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Vevey and Montreux: Gems of the Vaud Riviera

Nestled between Lake Geneva and the Alpine foothills, Vevey and Montreux offer a picture-postcard setting where culture, nature and Mediterranean mildness blend together. Montreux, famous for its legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, delights visitors with its flower-lined quays and cosmopolitan atmosphere, while Vevey charms with its historic heritage, picturesque markets and unique connection to Charlie Chaplin.

Together, they are home to nearly 50,000 residents and enjoy an ideal location 25 km from Lausanne and less than an hour from Geneva, linked by a panoramic railway line running along the lake and by boats serving several towns in Switzerland and France.

Between the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sweeping views of the Alps, Vevey and Montreux embody a unique way of life where culture, nature and gastronomy intertwine harmoniously.

Location and access

Vevey and Montreux, between lake and mountains

Nestled on the Vaud Riviera in French-speaking Switzerland, Vevey and Montreux lie on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, between Lausanne and Villeneuve. Their prime location offers quick access from major Swiss cities and neighbouring countries, while preserving a relaxed resort atmosphere.

From Geneva : 92 km, approx. 1 h 05 by car / 1 h 00 by direct train
From Bern : 98 km, approx. 1 h 15 by car / 1 h 15 by train
From Zurich : 210 km, approx. 2 h 20 by car / 2 h 40 by train
From Lugano : 360 km, approx. 4 h 20 by car / 4 h 50 by train

Road and rail access : A9 motorway (Vevey or Montreux exits), SBB stations served by regional, InterCity and international trains, and the GoldenPass panoramic line to the Swiss Prealps and the Bernese Oberland.

Air access : Geneva Airport (1 h 15), Zurich Airport (2 h 40).

Lake access : Vevey and Montreux are served by CGN boats.

Zurich

Lausanne

Genève

Berne

Lugano

Zurich

Lausanne

Genève

Berne

Lugano

Montreux

Vevey

Geography and climate

The Lake Geneva Riviera microclimate

Vevey and Montreux nestle in a natural amphitheatre formed by the shores of Lake Geneva and the gentle slopes of the Vaud Alps. This unique setting creates a particularly mild microclimate, ideal for growing vines and for Mediterranean plants such as palm trees and oleanders to flourish.

To the north, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux (UNESCO) stretch over nearly 800 hectares. To the south, across the lake, the mountains of Haute-Savoie form a majestic backdrop.

DI 8

7° / 11°

LU 9

10° / 13°

MA 10

13° / 16°

ME 11

13° / 15°

JE 12

13° / 17°

VE 13

14° / 10°

Mild winters (2 to 5 °C), pleasant summers (25 to 28 °C), bright springs and autumns : a climate that has attracted artists and travellers since the 19th century !

Heritage and Culture

Heritage treasures of the Riviera

Vevey and Montreux reflect two harmonious sides of the Vaud Riviera, blending heritage and the art of living. In Vevey, the charm of the historic centre, the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards and the Chaplin’s World museum tell the story of a region rooted in its traditions.

Elegant and cosmopolitan, Montreux captivates with its flower-lined promenade, Belle Époque hotels and iconic Chillon Castle. Birthplace of the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, the town remains a major hub of culture and creativity in Switzerland.

Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle is a medieval fortress built on a rocky islet on the shore of Lake Geneva, near Montreux. Explore over 40 rooms, rock-cut underground vaults and Bonivard’s dungeon, made famous by Lord Byron.

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Chaplin’s World

Chaplin’s World is a museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, set in the Manoir de Ban in Corsier-sur-Vevey, where he lived for 25 years until his death in 1977. You can tour his family home, a studio of film sets and a 4-hectare park overlooking Lake Geneva.

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Alimentarium

The Alimentarium in Vevey is a museum entirely devoted to food and nutrition, set on the shores of Lake Geneva. Explore interactive exhibitions, a vegetable garden and an educational kitchen that hosts cooking workshops.

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Musée Jenisch

The Musée Jenisch in Vevey presents five centuries of paintings, drawings and prints in a neoclassical building opened in 1897. Home to the Cantonal Print Collection and the Oskar Kokoschka Foundation, it is a leading reference for the graphic arts.

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The festive soul of the Riviera

In Vevey, the folk markets bring summer to life : every Saturday morning, the Place du Marché turns into a joyful whirl of traditional costumes, music, dancing and Vaud specialities served in a relaxed, convivial way. Locals and visitors mingle in an authentic atmosphere where a glass of Chasselas is happily shared.

Roughly every twenty-five years, Vevey comes alive to the rhythm of the Fête des Vignerons, inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This grand, one-of-a-kind event celebrates the region’s winemaking traditions through a show featuring thousands of performers and drawing spectators from all over the world.

Gastronomy and lifestyle

Chasselas, the lake and local delicacies

All along the Riviera, the food on your plate reflects the lake, the vineyards and the alpine pastures. The markets (including the one on the Grande Place in Vevey) showcase dairy products, regional charcuterie and fish from Lake Geneva, while restaurant menus blend Swiss cuisine with international influences. The destination also boasts restaurants recognised by the guides (Michelin, Gault&Millau) and a varied range of world cuisines (Asian, Italian, etc.).

As for specialities, you’ll find perch fillets, often served “classic” style with chips and tartare sauce. Depending on the season and supply, they may come from Lake Geneva or be imported (don’t hesitate to ask where they’re from !).

Papet vaudois (leeks and potatoes cooked in white wine, served with a cabbage sausage) is an autumn-winter classic in the canton of Vaud. In spring, dandelion salad is often enjoyed with bacon lardons and egg. And all year round, fondue, in its moitié-moitié version (Gruyère AOP + Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP), features prominently on menus across the region.

A very typical dish of the Vevey/Montreux area, the “désossée” is a traditional way of preparing Lake Geneva perch : gutted and stripped of its dorsal and lateral bones, it keeps its central backbone, offering a tasting experience halfway between a fillet and a whole fish.

Our selection of restaurants on the Riviera

Botane
Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville 19, 1800 Vevey Google note : 4.8
Voir sur Google
Saveurs Du Coeur
Av. Reller 40, 1804 Corsier-sur-Vevey Google note : 4.7
Voir sur Google
Ma Cocotte
Quai Perdonnet 22, 1800 Vevey Google note : 4.5
Voir sur Google
KymèM à Venise
Quai de la Veveyse 8, 1800 Vevey Google note : 4.7
Voir sur Google

La Villa
Rue du Lac 75, 1815 Montreux Google note : 4.6
Voir sur Google
Safran
Grand' Rue 81, 1820 Montreux Google note : 4.7
Voir sur Google
L'Otantik Restaurant Montreux
Grand' Rue 28, 1820 Montreux Google note : 4.7
Voir sur Google
Restaurant All' angolo
Rue du Marché 23, 1820 Montreux Google note : 4.8
Voir sur Google

Nature and activities

Peaceful shores, majestic peaks

Between lake and mountains, Vevey and Montreux offer a unique playground for outdoor lovers. Lake Geneva, a true inland sea, invites you to swim, sail and cruise aboard CGN’s Belle Époque steamers. In summer, the quays become a lively promenade, dotted with flower gardens, contemporary sculptures and terraces where you can savour the mild climate.

Hikers will be in their element on the trails leading to the Rochers-de-Naye, Montreux’s iconic summit. Also accessible by a panoramic cogwheel train, it reveals a spectacular view over the entire Lake Geneva basin, as far as Mont Blanc on clear days. In winter, the area becomes a small family ski resort, ideal for a snowy getaway just minutes from the lake.

Blonay-Chamby Museum Railway

The Blonay-Chamby Museum Railway operates a 3 km metre-gauge line in the hills above Vevey and Montreux, served by vintage steam and electric trains. At the Chaulin depot, you can explore a collection of historic railway vehicles.

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Rochers de Naye

At 2,042 m above sea level, the Rochers de Naye tower over the Vaud Riviera with views of Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura. You reach the top from Montreux by cogwheel train, for hiking in summer or skiing, sledging and snowshoeing in winter.

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Col de Jaman

The Col de Jaman, at 1,512 m between Vaud and Fribourg, opens the way into the Vaud Prealps above Montreux. From here you can set off on foot towards the Dent de Jaman and the nearby alpine pastures, with wide views over Lake Geneva and the Riviera.

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Chauderon Gorge

The Chauderon Gorge is a natural site in Montreux, just above the old town in the Les Planches district. A shaded trail with stairs and footbridges follows the Baye de Montreux up to Glion, past waterfalls and moss-covered rock walls.

More info

Practical information

Budget and tips for discovering the Vaud Riviera

Useful tips

Languages : the local language is French, but English and German are widely understood in tourist areas.
Local transport : SBB trains and regional buses serve the entire Riviera; a city ticket costs 3 to 4 CHF. The Montreux Riviera Card, provided by many accommodation providers, gives free access to public transport and discounts on certain activities.
Average budget : allow approx. 160 to 250 CHF/day for a 3-star hotel, 20 to 40 CHF per meal in a standard restaurant, and 10 to 25 CHF per activity (museum entry, lake cruise, etc.).

How many days to visit the Riviera ?

1 day : stroll along the quays of Vevey/Montreux, visit Chillon Castle or Chaplin’s World, and take a cruise on Lake Geneva.
1 weekend : combine culture (museums, concerts), nature (Rochers-de-Naye) and gastronomy (markets, perch fillets).
4 to 5 days : a gentler pace with local discoveries, mountain excursions, relaxing by the lake and joining a seasonal event.
1 week or more : extend the experience with a visit to Lausanne, the Vaud capital with its vibrant cultural heritage, or head off on an excursion to the nearby Lower Valais to enjoy its alpine landscapes and many outdoor activities.

Sources : Montreux Riviera Tourist Office – City of Vevey – City of Montreux – Lavaux UNESCO – Montreux Jazz Festival – SBB – CGN