Montreux: Lakeside Promenade, Culture and Alpine Excursions

Montreux, in the canton of Vaud and the Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut district, combines a long lakeside promenade with an old town, cultural venues and destinations in an alpine setting. When choosing a hotel stay, this gives you a way to plan around your interests: walks along Lake Geneva, local history and art, Queen’s musical history, or mountain views and seasonal activities. This can help you decide which side of Montreux is especially appealing for your trip.

Lake Geneva and varied landscapes

Montreux’s quays border Lake Geneva for almost seven kilometres. A promenade lined with palm trees and plant sculptures stretches between them. Place du Marché is also on the lakeshore: a three-metre-high bronze statue of Freddie Mercury stands there. It is freely accessible year-round. The lakeside promenade by the statue is traffic-free and has no barriers; temporary works may affect local conditions.

There are also different kinds of nature experiences to choose from. The Gorges du Chauderon are a wild natural landscape just a few steps from the old town. By contrast, the marked Sentier des Narcisses passes through meadows and forests, with viewpoints along the way offering views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. The difference is straightforward: here, the gorge landscape takes centre stage; there, it is a succession of meadows, forest and views.

Old town and cultural highlights

The Musée de Montreux has been housed in historic buildings in the old town since 1920. Its collections cover, among other things, everyday life, professions, crafts and tourism, as well as people who have shaped the region. An exhibition on the history of Montreux and its region spans the period from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum therefore offers insights into different areas of life and work as well as a broad historical perspective.

The Centre Culturel Maison Visinand in the old town focuses on something different: contemporary art. It holds several exhibitions each season as well as cultural activities for all age groups. The historic building was constructed in 1592 and is listed as a monument. Here, a contemporary programme of art and culture meets a building with a long history. The exhibitions currently on show may change from one season to the next.

Queen experience in Montreux

The exhibition Queen: The Studio Experience focuses on the band Queen. Objects and materials on display include personal items, stage costumes, handwritten letters, contemporary photographs and instruments belonging to Queen and Freddie Mercury. A special part of the visit is the faithfully reconstructed control room: visitors can mix four Queen hits on the replica Neve console. This makes the exhibition not only a display of memorabilia but also an interactive musical experience.

Rochers-de-Naye and alpine nature

Around Montreux, Rochers-de-Naye offers views of the Alps and Lake Geneva. In summer, there are opportunities for hiking; in winter, for winter sports. A cogwheel railway connects Montreux with Rochers-de-Naye in about 55 minutes; check the timetable before setting off. The approximate journey time helps you plan this excursion, while the seasonal activities clearly distinguish between summer and winter stays.

The La Rambertia alpine garden is also located at Rochers-de-Naye. Its collection includes more than 1,000 alpine plants, and numerous hiking trails run alongside the garden. So, alongside the views and seasonal activities, alpine plant life offers another distinct nature-focused option.

Montreux as a destination for your hotel stay

If you’re looking for a hotel in Montreux, you can plan your trip around the themes that interest you: the lakeshore and its promenade, the museums and cultural offerings, the Queen exhibition or the alpine landscape nearby. Each destination has a different focus, from local history and contemporary art to mountain views and seasonal activities. This selection can help you get a sense of Montreux as a destination and choose the focus that suits your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Glion, Chernex, Rossinière, Corseaux, Les Avants, Chamby, Caux, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz.

For the broader travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.