Holidays To Montreux - Lake Geneva (Vaud)

This elegant resort sits impressively on the shore of Lake Geneva

The Grande Dame of Swiss resorts, Montreux occupies an idyllic spot between the lake and the mountains. There is a definite Mediterranean atmosphere, with elegant shops and welcoming terrace-style cafés. You can stroll along the flower-lined shore or enjoy a lake cruise, taking in the views as visitors have been doing for the past 200 years - including the Romantic poets Shelley and Byron. Indeed it was here that Lord Byron was inspired to write 'The Prisoner of Chillon'. The medieval Chillon Castle is still well worth a visit today for its spectacular lakeside location and to see the great halls and courtyards of the Dukes of Savoy. 

More contemporary culture can be found at The Queen Studio Experience, where the legendary band created many of their albums, and at the world famous Jazz Festival held here every July. Year round, there is also the Montreux Museum to visit at the edge of the Old Town. It is well worth taking a day trip into the Lavaux wine regions that lay close to Montreux. There are often tastings open to the public and many delightful wine villages to explore via the charming vineyard trains. Hotel guests benefit from the FREE Montreux Riviera Card, allowing you to hop on and off the local buses, trains and funiculars.

NB For those who would prefer a stay in a quieter village with access to all the amenities and transport network of Montreux, we recommend nearby Vevey and La Tour-de-Peilz. 

Christmas Market 2024

Montreux Noël takes place 21 November - 24 December, with 150 charming chalet stalls lining the lake promenade. Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with plenty of festive shopping and delicious snacks and mulled wine. On Wednesdays-Sundays you can visit Santa Claus in his grotto high up on Rochers-de Naye, and at weekends Chillon Castle offers traditional Christmas displays and activities. 

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Choose from our handpicked Montreux hotels

Hotel Villa Toscane

J5 Helvetie

Eden Palace Au Lac

Hotel Mona

Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic
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Hotel Royal Plaza Montreux & Spa

Montreux is extremely well connected at the centre of the region's transport network so you can take trips on the lake and up to the mountains with ease; please click here for our summary of the best the region has to offer.

Les Rochers-de-Naye is a popular destination, a lovely spot with fabulous views just an hour from Montreux. The local funiculars offer the chance to explore the surrounding countryside and embark upon scenic walks. There is also the fantastic Chaplin's World Museum, based in Charlie Chaplin's former home in nearby Vevey and the Musée Olympique in Lausanne. If you want a true alpine experience, head for Glacier 3000 where you can enjoy beautiful views and snow fun all year round.

There are also some very special train journeys which we highly recommend while you are in the region. The nostalgic Cheese Train takes you on a magical winter journey to Chateau d'Oex for a cheese-making demonstration and fondue lunch while the Chocolate Train is a summer trip to picturesque Gruyères and the Nestlé-Cailler chocolate factory. Please ensure that you pre-book these popular journeys with us to avoid disappointment.

There are a number of day trips you can undertake from Montreux to visit a UNESCO site, indeed the beautiful Wine Terraces of Lavaux are on your doorstep. The Old Town of Bern is also a most charming place to browse around and there's the history of watchmaking to be found in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Find more Swiss World Heritage Sites here.

We can recommend a multi centre UNESCO themed holiday, taking in the Lavaux Vineyards and the medieval Castles of Bellinzona. You'll stay in Montreux and Lugano. Please ask us for details.

Our holidays include the Half Fare Card, which entitles you to a 50% discount on most rail, mountain railways, cable cars, boats and PostBuses across Switzerland.

If you are planning daily outings, it can be well worth pre-booking the Lake Geneva Regional Pass, as it saves you a great deal of money - and helps you avoid the queues at the ticket office! If you are planning to travel further afield, you might consider the Swiss Travel Pass as an alternative. We will be delighted to help you choose the one that's right for you. Call us on 0800 619 1200 for more advice.

Enjoy a fantastic two or multi centre holiday, with a scenic rail journey connecting your resorts.

Montreux is on the route of the GoldenPass Express (for Interlaken) which connects to the Luzern-Interlaken Express (for Lucerne). There are also easy connections to Brig, where you can pick up the Glacier Express (for St. Moritz).  

If you prefer to be based solely in Montreux, there are many lakes and mountains journeys to be enjoyed locally. We can tailor make any itinerary you choose, please contact us for details on 0800 619 1200. 

Your ticket wallet will contain comprehensive travel instructions to help you reach your destination with ease, including recommended rail connection times and platform numbers. These are the most common routes for your Montreux holiday. 

Fly to Geneva

Flights available from London, Luton, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle.  

Swiss Railways: Geneva Airport > Montreux with a transfer time of around 1 hour 10 minutes. 

Fly to Zurich

Flights available from London, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow.

Swiss Railways: Zurich Airport > Montreux with a transfer time of around 2 hours 55 minutes. 

Travel by international rail

Rail from London St. Pancras via Paris to Basel.

Swiss Railways: Basel > Bern > Lausanne > Montreux with a transfer time of around 2 hours 40 minutes. 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com