Holidays in Montreux

Montreux is a little bit of everything Swiss - lake, mountains and vineyards, cheese, wine and chocolate... and walking of course

Montreux sits on the north-east shore of Lake Geneva, between bright blue waters and the forested foothills of the Alps. Visitors have long been drawn to the mild climes here – from the monks who first planted the Lavaux vineyards to the well-heeled tourists and rock stars who have stayed in the belle époque mansions and stylish hotels. Trains climb into the mountains, exploring food routes and heading up to high alpine footpaths and viewpoints. The mild climate also fuels the food and drink scene; the whole Montreux Riviera is famous for its wine and cuisine.

Strolling the Montreux Riviera

A promenade runs along the shore of Lake Geneva, sweeping south from Montreux to the town of Villeneuve via the medieval towers of the charming Château de Chillon. Look out for Freddie Mercury while walking the prom; Queen recorded six albums in the Mountain Studios in Montreux, along with fellow rockers Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie. If music is your thing, time your visit for the summer Montreux Jazz Festival (around 5-20 July 2024).

Lake Geneva

Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland – and one of the best ways to explore it is by boat. Ferries and paddle steamers cruise between the villages, towns and cities that dot the shores. With a day pass in hand, you can hop on and off wherever you fancy (we recommend Vevey for museums and galleries or Lausanne for its café culture and the Olympic Museum). To see the lake from above, head up the Rochers de Naye cog railway from Montreux - there's views for miles and plenty of exciting walking trails to discover.

The Lavaux vineyards

The Lavaux vineyards were founded by the monasteries that ruled these parts back in the 11th Century. With sunny, sheltered terraces that dip down towards the waters of Lake Geneva, the Lavaux must be one of the prettiest winemaking regions in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning around 800 hectares, it has some of the loveliest walking territory too, including the 11 kilometre-long Terrasses de Lavaux hiking trail. Back in Montreux, you can sip a glass of Lavaux-grown Chasselas with a plate of fresh fish or platter of peppery le petit chaude cheese.

Trains and trails or cheese and chocolate?

You can take your pick of train stations in Montreux, which is home to the scenic trans-Alpine Simplon railway line. A cog railway also runs up to the viewpoint at Rochers de Naye. From here, you can embark on the final part of the Via Alpina long-distance walking trail, which runs back down to Montreux, or wander the Alpine garden. Alternatively, embark on a typically Swiss culinary day out and hop aboard the Chocolate Train which runs from Montreux. The belle époque-style carriages trundle through vineyards and mountain meadows, to Montbovon where the Chocolate bus takes over, taking you first to the medieval village of Gruyères - famous for its cheese - and on to the village of Broc and the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory.

Why book a summer holiday in Montreux with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of the Montreux's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Montreux include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team overseas can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Half price rail, bus and boat travel with the Swiss Half Fare Card (worth over £100 per person)

Free travel on Swiss Transport Network for Children up to 15 yrs incl

Inghams telephone rep service from a representative based in Switzerland

Hotels in Montreux

  • from£749pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 75 rooms
Hotel Rene Capt, Montreux - Lake Views From The Terrace

Hotel René Capt is close to the water, just behind the leafy lakefront promenade and within an easy walk of the centre of Montreux. In front of the hotel the lush, green, palm-lined garden has loungers for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Opt for a Lake View room to enjoy the best of the views.

  • from£669pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 30 rooms
Hotel Masson Montreux Lake View Room

The oldest hotel in Montreux, family-run Hotel Masson is a member of Swiss Historic Hotels. It's close to Chateau Chillon and a pleasant lakeside stroll from Montreaux's bustling centre. Enjoy romantic interiors, exceptional meals, lake views, and exceedingly comfortable beds.

  • from£879pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 157 rooms
Eurotel Montreux - aerial view2

The towering Hotel Eurotel sits at the edge of Lake Geneva - step inside for a taste of the French Riviera. Enjoy lakefront dining and sip prosecco on the terrace. In the centre of Montreux's centre and close to the quay and train station it's a great location for exploring.

Swiss Half Fare Card

The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable-cars, boats and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace. 

Swiss Half Fare Card included for all Inghams guests

The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.

Things To Do
  • Sightseeing
  • Lake cruises
  • Walking
  • Lakeside Strolls
  • Flora and fauna
  • History and culture museums
  • Festivals
  • Cinema
  • Cycling
  • Shopping
  • Watersports

Montreux, Switzerland is a wonderful base from which to explore the region, by boat, train, bus or on foot. Montreux has a beautiful lakeside promenade lined with palm trees and flowers. A visit to the well-known landmark, the charming 'Château de Chillon', is a must, whilst visitors can spend many relaxing days visiting other places of interest along the shores of the lake, such as the city of Geneva itself, or Evian-Les-Bains in France, either by charming lake steamer, or excellent rail links. Alternatively, take the little mountain train up to Rochers de Naye, one of Switzerland's favourite viewpoints.

Resort Card - Free to all guests

The Free ‘Montreux Riviera Resort Card’ is provided by your hotel upon arrival and gives you:

  • Free Travel on resort buses, including to Villeneuve nature reserve, Vevey and Glion viewpoint above the lake
  • Free Welcome drink at the tourist office upon arrival
  • 50% reduction on entrance to many local attractions, including Château de Chillon and Swiss Toy Museum
  • Reduced fares on some mountain railways

Subject to change.

Other things to do in and around Montreux

  • Famous 12th century Chateau de Chillon (50% reduction with resort card)
  • Visit the old town of Vevey, with its cobbled streets, little shops and local history museum (entrance Free)
  • Charlie Chaplin Museum in Vevey
  • ‘Lavaux Vinorama’ vineyards with wine-tasting and info about this UNESCO world heritage site
  • Lavaux Passion wine festival (approx 10-11 September) in nearby Vevey (approx. Sfr30 daily entrance)
  • ‘Marmotte Paradise’ (entrance free) observation area at Rochers de Naye
  • ‘Les Grangettes’ nature reserve in Villeneuve
  • Scenic boat trips to Evian, Lausanne etc.
  • Montreux Jazz festival with live music 
  • Excellent train links to city of Geneva for shopping and sightseeing
  • ‘September Musical’ classical music festival (dates tbc)
  • Regular folk markets take place in Vevey on Saturdays Jul-beg Sep
  • Street Artists festival with free shows in Vevey (dates tbc)

DiscountTravel Card included for all Inghams guests

Save up to 50% with your travel card on trips of your choice across the Swiss transport network. Included in the price of your holiday, and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets.

Travel card sent to you before departure with your rail transfer tickets.

Exploring on the Swiss Transport Network

Switzerland's excellent public transport network of mountain railways, cable-cars, steam boats and buses makes it a pleasure to explore the sights, at your own pace.

Great Value Travel Passes

Purchase a travel pass and only pay one inclusive price for your trips!
Prices shown include Travel Card discount.

Montreux Regional Pass (pre-bookable)

Lake Geneva Regional Pass best for unlimited travel on trains, boats and mountain railways in the Lake Geneva region including Vevey, Evian, Geneva and Rochers de Naye from £84 (any 3 days within 7, 2nd class).

 

Excursions

Great Value Travel Passes

Purchase a travel pass and only pay one inclusive price for your trips!
Prices shown include Travel Card discount.

Montreux Regional Pass

Lake Geneva Regional Pass best for unlimited travel on trains, boats and mountain railways in the Lake Geneva region including Vevey, Evian, Geneva and Rochers de Naye from £84 (any 3 days within 7, 2nd class)

‘Riviera Tour ’ lake cruise

Daily 
A 2 hour cruise on the picturesque ‘Haut-Lac’ where the most beautiful scenery and impressive backdrops of the upper part of Lake Geneva can be enjoyed.

Great Value Travel Passes

Chocolate train & Gruyères Cheese Dairy

From 90 CHF 

The Chocolate Train runs from  May to September 

  • May, June and September on Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • July and August every day

Travelling in authentic train carriages from the “Belle Epoque”, style the Chocolate Train allows passengers to discover the landscape and Swiss products. Starting in Montreux, train will cross sunny vineyards, mountain pastures and pass famous chocolate factory in Broc to arrive at the picturesque medieval village Gruyères. Upon completion of this gourmet experience, you will know all there is to know about traditional and tasty Swiss milk choco­late and the famous Gruyères cheese.

Included :

Belle Epoque train Montreux – Montbovon

• Coffee and chocolate bread served between Montreux and Montbovon

• Entrance to "La Maison du Gruyère" and entrance to "La Maison Cailler" with chocolate tasting

• Guiding

• Coach transfer from Montbovon between sites and travel back to Montreux

 

Other days out from Montreux

Visit  Glacier 3000

There is only one suspension bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks. It is called Peak Walk by Tissot and it can be found at Glacier 3000. An adventure that you will not easily forget. Take a scenic train journey from Montreux to Gstaad and from there a Post bus to the station of Glacier 3000. Take two gondolas to the top from where views are far reaching to Jungfrau, Matterhorn and Mont Blanc mountains. Various activities from tobogganing, glacier walk, snow bus, alpine coaster, dog sled ride and place to have lunch will keep you occupied for hours.

 

The Olympic Museum in Lausanne

Learn all about the origins of the games, Olympic symbols, opening and closing ceremonies. Interactive tools allow you to put yourself in the shoes of an athlete and embody the Olympic spirit on 8000m2 of park area. Take a train from Montreux to Lausanne and plan approx. 4hours to visit the museum.

Prices shown include Travel Card discount.

Please note that we act at all times as selling agent for the suppliers of activities & excursions.

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing but may vary up or down; correct prices will be advised at the time of booking.

Walking

There is plenty of walking opportunity in and around Montreux from pleasant lakeside strolls to longer walks in the hills above the town, reached by small mountain train. There are several walks which meander through the UNESCO world heritage site of the terraced Lavaux vineyards, which stretch along the shores of Lake Geneva.

Easy ‘La Rambertia’ alpine garden at the summit of the Rochers de Naye is worth a visit, not just for the 1000 alpine plants which are protected there, but also for great views of the lake.

Moderate Head to the UNESCO site of Lavaux, where you can meander through its terraced vineyards along the shores of Lake Geneva. There are various levels of walk depending on how high you want to climb. Or visit the ‘Grangettes’ nature reserve rich in flora and fauna. Head to Villeneuve on and then take the short walk (approx. 15 mins) along the shore to Le Bouveret to admire the various plants and wildlife, including over 270 species of bird, which can be found here. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Good to know

Walking trails: at least 100km of well-marked walking routes

Terrain: diverse terrain from lakeside promenades and vineyard terraces to steeper routes into the hills

Best time to go: end of May to mid October. If you like music, time your visit with the Montreux Jazz Festival

Recommended for: easy walking, food and drink, sightseeing, activities

Fly into: Geneva or Zurich (approx. 2 hours)

Transfer time: approx. 3 hours (from Zurich) or 1 hours 15 mins (from Geneva) by train (journey may require changes of train)

Rep service: in Montreux you have a telephone rep service from a representative based in Switzerland

Resort card: Swiss Half Fare Card included for all hotels - travel passes are available to pre-book

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