When to Go

The lake sparkles and clouds lift from Mont Blanc from spring to fall; November tends to be drizzly gray, and then winter brightens things up above the plain (as they call the flatter terrain surrounding the lake).

Crowds monopolize Montreux and Chillon year-round, but overwhelm them in July (jazz festival time) and August (Europe-wide vacations). However, it's worth aiming for the concert and dance season in Lausanne: from September through May.

Remember that at these latitudes, summer daylight extends until 9 pm, allowing you to pack a lot into one day; the reverse is true in winter.