging to Queen and Freddie Mercury. Individual displays may change. The faithfully reconstructed control room offers a particularly interactive experience: you can enter it and mix four Queen hits on a replica Neve console.
A three-metre-high bronze statue of Freddie Mercury stands on Place du Marché by the lakeside promenade. It is freely accessible year-round; temporary restrictions are possible. The lakeside promenade by the statue is traffic-free and has no barriers. Here by the water, a striking work of art is paired with a stretch whose design differs from the nature trails and cultural venues of the Old Town.
Rochers-de-Naye and nearby mountain destinations
Rochers-de-Naye adds views of the Alps and Lake Geneva to a visit to the city, along with activities that vary by season: hiking in summer and winter sports in winter. A cog railway connects Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye in about 55 minutes. Check the timetable before setting out so you can take the approximate journey time into account when planning your day.
The Alpine garden La Rambertia is also located near Rochers-de-Naye, in the area around Montreux. Its collection includes more than 1,000 alpine plants, and the garden is accompanied by numerous hiking trails. This part of a visit offers a different focus from the lakeside promenade or the Old Town: mountain views, alpine plants and trails complement the city’s cultural and lakeside experiences. Rochers-de-Naye also offers different activities depending on the season: hiking is mentioned for summer and winter sports for winter.
The lakeside promenade, Freddie Mercury statue and cultural venues are attractions within the city; Rochers-de-Naye and La Rambertia add destinations in the surrounding area. If you are planning a trip up the mountain, allow for the approximate journey time and check the timetable.
Discover more destinations: Glion, Chernex, L'etivaz, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Château-D'oex, Chamby, La Tour-De-Peilz, La Lécherette.
For the broader travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.
