Home >
Switzerland >
Car Hire in Montreux
Montreux
Home of one of Switzerland's most visited attractions (Chateau de Chillon) the old roman town of Montreaux still excites the tourist when viewing the town sat beside the shimmering water on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva.
The lakeside is the most popular and crowded area to be visited. Here the Casino is always busy, although during the day it is largely used by tourists on the slot machines. Boats sail from the the Quay du Debarcadere to all parts of the lake. Nearby there is Vevey and Villeneuve to visit and much further afield Lausanne and even Geneva itself can be visited in a day. The railway station is in the centre of town and communications with other parts of Switzerland is very good with regular local trains as well as main liners that frequently travel to Geneva, Lausanne and Berne.
The ten museums hereabouts cover just about everything one wishes to know about Montreaux and its ancient and modern history. The old town (Vielle and Ville) is a haven of peace compared with the waterfront. It gives good views of the town and lake and there is a quiet walk to the stone church, Eglise de Montreaux, worthy of visiting.
The thirteenth century, Chateau de Chillon, is on an island near the town. Built as a fortress it has on view, it dungeons, torture chamber, booby traps in case of attackers getting past the moat and an armoury. There is also the story that a priest in the sixteenth century spent four years chained up in this Chateau. He was eventually freed and his captivity inspired writings by many including Victor Hugo and Lord Byron.
The festivals of Montreaux are many an varied. The most famous being the Jazz Festival which is for a fortnight in July and followed in August and September by the Voice and Music Festival. Apart from the paying public there are numerous free concerts given as well as a Jazz piano competition. The waterside is where most of it happens and although food is somewhat expensive, there are places to be found which are much cheaper.