Venues to visit in the city of Montreux

The entrance to Chauderon Gorge is just a short walk from the Montreux train station. As soon as you enter, you will forget the city entirely. The scent of wild garlic pervades the air as you follow the trail across both banks while listening to the burbling and gurgling of the Baye de Montreux River. The gorge, which is narrow at the beginning with some areas that are reminiscent of a rain forest, gradually opens up the farther up you go to Les Avant.

If you would like to keep on going, then you can continue on the Sentier des Narcisses trail. a signposted walking trail that passes along meadows, forests and viewing points overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. May carpets the path in narcissus blooms and fills the air with their perfume, while the green meadows are covered in a white blanket of May Snow creeping phlox. This rare spectacle attracts numerous visitors every year to the hills of the breathtakingly beautiful Montreux Riviera.

Getting there: By public transport or car to Montreux.

At 2000 metres a.s.l., visitors enjoy delightful hikes and look at hundreds of plants from around the world. A particular highlight is the chance to spend the night in an original Mongolian love yurt (nomad-type tent).

The railway up to Rochers-de-Naye operates year-round – even during winter. Actually, Father Christmas himself resides on this 2000 metres mountain in December.

Information

Altitude:

2042 m a.s.l.

Arrival:

Cog railway from Montreux station via Glion and Caux to the summit

Timetable:

Operates year-round 

Travel duration to summit:

54 mins

Attractions & Activities:

Alpine garden “La Rambertia“, marmot colonies, climbing park at the “Grottes de Naye“ (caves).

Food & beverage:

Panorama restaurant “Plein Roc” in the rock face offering upscale cuisine, mountain restaurant at the railway station

Specials:

Father Christmas on the Rochers-de-Naye
Reduced rate mountain rail ascent with the Swiss Travel Pass/GA travelcard. Buy your tickets on arrival at the station.

Mountain day trips

Buy your rail ascent return tickets now

Timetable and tickets

The pedestrian zone of the old city, the lakeside, and the market (Tuesday and Saturday mornings) in the Grande Place (the heart of the old city), are well worth a browse.

From the Place de la Gare, walk towards the lake to the Grande Place and the Vevey landing stage. Each Tuesday and Saturday morning in summer, the square belongs to the famous Vevey market, with its colourful, perfumed stands offering flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, fish and old objects. On Saturdays in July and August, these markets give way to folklore markets: thanks to a glass of wine - you pay for your first glass only - everyone can sample the various regional wine appellations in the company of their vintners! The atmosphere is assured with fanfares, alphorns and winegrowers in their traditional costumes!

Via the Rue du Lac (on the east side of the Grande Place, after the Swiss Camera Museum), you come to the picturesque part of Vevey, intimate and pedestrians only.

Taking full advantage of the region’s mild microclimate, the city gardeners have enhanced the lakeside with the colours and perfumes of many types of exotic trees and flowers, which have given it a special atmosphere. The plant sculptures are considered to be a special feature of the city. These authentic works of ephemeral art may be viewed from December to May between Clarens and Territet.

The statue of Freddie Mercury also stands in front of the covered market. This artist lived in Montreux for several years while recording his last album with the group Queen, “Made in Heaven”, in the Mountain Studio, which used to be in the Montreux Casino.

And what a view opens up to the visitor! At almost every turn, admiring viewers gaze upon a fresh panorama of lake, mountains and forests.

Of course, there are small bistros and typical restaurants where you can satisfy that hunger and thirst. Do enjoy a glass of Montreux wine while out on the terrace after you have admired the many fountains fed by spring water.

The Old Town is also the starting point for magnificent hikes. The trail to the wild Gorges du Chauderon leads along the Baye de Montreux River to Glion or Les Avants.