Montreux or Lausannes - Where to Stay?
 

Have decided to visit this part of Switzerland that I've never seen. It's a rather last minute short (3 days) trip that we've tacked onto the end of a business trip. My husband and I (28 and 31) are trying to decide which of these towns would be better to stay in while visiting the region. We want to have nice views and relax but still have enough to do (if that makes sense). We'd enjoy seeing a few top sights, wandering the towns, and visting vineyards. This will be mid November. (I realize it will be cold and rainy.) Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I would stay in Vevey, it is inbetween those two towns. Lausanne is much bigger, and Montreux more expensive. To me, of the 3, as a visitor I find Vevey the "most Swiss" in feeling.

You can easily take a train or bus over to Montreux to look around and go to Chateau de Chillon (which I very much recommend).

Also Vevey has the best set up, in my opinion, for wandering around. The streets and pedestrian avenues that are set around a central square and right off the lake.

Montreux has a main street running right thru it. And the Old Town, but that is separated and up a hill.

Lausanne is big enough it is trickier to figure out how to get around, from the train station down to the lake, etc.

In either Vevey or Montreux the train station is very central to where you most likely want to be.

Here's another vote for Vevey - there's a boat stop there too for seeing the lake, and a wonderful market on saturday mornings which I bet you will love. 3 unanimous opinions on this board must be a record!

Sorry Ann, but the first two were both mine -LOL!

I have visited Vevey/Montreux 5 times as I have several friends living there.

Hi jamsler,

Hmm, I haven't ever stayed in Lausanne, which is too big for me to enjoy. So between these two, I'd recommend Montreux.

Montreux's attractions are its 11-km flowered lakeside promenade (lined with cafes and peopled with an interesting array of travelers), its overlooked old town, and of course Chillon castle (www.chillon.ch).

But as others have mentioned Vevey, I'll add my impressions. Vevey's attractions are its lakeside old town filled with antiques stores and its residential feel. Vevey is closer to the vineyards of the Lavaux (start at Chexbres) though Montreux is only about 15 minutes away.

Hope this helps!

s

www.montreux.ch
www.vevey.ch

Sorry, suze, not paying attention!

no problem, just didn't want to appear stuffing the ballot box

^ topping for jamsler

Thanks for all the info! Much appreciated...