Formerly just a small fishing and wine-growing settlement, the city of Montreux is now considered one of the best European resorts. A variety of natural landscapes from vineyards and endless smooth lakes to snow-capped mountain peaks, natural beauty, many leisure options and historical sites constantly attract tourists here.
The city of Montreux is famous for its health centers and sanatoriums, beauty institutes, beautiful quiet streets and bright noisy nightlife: bars, restaurants and clubs. It has long been perceived as a resort for the rich with expensive hotels, excursions to elite local vineyards, boat trips or yachts on Lake Geneva, although there are also opportunities for budget vacations.
Chillon Castle
One of the main attractions and a recognizable symbol of Switzerland is the Chillon Castle built in the 12th century, which stands on a small rocky island in the suburbs of Montreux. It is connected to the mainland by a long bridge, through which tourists get to this medieval building.
The castle was also famous for the work of Byron "The Prisoner of Chillon", which was inspired to work by the story of the former prisoner of the castle, the monk Francois Bonivard. When visiting the castle, Byron carved his name on one of the pillars, and now this autograph is considered one of the main attractions of the castle.
City walk
Also interesting and worth visiting is the Montreux Museum, which tells the history of this beautiful small town. The museum is located next to the entrance to the Old Town, where the wine-making village of Sal was formerly located. For acquaintance, antiques are presented: coins, household items, tools, as well as an impressive collection of thimbles and other items related to embroidery and lace-making. The exposition, which tells about the life of famous people who were born or worked here, is also of interest.
Opposite the luxurious Montreux Palace hotel, you can see a monument to Vladimir Nabokov, who was forced to come here due to persecution in his homeland. The writer spent the last years of his life in Montreux and was buried here, not far from Montreux.
Walking along the Embankment of Lake Geneva, you can enjoy not only beautiful views, but also see the monument to the legend of rock music Freddie Mercury. He froze in his favorite position with his hand raised up. It is no coincidence that the monument to the rock musician was erected - here the legendary Queen group had a recording studio.
In the neighboring town of Vevey, there is a monument to another legend - comedy legend Charlie Chaplin. At the end of his life, he moved to live in Switzerland, and was originally buried here.
Annual Jazz Festival
In early July, a jazz festival is held annually in Montreux, which attracts performers and jazz fans from all over the world. For two weeks, lovers of good music enjoy the work of great and emerging musicians.
Numerous monuments to artists look like a trace from these jazz festivals: the famous jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, the "king of the blues" BB King, the American trumpet player Miles Davis.
