what are you favorite things to do around Montreux?
Jul 22nd, 2005, 08:37 AM
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what are you favorite things to do around Montreux?
Hello. I will have only 3 days in Montreux. Can someone please suggest places to visit. I definitely want to go to Gruyere. Does it make sense to do Chocolate Train and visit Bloc as well? Vevey seems to be a popular choice too. But I'm open to suggestions. FYI on the same trip I'm spending 6 nights in Wengen and 2 nights in Spiez so I'm looking for different sceneries. Thank you so much 
Jul 22nd, 2005, 08:54 AM
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I love to take the boats on Lake Geneva - from Mongreux i'd go across the lake to Evian-les-Bains in France, a kind of spa town, famous for its Evian mineral water, and its casino. Nice lake front, nice views of Mt Blanc from the lake. Boats go fairly often in season (Easter-Oct) - night boats may have bands on them. Otherwise you can take one of Switzerland's legendarily scenic trains from Montreux - the Golden Pass route that from Montreux climbs steeply thru vineyards with intoxicating views of Lake Geneva below. Regular trains go every hour - i got off once near the top and walked back down to Montreux thru the vineyards. Of course the Chillon Castle, associated with Byron's poem about the infamous 'Prisoner of Chillon' Literary associations aside the castle, built sticking out into the lake is dreamy. If a walker, take lakeside paths a few miles from Montreux there - or bus or train. Vevey, Montreux' sister city a few miles away is very nice as well. Lausanne is also just a few miles away and a vibrant city with lots of sights. You could take boats all the way to Geneva and return by train.
Jul 22nd, 2005, 10:26 AM
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Hi theway02,
Here's my standard list of activities around Montreux, a place I visit frequently:
Spend a morning walking along the 11km flowered lakeside promenade from Clarens to Villeneuve, passing the Chateau Chillon between Territet and Villeneuve; there are plenty of cafes to stop and have a coffee & snack along the way to replenish your strength. There are also plenty of benches to sit and read, watch other walkers, or simply stare at the majesty of the lake and the mountains in the distance.
If you make it all the way to Villeneueve, top off your long walk with a wonderful pizza & beer lunch at a lakeside café in Villeneuve, then take the ferry back to Montreux (I think the ferry stops in late Sep/Oct).
Spend a morning walking up to Montreux's old city and the old church for fantastic panoramic views from the church’s terrace. Have lunch at the Hotel/Restaurant du Pont at 12 rue du Pont (I had a ravioli in cream sauce with shaved truffles that was out of this world!). Montreux’s website is at www.montreux.ch
Spend the morning in Vevey hunting down the antiques shops in the old town. Then have lunch at the Hostellerie de Geneve on the Pl. Marche. Vevey’s website is at www.vevey.ch
Be sure to walk from Vevey to the town of La-Tour-de-Peilz, just a few blocks. Walk along the lake past stately trees and park benches until you come to an old fort, a small park, and the port. You'll see lots of folks out playing in good weather.
Take the train (the “wine train”) from Vevey to Chexbres, then spend a morning walking the vineyards down to the lake, hitting Rivaz & St. Saphorin. For lunch, find the Auberge du Rivaz (in Rivaz . . . ) with a terrace lake view or see if any of the cellars are having a cheese/wine tasting. Website: http://www.lavaux.com/navigation.asp?page=balades.asp
The lakeside village of Cully, just east of Lausanne, is a picturesque stop and has two recommended restaurants, the Auberge du Raisin and the Au Major Davel.
The lakeside village of Lutry, just two miles east of Lausanne, has a well-posted tour of medieval buildings as well as some good wine caves for tasting. Website: www. lutry.ch
Spend a day in the mountains, taking the train to the resort of Gstaad. On the way back, stop at Chateau d'Oex for lunch.
Take the funicular from Territet up to Glion and have lunch at the Hotel Victoria, enjoying its panoramic views of the lake.
Spend an afternoon in the medieval village of Gruyeres, making sure to sample the berries in creme-double. Website: www.gruyeres.ch
Spend an afternoon in Nyon at the Roman museum and the Caesar's columns nearby. The Fodors guide recommends a meal at the Auberge du Chateau just steps from the Roman museum. It was closed when I was there, but it looked charming. Website: www.nyon.ch
Go to the small, charming village of Celigny. Not much to see here but a picturesque place (it was actor Richard Burton’s home during the last years of his life). Have lunch at the Auberge du Soleil -- great prix fixe feast!
Spend the morning in the town of Morges, just west of Lausanne. Morges has a cobbled main street that is lined with shops and patisseries; it has a flowered lakeside promenade that signs say runs all the way to Lausanne; and it has a large, green park next to the lake that is filled with stately trees. Here's the Morges tourism website: www.morges.ch/view.asp?DomId=51
The website for the tourist office of the region is: www.lake-geneva-region.ch
My personal travel journal (w/photos) of Montreux: http://www.igougo.com/planning/journ...JournalID=7825
Montreux photos: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/swanda.../ph//my_photos
Let me know if you'd like more information on any of these.
s
Here's my standard list of activities around Montreux, a place I visit frequently:
Spend a morning walking along the 11km flowered lakeside promenade from Clarens to Villeneuve, passing the Chateau Chillon between Territet and Villeneuve; there are plenty of cafes to stop and have a coffee & snack along the way to replenish your strength. There are also plenty of benches to sit and read, watch other walkers, or simply stare at the majesty of the lake and the mountains in the distance.
If you make it all the way to Villeneueve, top off your long walk with a wonderful pizza & beer lunch at a lakeside café in Villeneuve, then take the ferry back to Montreux (I think the ferry stops in late Sep/Oct).
Spend a morning walking up to Montreux's old city and the old church for fantastic panoramic views from the church’s terrace. Have lunch at the Hotel/Restaurant du Pont at 12 rue du Pont (I had a ravioli in cream sauce with shaved truffles that was out of this world!). Montreux’s website is at www.montreux.ch
Spend the morning in Vevey hunting down the antiques shops in the old town. Then have lunch at the Hostellerie de Geneve on the Pl. Marche. Vevey’s website is at www.vevey.ch
Be sure to walk from Vevey to the town of La-Tour-de-Peilz, just a few blocks. Walk along the lake past stately trees and park benches until you come to an old fort, a small park, and the port. You'll see lots of folks out playing in good weather.
Take the train (the “wine train”) from Vevey to Chexbres, then spend a morning walking the vineyards down to the lake, hitting Rivaz & St. Saphorin. For lunch, find the Auberge du Rivaz (in Rivaz . . . ) with a terrace lake view or see if any of the cellars are having a cheese/wine tasting. Website: http://www.lavaux.com/navigation.asp?page=balades.asp
The lakeside village of Cully, just east of Lausanne, is a picturesque stop and has two recommended restaurants, the Auberge du Raisin and the Au Major Davel.
The lakeside village of Lutry, just two miles east of Lausanne, has a well-posted tour of medieval buildings as well as some good wine caves for tasting. Website: www. lutry.ch
Spend a day in the mountains, taking the train to the resort of Gstaad. On the way back, stop at Chateau d'Oex for lunch.
Take the funicular from Territet up to Glion and have lunch at the Hotel Victoria, enjoying its panoramic views of the lake.
Spend an afternoon in the medieval village of Gruyeres, making sure to sample the berries in creme-double. Website: www.gruyeres.ch
Spend an afternoon in Nyon at the Roman museum and the Caesar's columns nearby. The Fodors guide recommends a meal at the Auberge du Chateau just steps from the Roman museum. It was closed when I was there, but it looked charming. Website: www.nyon.ch
Go to the small, charming village of Celigny. Not much to see here but a picturesque place (it was actor Richard Burton’s home during the last years of his life). Have lunch at the Auberge du Soleil -- great prix fixe feast!
Spend the morning in the town of Morges, just west of Lausanne. Morges has a cobbled main street that is lined with shops and patisseries; it has a flowered lakeside promenade that signs say runs all the way to Lausanne; and it has a large, green park next to the lake that is filled with stately trees. Here's the Morges tourism website: www.morges.ch/view.asp?DomId=51
The website for the tourist office of the region is: www.lake-geneva-region.ch
My personal travel journal (w/photos) of Montreux: http://www.igougo.com/planning/journ...JournalID=7825
Montreux photos: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/swanda.../ph//my_photos
Let me know if you'd like more information on any of these.
s
Jul 22nd, 2005, 10:46 AM
#5
My absolute most favorite thing is the open air weekly farmer's market. Vevey's is on Sat AM in the town square, with a smaller version Tues AM on the pedestrian street. Montreux's is Fri AM under the pergola on the main street thru town. This brings local and distance vendors and is an integral part of life in these towns (the are not just for show but a traditional way to shop).
Second favorite walking along the lakeside quai (promonade) in Montreux and or Vevey.
And at least one boat ride, for sure!
If the weather is clear I enjoyed taking the tram/train called Roches de Nayes which leaves from the Montreux train station but you buy tickets at a separate office from the regular one. There's a restaurant with observation at the top (but the view often gets clouded in completely).
Chateau de Chillon really is a must IMO. Fantastic OLD castle. Don't miss the coats of chain metal armour on display in the dining room, the bathrooms, or the dungeon!
I enjoyed Gruyeres and the castle there is interesting (not as old as Chillon but with period furnishings intact). Have a meat/cheese board lunch with wine in the village.
I would probably skip Lausanne since you only have 3 days.
Second favorite walking along the lakeside quai (promonade) in Montreux and or Vevey.
And at least one boat ride, for sure!
If the weather is clear I enjoyed taking the tram/train called Roches de Nayes which leaves from the Montreux train station but you buy tickets at a separate office from the regular one. There's a restaurant with observation at the top (but the view often gets clouded in completely).
Chateau de Chillon really is a must IMO. Fantastic OLD castle. Don't miss the coats of chain metal armour on display in the dining room, the bathrooms, or the dungeon!
I enjoyed Gruyeres and the castle there is interesting (not as old as Chillon but with period furnishings intact). Have a meat/cheese board lunch with wine in the village.
I would probably skip Lausanne since you only have 3 days.
Jul 22nd, 2005, 11:15 AM
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suze - thank you for a concise response. i will take your advice and go see the chateau and vevey on saturday morning. swandav2000 - i loved your itinerary but i only have 3 days and wont have a car. can you suggest one picturesque village reachable by train from vevey or montreux? also is hotel victoria a good place to stay if i dont have a car? any suggestions on other hotels in either vevey or montreux? thank you!
Jul 22nd, 2005, 11:26 AM
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Although swandav is the expert for the area I thought I add my 2 cents - I suggest you consider Lutry or St. Saphorin as picturesque villages (Lutry a bit bigger). I enjoyed my time there very much, strolling through the narrow streets, ending up in the caveau and tasting some local red wine plus cheese + salami. yummy.
- I suggest you consider Lutry or St. Saphorin as picturesque villages (Lutry a bit bigger). I enjoyed my time there very much, strolling through the narrow streets, ending up in the caveau and tasting some local red wine plus cheese + salami. yummy.
Jul 22nd, 2005, 11:36 AM
#8
Hotel Victoria is a gorgeous hotel but I believe officially in Glion? How do you get back and forth to town without a car? (I'm not saying anything negative about the situation just wondering myself about the logistics.)
I have the incredibly good luck of having a dear friend I stay with so don't know the hotel situation very well.
I have the incredibly good luck of having a dear friend I stay with so don't know the hotel situation very well.
Jul 22nd, 2005, 12:26 PM
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Hi Again,
I've stayed at the Victoria three times and can tell you that it has the best views, ambiance, & service in the area! It is inconvenient, though. Without a car, you can either take the train from Glion to Montreux or the funicular from Glion to Territet (very close to Chillon). On one hand, I really enjoyed feeling like a local as usually only locals were on the funicular with me; on the other hand, I really prefer to be right on the promenade.
As for a neighboring village -- I'd say it would be a tough choice between Rivaz or Morges. Go to Rivaz (or Lutry) if you want to spend the day walking the vineyards; go to Morges if you want to spend the day at a cafe or two. Be sure to investigate the ferry schedule at www.cgn.ch -- try to go by train and return by ferry.
Other hotels to consider: Eden au Lac (I think they've changed their name to Eden Palace or some such -- sometimes they run a special, and they're very central -- look at www.edenmontreux.ch) or Hotel Golf (www.golf-hotel-montreux.ch). Many people here like the Masson (www.hotelmasson.ch).
For what it's worth, I've decided to stay in Villeneuve for my next visit -- to get a more village-like experience (Villeneuve is on the other side of Chillon). I have reservations at the Marines (www.les-marines.ch).
Have fun!
s
I've stayed at the Victoria three times and can tell you that it has the best views, ambiance, & service in the area! It is inconvenient, though. Without a car, you can either take the train from Glion to Montreux or the funicular from Glion to Territet (very close to Chillon). On one hand, I really enjoyed feeling like a local as usually only locals were on the funicular with me; on the other hand, I really prefer to be right on the promenade.
As for a neighboring village -- I'd say it would be a tough choice between Rivaz or Morges. Go to Rivaz (or Lutry) if you want to spend the day walking the vineyards; go to Morges if you want to spend the day at a cafe or two. Be sure to investigate the ferry schedule at www.cgn.ch -- try to go by train and return by ferry.
Other hotels to consider: Eden au Lac (I think they've changed their name to Eden Palace or some such -- sometimes they run a special, and they're very central -- look at www.edenmontreux.ch) or Hotel Golf (www.golf-hotel-montreux.ch). Many people here like the Masson (www.hotelmasson.ch).
For what it's worth, I've decided to stay in Villeneuve for my next visit -- to get a more village-like experience (Villeneuve is on the other side of Chillon). I have reservations at the Marines (www.les-marines.ch).
Have fun!
s
Jul 22nd, 2005, 12:29 PM
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ps
Just remembered a hotel you may like -- the Ermitage (an inn with rooms) www.ermitage-montreux.com/
s
Just remembered a hotel you may like -- the Ermitage (an inn with rooms) www.ermitage-montreux.com/
s
Jul 22nd, 2005, 01:19 PM
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Hi, Theway:
I was in Suisse Romande in September and I have to add my 2 cents, too, that Montreux was so beautiful. Walking along the lake is so peaceful and relaxing because it is so pretty with all the flowers and you are closer to the water in Montreux than other towns. You can actually step in it, but it is so amazingly clean because people have respect and don't take advantage of the situation. As you walk down the quai you will eventually arrive at their casino.This is the site of the original one that burned down and inspired Deep Purple's song "Smoke on the Water". A lot of rock stars have called Montreux home or one of their homes, not the least of which is Queen. Queen built a studio there and Freddie Mercury has a statue right on the pier. For a picturesque village I suggest taking the train up to Les Diablerets. In the winter it's a major ski resort but very quaint and cute in warmer weather. Les Dents du Midi, a sharp jagged group of peaks, and a glacier are very nearby. The housing is 100% chalets; there are even ones built in the 21st century! I have three words for the trip up there from Montreux or Lausanne - they start with O, M and G. UNBELIEVABLE scenery. You go straight up, through forest after forest, and as you ascend you look down at the valley and lake below you and it renders you utterly speechless. I think part of it is actually by bus. And YES YES YES the Cailler chocolate factory is a MUST. You do not have to pay for a special tour like the Chocolate Train. Just take the regular trains up there (plot out your route on sbb.ch.) You will go to a tasting room where you can help yourself to all the chocolate you can eat!!(I got so sick) And take money to buy chocolate at discounted prices in their shop. Vevey is cute but very, very mellow, so if that's what you are in the mood for, it's the perfect place to unwind. In the old town, there is a tiny little shop that sells homemade ice cream - and I can't remember the name or the street, but I think when you first enter the old town from the pier area, walking down the main street, you take the first or second left and it's on the corner. Switzerland is home to what is IMHO the absolute finest ice cream on the planet, Moevenpick, but the ice cream in this shop is even better than Moevenpick. (So these people must be from some other planet.)
I was in Suisse Romande in September and I have to add my 2 cents, too, that Montreux was so beautiful. Walking along the lake is so peaceful and relaxing because it is so pretty with all the flowers and you are closer to the water in Montreux than other towns. You can actually step in it, but it is so amazingly clean because people have respect and don't take advantage of the situation. As you walk down the quai you will eventually arrive at their casino.This is the site of the original one that burned down and inspired Deep Purple's song "Smoke on the Water". A lot of rock stars have called Montreux home or one of their homes, not the least of which is Queen. Queen built a studio there and Freddie Mercury has a statue right on the pier. For a picturesque village I suggest taking the train up to Les Diablerets. In the winter it's a major ski resort but very quaint and cute in warmer weather. Les Dents du Midi, a sharp jagged group of peaks, and a glacier are very nearby. The housing is 100% chalets; there are even ones built in the 21st century! I have three words for the trip up there from Montreux or Lausanne - they start with O, M and G. UNBELIEVABLE scenery. You go straight up, through forest after forest, and as you ascend you look down at the valley and lake below you and it renders you utterly speechless. I think part of it is actually by bus. And YES YES YES the Cailler chocolate factory is a MUST. You do not have to pay for a special tour like the Chocolate Train. Just take the regular trains up there (plot out your route on sbb.ch.) You will go to a tasting room where you can help yourself to all the chocolate you can eat!!(I got so sick) And take money to buy chocolate at discounted prices in their shop. Vevey is cute but very, very mellow, so if that's what you are in the mood for, it's the perfect place to unwind. In the old town, there is a tiny little shop that sells homemade ice cream - and I can't remember the name or the street, but I think when you first enter the old town from the pier area, walking down the main street, you take the first or second left and it's on the corner. Switzerland is home to what is IMHO the absolute finest ice cream on the planet, Moevenpick, but the ice cream in this shop is even better than Moevenpick. (So these people must be from some other planet.)
Jul 22nd, 2005, 01:49 PM
#13
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Thank you everyone for posting and for your enthusiasm. It's very apparent that you guys all love this area and I can't wait to visit. If anyone can also recommend a place in Vevey with a good view of the lake I would greatly appreciate it!
Jul 22nd, 2005, 02:14 PM
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Montreux's promenade is one of the most scenic along Lac Leman - you should definitely visit Chateau Chillon. If you make it over to Lausanne, stroll through the old town, some beautiful architecture, neat shops and restaurants. There is a wonderful Creperie right next to the Cathedral. From Lausanne, take the metro down to Ouchy, a small town right by the lake with a lovely promenade and views. There is even a Movenpick Hotel by the lake, it has a sidewalk restaurant with very good food and that wonderful ice cream "scheraulei" mentioned. If you have time, I highly recommend taking a boat ride from there back to Montreux. The views from the lake are spectacular. Everyone on this thread has given you great advice, it's a beautiful area, you can't go wrong. Have a great trip!
Jul 22nd, 2005, 03:17 PM
#15
<If anyone can also recommend a place in Vevey with a good view of the lake I would greatly appreciate it!>
Do you mean a hotel, or restaurant, or just a place to take a walk and see a nice view? Down at lake level or from the distant hillsides?
Do you mean a hotel, or restaurant, or just a place to take a walk and see a nice view? Down at lake level or from the distant hillsides?
Jul 23rd, 2005, 12:19 AM
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See vevey.ch and go to the hotels link. The Hotel des Trois Couronnes is right on the lake and very beautiful but it is 350 CHF right now. And the lake hotels are usually the most expensive. You're going to pay for the proximity of that view. When did you say you were going? Rates in Swiss hotels are always high in the summer unless you get in on a deal. Tripadvisor.com is a good source. Just go to the Switzerland section. You'll see links, prices, ratings, posts. I ended up at Hotel Elite in Lausanne. One thing I might mention is that unless you have a car, it's way more convenient (and cheaper) to base yourself near a train station and one that has trains that come in late at night. In most of those cute little villages, the trains stop arriving late afternoon/early evening. It was very convenient to stay in a larger town like Lausanne and Montreux, where the trains run way into the night. I got in on a deal at a nice hotel in "big city" Lausanne because I contracted to stay there 8 nights. At the same time, I knew if I was visiting other places one day and I was having a good time, I did not want to have to cut my time short in order to not miss the last train. For example, I fell in love with Berne. It's a hopping, fun, crazy place with stuff going on in the main plaza even in the middle of the night. It was nice to be able to stay there as late as after 1:00 AM before I had to catch the train to sleep in my "deal" in Lausanne. These are just some logistics to think about. Then again -if you are mellower, and tuck yourself in earlier, by all means, base yourself in a village. So what do you like to/expect to do in Switzerland? Plan your lodgings accordingly. Hope all this makes sense.
Jul 23rd, 2005, 02:52 AM
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Hi Again,
I haven't stayed in this hotel, but when I walked past it, I liked its quiet location at the lakeside between Vevey & the town La-Tour-de-Peilz: Best Western Hotel du Lac (www.bestwestern.ch/dulacvevey/franz/index.htm). Rates run 320 chf for a double without a balcony. There's also the Hostellerie Bon Rivage, a 3-star that's very popular here; rates run to 250 chf for a lakeview room (www.bon-rivage.ch).
s
I haven't stayed in this hotel, but when I walked past it, I liked its quiet location at the lakeside between Vevey & the town La-Tour-de-Peilz: Best Western Hotel du Lac (www.bestwestern.ch/dulacvevey/franz/index.htm). Rates run 320 chf for a double without a balcony. There's also the Hostellerie Bon Rivage, a 3-star that's very popular here; rates run to 250 chf for a lakeview room (www.bon-rivage.ch).
s
Jul 23rd, 2005, 05:03 AM
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Hi, theway. I've just checked your other post re Lucerne, Wengen, and Spiez/Thun. Have you ever mentioned where you will be landing and departing from Switzerland? It surely would be nice to squeak another day onto your visit to lac Leman and the lavaux. Any chance you could just give yourself a night (and nice chunks of two days) in Lucerne, eliminate the two Spiez nights, and tack on a night to Vevey? You could visit Spiez, Brienz, and Thun while staying in Wengen if you had a mind to or a day not great for hiking. Just a thought to muddy the waters. Whatever you decide, combining the lavaux and the Oberland is a delightful contrast. J.
Jul 23rd, 2005, 07:46 AM
#20
scheraulei- May i interrupt this thread to ask how you liked Hotel Elite in Lausanne?
theway02- Three Crowns was the lakeside hotel in Vevey I'd recommend but it is quite a bit more expensive than you want. In Montreux there's Hotel Helvetie which is an old place (3-star) right on the main drag. some Fodorites stayed there awhile back and confirmed my impression of "faded grandeur". adequate but a bit... well... faded -LOL.
When will you be in Vevey? I ask because if it is Jul/Aug check to see if the Marche Folkloriques is going on at the Saturday Market. For 6 weeks different local vineyards come and for the cost of buying a small empty glass, you can have all the wine you like between 9:00-Noon while you shop and hang out at the market.
theway02- Three Crowns was the lakeside hotel in Vevey I'd recommend but it is quite a bit more expensive than you want. In Montreux there's Hotel Helvetie which is an old place (3-star) right on the main drag. some Fodorites stayed there awhile back and confirmed my impression of "faded grandeur". adequate but a bit... well... faded -LOL.
When will you be in Vevey? I ask because if it is Jul/Aug check to see if the Marche Folkloriques is going on at the Saturday Market. For 6 weeks different local vineyards come and for the cost of buying a small empty glass, you can have all the wine you like between 9:00-Noon while you shop and hang out at the market.
