Montreux, Switzerland

View of Montreux with Château de Chillon, Switzerland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Montreuw_Chillon_G.jpg
Author: Wouter Hagens


Montreux is a resort town in the Swiss Riviera. It is located in the district of Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut, in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The town covers 33.4 sq km (12.9 sq mi) and has a population of around 25,000. It is situated by the banks of Lake Geneva, at the foot of the Swiss Alps.

Scenic Montreux with Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Montreux,_Switzerland.JPG
Author: Muhaidib, Ahmed


Montreux is a predominantly French-speaking town. The area has been settled as early as the Late Bronze Age. During the Roman era it benefited from its position at the junction of the Roman road from Italy branching into two directions, one to Aventicum and another to Gaul via Besançon.

Montreux became an important wine-growing region as early as the 12th century. The town was ruled by various princes over the centuries. In the 15th century, the Swiss occupied it. During the Reformation it became a haven for Huguenots from Italy. Nevertheless Roman Catholics (38.1%) outnumber Protestants (28.7%) in Montreux today. The majority of Protestants belong to the Swiss Reformed Church.

The tourism industry of Montreux began early compared to other cities in Switzerland. In the 19th century it was already a draw for the rich and famous of Europe and America. To maintain its position as a tourist destination, the town launched the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967 and made it an annual event. Other notesworthy events include the Golden Rose Festival that celebrates the television industry and the Golden Award of Montreux that honors those in the advertising and multimedia industry.

Montreux at nightfall
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Montreux.jpg
Author: Ras67

Visiting Montreux

Foreign visitors can fly to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport (GVA) and then continue to Montreux by train, a journey of about an hour. The Geneva airport terminal is linked to the Geneva Railway Station for easy connection.

Sights & Attractions in Montreux

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