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2 nights in the Montreux-Vevey-Lavaux area

2 nights in the Montreux-Vevey-Lavaux area

Old Mar 27th, 2017, 06:47 AM
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2 nights in the Montreux-Vevey-Lavaux area

We are traveling to Switzerland the last week of April. Seeking some advice for a portion of our trip including taking a train from Bern to Montreux, spending 2 nights, and returning by train to Zurich.

So far our planned activities are Castle Chillon, walking in the Lavaux, and if time, walking old Vevey.

Where is the best base for our 2 nights?
Do we need to purchase train tickets ahead of time?

Thanks in advance for your help.
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 07:15 AM
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Hi dtravelogue,

I travel often to Montreux and usually stay for 1 or 2 weeks.

Either Montreux or Vevey would make a good base for your two nights; Montreux is better for Chillon and for taking a ride to/from the interior via Gruyeres and Gstaad, and Vevey is better for its own streets and for the Lavaux.

Montreux is more of a resort, and you can see all kinds of life parading down the flowered lakeside promenade: matrons in Chanel walking with their punked-out nephews, French starlets and Hollywood producers, Australian backpackers, Asian students, German families, American roller-bladers, etc.

Vevey is more of a residential place, and old money is evident in its streets and buildings.

Your hosts will give you a Riviera Card, making all the busses and trains between Montreux & Vevey free, so you'll be able to jump back and forth at will. But no, any other trains you take will not offer any advantages for booking in advance.

Have fun as you plan!

s
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 08:20 AM
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We stayed in the Lavaux vineyards last June at Auberge de la Gare, right next to Grandvaux station. It's primarily a restaurant, but has five rooms. Really like the restaurant and the rooms. You can hop on the train and get anywhere on the lake easily.

http://www.aubergegrandvaux.ch/?lang=en
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 04:57 PM
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I agree with swandav that either Montreux or Vevey could work, although I'm a bit surprised by the description that Montreux is "more of a resort," which makes it sound upscale to me. I found Montreux a heavily touristed cluster of hotels and restaurants catering to almost every budget. But swandav has captured the essence of it's waterfront, as I experienced it, quite aptly. (Good job, swandav! ) I'd have phrased the difference in terms of tourism -- heavy in Montreux, less so in charming Vevey. But swandav has MUCH more experience in the area than I....
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 09:05 PM
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Hi again,

No, I erred if I implied that Montreux is upscale or in any way self-contained, as in the 21st Century American use of the term "resort."

I guess I'm thinking in terms of a 19th Century European resort (when Montreux actually developed as a holiday destination) -- an area of hotels & restaurants where people gather to relax, vs. a residential area where people work and live and go to the dry cleaners and shop for groceries. So, my meaning is much like you, kja, defined "touristed cluster": hotels & restaurants, plus shops. With the aim for relaxation and vacationing.

Maybe I ought to have said that Montreux is like an Olde Worlde resort ...

s
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 09:07 PM
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Resort is not synonymous with upscale at all
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 09:17 PM
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@ swandav: Thanks for the clarification! I must admit that "Olde Worlde resort" would have made me even more confused, making me think even more of an exclusive destination for the wealthy, but that's just a sign of my limited knowledge. Always nice to learn a bit!
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 10:45 PM
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Thanks everyone for your helpful descriptions and suggestions.

Leaning towards Vevey or Grandvaux (Auberge de la Gare looks lovely!) as our base, and happy to hear we won't need to pre-book train travel. Flexibility ��
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Old Mar 28th, 2017, 05:35 AM
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I am a bit surprised that nobody suggested taking the train trip up to Rochers de Naye but there's certainly nothing wrong with walking in the vineyards, either.
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Old Mar 28th, 2017, 06:47 AM
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If you do go with Auberge de la Gare, be sure to book your dinner reservations, too. The restaurant is very popular.
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Old Mar 28th, 2017, 12:36 PM
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I'd like to pitch in with Dukey - the mountain-goat of a train that goes up to the wildflower paradise of Les Rochers de Naye, with unbeatable views across the lake onto the Swiss and French Alps (Mont Blanc etc) is not to be missed if the sky is at all clear.

I even recommend considering staying above Montreux on that very same train line, in either Glion or - a bit higher up - Caux.
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Old Mar 28th, 2017, 08:38 PM
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Hi again,

I'd like to address the excursion to the Rochers-de-Naye, and (with respect) unlike Dukey & michelhuebeli, I don't think that's a wonderful use of time, particularly since you're coming from Bern.

While in Bern, will you be ascending the big mountains in the Jungfrau region? I'm assuming that you will.

If that's so, then a trip up to the R-d-N won't be all that spectacular or unique. Since you only have one full day in the region, I wouldn't spend half of it going up a mountain -- when you will have already gone up much higher and more dramatic mountains.

Instead, I would spend that day doing the things that are unique to the area. I would soak up the French cultural influence by walking the lakeside and visitng a few cafes, or walking the vineyard trails in the Lavaux, or certainly getting lost in the tangled streets with Haussmann-like buildings of Vevey's old town.

If you had two full days in the area, then I would agree that spending half a day at R-d-N might be a nice option, but I just don't think you have the time for it.

Anyway -- let us know how your plans are coming!

michelhuebeli -- I've stayed in Glion myself a few times, and that can be a nice place to stay. Dinner on the hotel balcony with views over to France is very pretty!

Have fun!

s
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Old Mar 28th, 2017, 08:51 PM
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Maybe I missed something -- but I don't see any information about the OP's plans beyond this particular post. So, while I can say that I enjoyed all of the activities under consideration, I don't see a way to understand how those activities fit within the broader context of the OP's other destinations or interests.

I can say that while I enjoyed stopping for an hour or so in Glion -- and am glad that I did! -- I would not have wanted to make it my base for the area. JMO.

SOoooo many options!
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Old Mar 28th, 2017, 09:55 PM
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kja, the op says they will take a train from Bern to Montreux, then return to Zurich afterwards. I extrapolated from that that they would be spending a day or two in/around Bern.

Also, the times I spent in Glion, I was in Montreux for at least a week, so I had the time. For a stay of only 2 nights, I don't think it makes much sense.

s
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Old Mar 28th, 2017, 10:03 PM
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@ swandav: I was not questioning you! Just offering a comment. I'm glad you agree about Glion (and remain grateful that you brought it to my attention).
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Old Mar 28th, 2017, 11:34 PM
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Thank you! Prior to catching the train to Montreux we will be spending the day exploring Stockhorn, so initially thought to try the vineyard or Old Vevey walks (vs mountains). But, if we are in time for an alpine wildflower show (and clear skies) we will certainly investigate Rochers de Naye.

Our current itinerary:
Day 1: Land Zurich
Day 2: Day trip Konstanz
Day 3: Bern/Thun
Day 4: Stockhorn
Day 5: Montreux/Vevey
Day 6: Return to Zurich
Day 7: Depart

(Aside: days 1-4 we are traveling with another couple and will have a car.)
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Old Mar 28th, 2017, 11:46 PM
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kja, I wasn't being defensive, just explaining my reasoning --

s
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Old Mar 29th, 2017, 11:28 AM
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I prefer Vevey over Montreux as the town to actually stay in. It seems more "Swiss" to me. Montreux has a somewhat more "international" vibe. Although they are both beautiful and right on the lake with mountains in the background so spectacular settings.

If you happen to be in Montreux on a Friday or Vevey on a Tuesday or Saturday, definitely go to the street Farmers Market that happens on those days in the morning. It's the real deal where locals shop not a tourist event.

I *love* Chateau de Chillon and I thought the Rochers de Naye tram was fun, especially on a clear day. The lakeside promonade (quai) is lovely and a must-do.
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Old Mar 29th, 2017, 04:06 PM
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If there is any chance that you will have jet lag, I would strongly encourage you to take public transportation for your first night or two. Although many people are not aware of it, there is mounting evidence that driving with jet lag is just as dangerous -- to yourself and others -- as driving drunk, and nothing you can do will prevent the microsleeps (which you might not even notice) that are the apparent culprit. Seriously -- NOT a good idea, no matter your other constraints and no matter your prior experience! Public transportation in Switzerland is excellent, so there's no reason you can't use it until it is safe for you to drive. And as a bonus: the driver will get to enjoy the scenery, too.
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Old Apr 26th, 2017, 07:09 PM
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Hi all, we've had to omit Stockhorn (weather) and are contemplating a half day at Rochers de Naye for our one mountain experience. I've started some preliminary research but given the last minute changes just wondering if anyone is familiar with the current conditions/status of the trails.

We'll most likely take the train from Montreux through Glion and Caux. Is the R-d-N observation platform open this time of year? Similarly, how about walking trails?

We may make a whole day of it especially if the weather is clear, but if done as a half day (other half being either Vevey or Chillon) is it better to go early vs in the afternoon to miss the crowds (if any)? Is lunch at the top worth trying or overpriced/better to eat elsewhere?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
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