Ronda

Since Montreux has been so highly recommended as a desirable destination in Switzerland, I have been researching the area. I found that there is a world class jazz festival for 15 days during the first part of July which is when we will be in Switzerland. Should I steer clear of the area and pick another destination? Will it be over crowded?

Margarita

I, too, am interested in this topic. I am a blues mama and would love to tie in a trip to a European destination centered around a music festival. Went to Bishopstock in the UK, Blues Estafette in Netherlands, North Sea Jazz FEstival and added extra days to tour around. All great trips. Any information about others appreciated.<BR>Yours in the blues, Margarita

Santa Chiara

Margarita, have you heard of the Porretta Soul Festival? It's July 5-7 this year. Here's a web site, but it's not very helpful. http://www.porrettasoul.com/ita/

s

Ronda,<BR><BR>That's just a tough question to answer. I think, yes, it's crowded. But the opportunity to hear world-class jazz should provide equal pull to get you there? You can also stay outside of Montreux where I'm sure it'll stay pretty quiet. Some spots to investigate are Rivaz, Morges, Nyon, Lutry, Cully, Chexbres, or Villeneuve.<BR><BR><BR>Margarita,<BR><BR>The Montreux Jazz Fest (www.montreuxjazz.com) won't post the program until April. But you can take a look at past programs to see the kind of talent it attracts. For more info on other festivals, you can go to www.euro-festival.net.<BR><BR>s

Margarita

Thanks for the helpful information.<BR>Margarita

Ronda

Thanks for the website, s. We will be traveling by train so will have to look at your suggestions to see which one is the most accessible.

s

Ronda & Margarita,<BR><BR>Here are some better websites for you, if you're still there!<BR><BR>Lake Geneva Region map to help Ronda visualize the area and the towns I've mentioned. Just click on the towns to get linked to the website of each. Note, though, that the towns of Chexbres, Rivaz, & Lutry don't appear here, they are clustered around and east of Lausanne. But those websites are www.chexbres.ch, www.rivaz.ch, www.lutry.ch.<BR><BR>http://www.lake-geneva-region.ch/gb/index_f.html<BR><BR><BR>Margarita:<BR>I guess the Euro-Festival site doesn't list jazz as I though it did. Here is one that lists other European Jazz Festivals:<BR>http://www.stockholmjazz.com/english/other_festivals/<BR><BR>s

Ronda

Thanks for the info. The Geneva Region site is very good, however, a couple of the sites listed didn't work today, anyway (www.chexbres.ch, www.rivaz.ch).

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Shannon

Ronda,<BR>You will LOVE it! It is pleasantly crowded, and the atmosphere wonderful. If you go to ciaotravel.com they have a listing of the dates and who's playing this summer. If I remember correctly, it includes Herbie Hancock (as usual), B.B. King, David Bowie, Sting, and so on. The weather is generally balmy and warm, you spend the days walking along the waterfront, jumping into the water, listening to music on the grassy areas, eating food from the food stands, and taking a boat ride along Lac Leman from Montreux to Lausanne. We did this trip through Ciao in '94, and even though I am not a Jazz fan, I wouldn't hesitate to go back -- I saw Bob Dylan, and that in itself was a treat. The concert halls are great. The hotel they booked us in was huge, and had a great buffet breakfast. In '98, we did the same thing in Juan Les Pins (south of France) and saw B.B. King. Wow!<BR>Shannon

Linda

According to its website, the Montreux Jazz Festival's schedule, tickets and passes will be available on April 25. Mark your calendar if you are still interested.