Switzerland, Montreux is an upscale European resort. Resorts in Switzerland
On the shore Lake Geneva lies the pompous and fashionable town of Montreux. It is Montreux that is most often called the capital of the so-called “Swiss Riviera”.
Until the 1960s, the name Montreux was borne by a small village lying at the center of 24 winegrowing communes scattered across the neighboring hills - from picturesque Clarens in the northwest to Territet in the south. But the tourist boom of the late 20th century and the beauty of the region led to the rapid growth of villages, and now this entire coast is a series of chic suburbs, all year round hosting with great benefit crowned heads, heads of government and corporations, literary and artistic bohemia from all over the world.
Attractions Montreux
The city of Montreux is known throughout the world for its closed private schools and beauty institutes, nightclubs and cabarets, bars and casinos, music festivals jazz and classical music, the Golden Rose television festival and the festival of laughter. The exhibition center constantly hosts all kinds of exhibitions and fairs, including the prestigious International Telesymposium. Many great writers and musicians lived in Montreux, including Vladimir Nabokov, who is buried in the cemetery of the suburb of Clarens. And on the embankment near the Place du Marche stands a bronze monument to another famous resident of the town (or rather, the suburb of Territe) - Freddie Mercury - the only one in the world, by the way.
Strict modern building Montreux casino on the Rue du Theater was erected on the site of the famous original complex, which opened back in 1883 and was destroyed by fire on December 4, 1971 (it was this event that “accompanied” the Frank Zappa concert that served as the impetus for the creation of the famous Deep Purple hit - Smoke On The Water). Now this majestic structure is again open daily, admission is free.
Around Montreux
On a small rocky peninsula 3 kilometers south of Montreux rises the famous Chillon Castle, or Chillon (XII-XIII centuries), with medieval dungeons, a knight's hall, a hall of Justice, a ducal bedroom and a wooden chapel. Built to control the strategically important coastal road from Northern Europe to Italy, it represents one of the most effective fortification complexes on the continent. Despite its small size and extremely simple structure, it was never taken by storm (except for the two-day siege by the Bernese in 1536, which rescued the prototype of Byron's famous poem, the Swiss patriot Francois Bonivard, from prison). For a long time the castle was a prison, but now there is a museum here (
Guide to Montreux:
Montreux- the capital of the Swiss Riviera, full of luxurious palace hotels. The city is known for its mild climate, the beautiful promenade of Lake Geneva overlooking the snowy peaks of the Alps and many restaurants and cafes with cozy terraces.
Every summer Montreux hosts an international jazz festival. For these two weeks, the small town turns into a huge open-air music venue.
Montreux is ideal for rich people - everything here is created for a luxurious life. However, for a visiting tourist there are not so many attractions. The city itself is a continuous series of luxury hotels. The only thing that really deserves attention is Chillon Castle in the suburbs of Montreux, the most famous of all Swiss castles and one of the symbols of the country. A walk from Montreux station to the castle and back will take about an hour and a half, plus a tour of the castle can take about an hour. The rest is cruises on Lake Geneva, excursions to vineyards and relaxing holidays in expensive restaurants.
Getting around Montreux:
From the station, just go downstairs (along the escalator near the hotel) - you will come out right at the embankment and the port from where pleasure boats depart. There is also a tourist office there. Nearby you can also find tourist mini-trains that go on excursions to Chillon Castle and the surrounding area. The Chillon Castle itself will be on your left hand if you stand facing the lake. Walking to it takes about 40 minutes along a pleasant green embankment. If you want to avoid a long walk, you can take the train to S1 to the Veytaux-Chillon station (runs every half hour), or by boat to the Château-de-Chillon pier. The second option takes longer, but the boat stops closer to the castle.
Getting to Montreux:
If your goal is Montreux, then it is better to fly to Geneva airport, from there it is closer to get there than from Zurich.
From Geneva airport to Montreux- there is a direct train at 21 and 51 minutes every hour, the ticket costs 35 francs (as of 2016). At 03 and 33 minutes the train departs, with a change at, to Montreux. Travel time is 1:17 on a direct train and 1:28 on a connecting train. The last train from Montreux departs at 23:10 (with a change at), the last direct train departs at 22:21. The earliest train from Montreux to the airport is at 5:17 (you will be at 6:39).
From Geneva to Montreux— at 00 and 30 minutes there is an hourly direct train in the direction to. The ticket costs 30 francs. The train is coming approximately 1:08. At 12 and 42 you can get to Montreux every hour with a change at. First the train in the direction to or, then suburban train S2 towards Villeneuve. Travel time 1:20.
From Lausanne to Montreux— direct trains at 00, 17, 36, 50 minutes hourly. Travel time is from 19 to 30 minutes (slower - suburban S2 and S3, faster - Inter Regio in the direction to). Ticket costs 25.20 francs (as of 2016) - Mobilis Tageskarte for 7 zones (tariff zone map).
From Zurich to Montreux:
Travel time: 2:30-3:00. Directions through .
Get there: You can get from Zurich to Montreux only with a change in Lausanne.
Directions: from Zurich HB:
- 1) at 32 minutes of every hour - with 1 change in Lausanne. Zurich HB-Lausanne (from track 17 Inter City train in direction), Lausanne-Montreux (from track 3 Inter Regio train in direction Brig). On the way - 2:32.
- 2) in 04 minutes - with 1 or 2 transfers (in Lausanne or also in). On the road - 2:35.
- 3) in 06 minutes hourly with transfers in and Lausanne (direct train from the terminus in, from there in the direction of Lausanne, then from track 3 by train in the direction of Montreux. Travel time - 3:33.
- 4) in 30 minutes hourly with 3 transfers (Olten, Lausanne). Zurich HB - Olten (from track 16 train in direction , 31 minutes), Olten-Bern (from track 10 direct train to final, 47 minutes), Bern-Lausanne (direction Genève-Aéroport, 1:11 en route), Lausanne - Montreux (from track 3 of the Inter Regio train in direction).
See www.sbb.ch for the exact schedule.
Ticket prices: 79 CHF one way in second class.
Attractions of Montreux:
Chateau-de-Chillon
The pearl of Montreux is rightfully considered the famous Chillon Castle sung by Byron in the poem “The Prisoner of Chillon”. It is located 4 km, that is, about 40 minutes walk, from the city. It would be best to walk along the embankment, but you can get there by train.
Upon entering the castle museum, you will be given an information brochure in your preferred language, and you can personally stroll through the ancient halls (knight's hall, the hall of Justice, the ducal bedroom), go down to the basement, which served as a prison, or wander around the courtyard, which has preserved the spirit of the era of the struggle of the dukes Savoy with Protestants.
The castle was built and rebuilt over a long period of time. The earliest buildings date back to the 8th century. Since then, the castle served as a gathering place for tribute due to its location on a strategic road sandwiched between the lake and the mountains. The appearance of the castle has not changed since the mid-13th century.
Working hours: except January 1 and December 25 all days
April-September 9:00 – 18:00
October, March 9:30 – 17:00
November - February 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
adults – 12 CHF
children 6-16 years old – 6 CHF
students/seniors – 10 CHF
Family ticket – 28 CHF
Audio guide - 6 CHF.
In Nabokov's places
Vladimir Nabokov lived in Montreux for a long time in one of the most prestigious hotels in the city - Montreux Palace. The hotel houses a monument to the writer and a small exhibition.
After the Great October Revolution, Vladimir Nabokov, together with his wife Vera, emigrated to Germany, then he lived in France and America until he finally settled in Montreux in 1961.
Freddie Mercury
The monument to this popular singer stands right next to the city embankment, a little to the left of the port, towards Chillon Castle. At any time of the year, there are armfuls of flowers around the monument.
Freddie Murray, head of the rock band Queen, chose Montreux because of the tranquility of the town. He purchased an audio studio here, where he recorded his last album with the group, “Made in Heaven.” He died from the disease in 1991.
At the beginning of September, fans of the talented singer gather in the city every year to honor his memory.
Montreux Museum
At the entrance to Old city, on the site of the former village of Sales, in a series of 17th-century winemakers' houses that are among the architectural treasures of the canton of Vaud, there is a museum dedicated to history of Montreux. You will be able to see all sorts of collections associated with the city: coins, irons, carpenters' tools, traditional utensils and much more. Particularly worth noting is the huge collection of embroidery thimbles and numerous items related to lace-making and embroidery.
The museum also houses an exhibition dedicated to the 4 areas of the region: history, land, tourism and hospitality.
Recent donations have enabled the restoration of three rooms dedicated to the region's many writers, musicians and other renowned artists.
- Working hours:
April-October daily 10:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 17:00
November - March closed
- Price:
adults – 6 CHF
children under 16 years old - free
students/seniors – 4 CHF
- Address: Rue de la Gare 40 (7 minutes walk from the station)
museemontreux.ch
+41 21 963 13 53
Maison Visinand
This building is located in an old Montreux. Maison Visinand, a listed building, houses Cultural Center With exhibition hall, as well as other rooms for lessons, work and conferences.
- Price: From 15:00 to 18:00, admission is free until Sunday.
- Address: Rue du Pont 32
maisonvisinand.ch
Excursions from Montreux:
Tourist mini train
If you don’t really want to wander along the embankment for a long time, you can take this train. And you will enjoy the beauty of nature and the lush greenery without the slightest difficulty.
- Trains run from mid-June to mid-September.
- Cost: 4.5 francs per person.
Chocolate Train
The train leaves Montreux and passes Broc, giving you the opportunity to discover the region's famous Gruyers cheese and delicious Swiss milk chocolate.
- Departure time: from Montreux at 9:12, return return at 18:10. Reservations are required.
- Cost: 89 francs for adults (1st class).
Panoramic train Golden Pass
One of the most scenic train routes in Switzerland, you will discover the beauty of Switzerland between Montreux, Interlaken and Lucerne.
- Cost: Montreux-Gstaad for 1 adult - 48 francs in 2nd class and 80 francs in 1st class.
Rochers-de-Naye
55 minutes drive by cogwheel railway and you will find yourself on the top of the mountain, at an altitude of 2042 m above sea level, from where a stunning view opens panoramic view to Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura Mountains. IN summer time here you can walk around the reserve with marmots for free, and also visit a free interactive educational center dedicated to these animals (open all year round).
There is also a unique alpine garden “la Ramberita”, in which more than 1000 species of flowers and plants grow. It is only open in summer, but admission is free.
In winter, a ski resort opens here.
The train departs from Montreux starting at 8:46 am and runs every 46 minutes on the hour. The first three weeks of November the train runs only on weekends.
Price:
- mid-April - end of November - 72 francs for adults (special price at the Golden Pass ticket office in Montreux - 59 francs), children 6-16 years old 29.5 francs, groups of 10 people - 46.80 francs. With Montreux Riviera Card - 36 francs.
- from mid-December to mid-April - adults 32 francs, children 6-16 years old - 16 francs. Special prices for the Christmas market.
In the vicinity of Montreux:
Villeneuve
A picturesque small town on the eastern edge of Lake Geneva.
Aigle
Aigle- a tiny town in the Rhone River valley, famous for its excellent white wine, endless vineyards and a beautiful castle. The castle houses a museum of wine and grapes.
Vevey
The second most famous city on the Swiss Riviera is Vevey, a little more peaceful and less pompous than Montreux. With many great museums, a long promenade and a cozy old town. Vevey was once a favorite place of the Russian aristocracy, as is now reminiscent of the small Orthodox Church of St. Barbara near the station. Among famous residents city - Charlie Chaplin, whose monument is erected on the Vevey embankment, in a public garden named after him.
Save in Montreux:
Montreux Riviera Card
Issued free of charge by hotels, private schools and clinics and entitles you to free travel on public transport on the VMCV network, as well as a 50% discount on trains and ships, many museums and parks.
Regional pass from Lake Geneva to the Alps
This regional ticket gives unlimited use of trains, buses and cable cars for 2 or 3 days, and gives a 50% discount on public transport on other days. It can be bought at any tourist office, at train stations and ports. There is also a “junior card” - for children 6-16 years old.
There is a “5 regional pass” ticket, which gives the right to 2 days of free use of transport and 3 days of a 50% discount. Cost (2nd class) - 94 francs for adults, 75 francs upon availability or - 75 francs, children 6-16 - 47 francs.
For a 7-day ticket (3 free and 4 days with a 50% discount) - 114, 91 and 57 francs respectively.
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Montreux located on the banks Lake Geneva, in the western part. The city is part of the French-speaking canton of Vaud and is one of the most visited resorts, especially since it is located between Villeneuve and Villeneuve, in the heart of the country's central wine-growing region.
Peculiarities
Montreux is well known in tourist map peace. Cleanest air and mild climate, developed infrastructure, abundance excursion routes, excellent conditions for sports and the extraordinary beauty of these places annually attract guests from all over the world. Many celebrities, including movie and pop stars, politicians, businessmen and influential people, own villas and cottages right on the coast of Lake Geneva, just a couple of kilometers from the city limits. Montreux annually hosts all kinds of concerts, exhibitions and special events. The loudest of them is the famous Jazz Festival, which takes place here in early July and regularly attracts thousands of fans of this musical style. The resort is also known for its grape treatment, widely used at the end of the 19th century to get rid of various diseases. Many interesting sights await here for inquisitive travelers who want to enjoy the grandeur of ancient castles and stroll around narrow streets Old Town. Great importance is attached here to nightlife, so dance and music lovers can have fun until the early hours in local discos, clubs and entertainment venues.
general information
Montreux's urban area is small and the population is approximately 23,000. Local time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer. Telephone code(+41) 21. Official website www.montreux.ch.
A brief excursion into history
In the Middle Ages, Montreux had the status of a tiny fishing girl, whose residents were engaged in winemaking, breeding Agriculture and lived by fishing. At the beginning of the 18th century, noble representatives of the royal family began to come here and gradually the reputation of these places acquired a different color. As a result, by the end of the 19th century, the village had significantly increased in size, cozy comfortable hotels appeared on the lake shore, and Montreux became a popular climatic resort, where such important personalities for Russia as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Igor Stravinsky, Vladimir Nabokov once vacationed , Lev Tolstoy. Some legendary people different times Those who visited the shores of Montreux, monuments have been erected here that are of great tourist interest.
Climate
On climatic conditions The resort is strongly influenced by the Alpine peaks and waters of Lake Geneva located in its surroundings. Winters here are relatively warm, and summer months almost never happens extreme heat. It rains regularly throughout the year, but is not prolonged, and therefore does not cause significant difficulties for vacationers. The bulk of tourists come to Montreux between May and September, although the resort also receives guests in winter.
How to get there
International airports are located 188 and 86 kilometers from the city, respectively. From them, as well as from nearby, trains run daily to Montreux and Shuttle Buses. The railway route from Interlaken is extremely beautiful and spectacular, allowing you to appreciate all the greatness as the train moves. natural landscapes Switzerland.
Transport
Within the city limits, it is most convenient to use a bicycle or walk, since the city area is small and not very suitable for traffic. To overcome great heights they are actively used cable cars, and funiculars in Switzerland have long become traditional and are considered a regular mode of transport.
Treatment
The famous medical clinic La Prairie, specializing in cosmetology, plastic surgery, help with excess weight loss, as well as problems related to the nervous system, is very famous in Switzerland. The center employs competent specialists who are ready to give professional advice at any time and prescribe not only an effective course of treatment to the patient, but also monitor the stages of recovery.
Attractions
One of the main historical sites of the city is the Montreux Palace Hotel, built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and today considered one of the most popular hotels throughout the Swiss Riviera. On Market Square the monument dedicated to the great musician Freddie Mercury catches your eye, and not far from it, the view is stunning beautiful view on the coast and magnificent groves of magnolias, palm trees, cypresses and almonds, in the greenery of which numerous mansions and villas are buried. About 3 kilometers from the city rises a unique architectural landmark of the region - the graceful Chillon Castle, built on a rocky island and associated with mainland using a bridge. Gothic windows, characteristic battlements and medieval turrets are reminders of its glorious past and the times when the castle was the residence of the Dukes of Savoy. At one time, its majestic appearance was repeatedly described by Byron, Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo, who visited Montreux in different years. Among the interesting excursion routes, special attention should be paid to a cruise on Lake Geneva, a train trip through the vineyard areas of the canton of Vaud with visits to wine factories, a walk through Bouveray Park and a wander through the largest labyrinth in the world - Evionne.
Entertainment
A huge selection of ways to have fun makes it easy for resort guests to decide on in the right direction depending on your preferences. Extremes and adherents active species Sports enthusiasts can go mountain climbing, go mountain biking or go horseback riding. Montreux also has excellent opportunities for water skiing, tennis and golf. Those looking for some fun at night are advised to visit the local nightclubs and bars in the city center. Those who want to spend large sums of money to satisfy their bouts of excitement can head to the city casino. During the Jazz Festival and the Festival of Laughter, a lot of people gather on the city streets and unbridled fun begins. On such days, an unforgettable atmosphere reigns at the resort. Children always have great fun visiting Pere Noel Park with its ice skating rink and mini train that moves around its territory.
Kitchen
For true gourmets and connoisseurs culinary traditions, Montreux – real paradise. There are many different restaurants offering various international dishes, as well as drinks and confectionery. An extremely wide selection of Swiss and Italian wines. The restaurant with the most gorgeous views of the surrounding landscapes is known as Le Palais Oriental, which has a unique romantic aura. In the evenings, a fair number of people always gather here to admire the peaks of the Alpine mountains and appreciate the quality of the local cuisine.
Shopping
Most of Montreux's shops are concentrated in the Market Square area and along the embankment, as well as on the central city street, Grand "Rue. The shopping rush is especially great during Christmas, when the city holds a market fair with free tasting of wines and chocolate products. This is magical time Especially memorable for children, of whom there are more than ever at the resort just on the eve of the New Year.
Montreux every year gathers an impressive army of tourists who come with pleasure to the shores of Lake Geneva to have a good rest in the lap of nature, enjoying the enchanting views Swiss Alps and traveling through the historical lands of France, which always greets its guests with exceptional hospitality.
Language: French
Population (with surrounding areas): 23 thousand people
Square: 33 sq. km.
Montreux is located in the western part of Switzerland and is considered one of the centers of the "" - strip of resorts that are located on the northern coast. On the other side of the lake, a city with a population of twenty-three thousand people is “propped up” by the picturesque Alps.
The once small village of winemakers and fishermen has long ceased to be such. The status of "one of best resorts Europe" dictates its own rules - in Montreux every year there are more and more comfortable hotels, offering rooms for every taste and budget - from modest single rooms to “royal suites”. The streets and embankment are gradually becoming overgrown with chic restaurants, cute cafes and expensive boutiques.
Montreux has long become a “resort for the rich” who prefer going to a good expensive restaurant, expensive hotels, comfortable walks along Lake Geneva and excursions to elite vineyards for all other types of recreation.
Among the attractions, it is worth paying attention to the Chillon Castle, located in the suburbs of Montreux and described by Lord Byron in the poem “The Prisoner of Chillon. It is considered one of the most famous in Switzerland and has long become a symbol of this prosperous country. From Montreux station to the castle it takes no more than forty minutes on foot. And along the way you will be able to admire the beautiful views of the city. There are two monuments to Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury on the embankment of Lake Geneva.
Every year at the beginning of July, musicians, cultural figures and simply connoisseurs of good music arrive in Montreux to fully enjoy the international jazz festival for two weeks. This event has been held annually since one thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven. Over the years, a variety of world-class stars have performed on the festival stage. Claude Nobs has remained the director and inspirer of the Montreux Jazz Festival all these years.
Over the years, Montreux was visited by such personalities as Vladimir Nabokov, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Igor Stravinsky and Leo Tolstoy.
A huge number of famous stars have recorded at the Mountain Studios recording studio, owned by the Queen group, over the years.
Watch a short beautiful video with the main beauties and attractions of Montreux.
Montreux stands on a low hill, stretched out between mountain range and calm waters of the lake. These places are fantastically beautiful and have a particularly mild microclimate, rightfully bearing the title “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera.”
Graceful mansions are surrounded by greenery of laurels, magnolias, palm trees, cypresses and almond trees. The stairs go down directly to the shore, along which there is a beautiful boulevard. Every season here has its own charm. The Alps here not only offer breathtaking scenery, but are also a year-round accessible paradise for sports enthusiasts.
Montreux is truly the best beautiful city on the Riviera. City of eternal holiday. This is where creative people came to get inspiration. Nabokov and Stravinsky, after whom it is named, lived here. concert hall, it is here that the famous Red Rose jazz festival and feature film festival are held every year.
The embankment is decorated with sculptures directly related to jazz. The festival was invented 36 years ago by Swiss enthusiast Claude Nobs. Already in the first years of its existence, the Montreux Jazz Festival gained worldwide fame, glorifying the town near Lake Geneva throughout the world. During the festival, music is heard everywhere; the city seems to be immersed in a whirlwind of funny jazz melodies that captivate with their unique rhythm. The famous Montreux Jazz Festival, which takes place in the summer, brings together fans of all styles of music, and simply lovers of a noisy and festive atmosphere from all over the world, which is why the usually measured city life begins to be in full swing.
Montreux has a huge number of clinics that have gained worldwide fame. For lovers active rest You couldn't choose a better place to go on excursions every day.
Near Montreux, within an hour's walk along the shore of the lake, there is one of the most famous castles in Europe - Chillon Castle, which shocked Byron and was sung by him in the poem "The Prisoner of Chillon Castle". The appearance of the castle, rising majestically on a small rocky island, has not changed since the mid-13th century. The dungeons and dungeons, the knights' hall and the Hall of Justice, the ducal bedroom and the wooden chapel still perfectly preserve the spirit of the era of the struggle of the Dukes of Savoy with the Protestants. The ancient fortress was founded in the 10th century. Pierre II of Savoy significantly expanded and strengthened it. Bonivard, a supporter of church reform in Geneva, languished there for four years.
Lake Geneva is perhaps one of the most picturesque lakes in Switzerland. If you take a trip from Geneva towards Zion, you can be sure that you will be left with a lot of impressions. On one side of the lake you can see slender rows of vineyards that descend from the hills straight to the water surface sparkling in the sun. On the other, “French” territory, the Alpine mountains rise menacingly mountain ranges. Cirrus clouds slowly float over the lake, it seems that they are about to touch the water... And flowers... everywhere: on the windows of houses, on railway stations, along the embankment, on restaurant tables. An extraordinary tranquility reigns here, so conducive to complete relaxation and relaxation.
The Swiss Riviera is truly a paradise for those who can afford to live there permanently or on short visits. Colorful, almost Mediterranean vegetation on the coast, and behind it is a classic alpine panorama. It was the coast of Lake Geneva that many wealthy people chose as their permanent place of residence. Vevey and Montreux are considered especially prestigious, charming towns that were once located at some distance from each other, and now are almost touching with their borders.
You can take the Golden Pass Panoramic train from Montreux to Lucerne, the tourist capital of Switzerland. This so-called Golden Pass route is one of the most attractive train routes in Switzerland. It connects historical Center Switzerland Lucerne, the snow-capped peaks of the Jungfrau region (Interlaken) and the Swiss Riviera. The 250-kilometer Golden Pass route takes 5 hours and offers you an exciting tour of the most beautiful areas countries. Distance to Geneva - 86 km, to Zurich -188 km, to Lucerne - 200 km, to Interlaken - 148 km, to Lugano - 364 km.
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