Travel Eye on Montreux (Switzerland)

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Overview:

Montreux, at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, is the riviera town of the lake, with palms and magnolias spilling down the steep hillsides to the shoreline. Just outside the town is the famous Chateau de Chillon, dominating its surroundings and inspiration to many, including Byron. In July Montreux is home to perhaps the greatest annual festival of Jazz in the world.

Montreux attracts from May to Sept, a mature clientele come to enjoy the sun, water and a taste of Switzerland, groups walk the promenade and visit the places of interest. During the festivals, the average age drops dramatically.

The accommodation here has many grand hotels, which are open all year, with a greater choice of lower-rated options during the busier summer season, many of the smaller hotels close in winter. There are also private B&Bs, villas and studios. Also there is 1 hostel which is open in the summer only.

It is a quiet and attractive "riviera" resort where development has remained for the most part relatively low rise and in keeping with local style. One of its chief attractions is its long, lakeside promenade, ideally placed for strolling and admiring the fabulous lake and mountain views. The weather can be hot and sometimes stuffy in the summer.

Locality:

Montreux can be found towards the west end of Switzerland, 13 mls from the French border. It is 18 mls SE of Lausanne, 58 mls NE of Geneva and its international airport, 56 mls SW of Berne and its international airport. Montreaux nestles between the north shore of Lake Geneva and the steep slopes of the Alps Vaudoises.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

There is not a major shopping centre, but the main street provides many chic boutiques. Prices are expensive and much of what is on offer has a designer label. The central shopping mall offers a supermarket and a few other less expensive shops.

During the daytime there are numerous museums and exhibitions, the Chateau of Chillon which is Switzerland's most famous castle. People also partake in lake swimming, water-skiing, rowing and paddle steamers. In the winter, nearby mountains offer skiing, tobogganing and ice-skating.

The nightlife here consists of a casino, a cinema, a few nightclubs and bars. The town comes alive during the festivals.

There is endless choice of eateries , from promenade snack bars to the terrace of a 5-star hotel. Swiss specialities err on the expensive side. Cheaper options include pizzerias and Chinese.