Montreux boasts a picturesque spot, situated on the shore of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. The town dates back to Roman times when it developed due to its positioning at a fork in the road that came from Italy across the Simplon Pass. Later, viticulture developed on the sunny south facing slopes on the north side of the Lake. Then In the nineteenth-century Montreux became a popular tourist resort with its grand hotels attracting the rich and cultured from Europe and America. Indeed, over the years it has been home to many famous souls including David Bowie, Noel Coward, Zelda Fitzgerald, Igor Stravinsky and Vladimir Nabokov. The best places to stay in Montreux provide perfect bases for exploring this sophisticated area, and most enjoy stunning views of both lake and mountains.
Not much has changed really, the elegant hotels remain (and are still counted as some of the best places to stay in Montreux) and the town is still very fashionable. But it's perhaps as well known now for its recording studio - once owned by Queen and now a museum - as for its casino. Famously Deep Purple recorded their 1971 album ‘Machine Head’ here. They had intended to use the casino as their studio, and the iconic track ‘Smoke on the water’ immortalises that particular venue being burnt to the ground.
Out and about, you can stroll the Riviera Promenade along Lake Geneva to Vevey, jump on the MOB narrow gauge railway up into the mountains or take a cruise on one of the Belle Epoque steamers that grace the lake.
Montreux hosts its ever popular annual world-renowned jazz festival in July, so if you're planning a visit then, book well ahead. The best places to stay in Montreux will be heaving!
What Not To Miss
- Go for a long walk along the Lakeside Promenade Fleuri and enjoy the wonderful array of flowers on display.
- The Queen Studio Experience is an absolute must for music-lovers!
- Take the Golden Pass Line to experience the full beauty of the area.
- Hop on the cog train up to the 2,042-metre tall Rochers-de-Naye to bask in the wonderful views.