Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux are the axis of the Swiss Riviera lining the shore of Lake Geneva, over which the permanently snow-capped Alps tower. The riviera is not the typical essence of Switzerland, but it is one of its most beautiful forms in the land of watches and chocolate. In addition to these towns and cities, the slopes above the clear turquoise lake are strewn with many small towns and villages which you may never have heard of, but that will convince you of the never-ending tourism riches of Switzerland.
Lausanne: Centre of the Olympic World
Lausanne is a university city built on sloping terraces over the lake, where both people and grapes are well established. You will find the largest concentration of vineyards in the whole of Switzerland here, and the wine-growing region of Lavaux and its thirty-two wineries is even on the UNESCO list. In the town’s centre, the gothic cathedral of Notre Dame is worth visiting and still has its own night watchman. He announces the time from its imposing tower every night between ten in the evening and two in the morning. In Switzerland, they simply want to know what time it is. The Olympic committee and the games museum are situated right by the lake.
Montreux: Small Town Full of Big Personalities
The spa town of Montreux bears a French footprint not only in its name but also in a form and atmosphere similar to the Côte d’Azur. It became well-known thanks to the world-famous jazz festival, which has been held here in the first two weeks of July since 1967. Montreaux has music in its DNA – Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Freddie Mercury, and the opera diva Barbara Hendricks have lived here. The town also appeared in the famous Deep Purple song “Smoke on the Water”, which is about a fire which happened at the local casino in 1971, when a Frank Zappa fan burned the building down with a flare.
If you want to fully experience Montreux, spend a night at Le Montreux Palace, a cult Belle Époque hotel from 1906 currently operated by the Fairmont network. Savoir vivre is certainly not alien to the Swiss. The water castle of Chillon, which is one of the best-preserved Medieval castles in Europe, is only three kilometres from Montreux and a destination all by itself. At one time, it was a strict prison whose infamous reputation inspired Alexander Dumas and Victor Hugo in their works.
Vevey: Chaplin’s Chocolate Town
The main watchmaking city is Geneva, the cheese capital is Gruyères, and if we are to conclude the Swiss big three, then the metropolis of chocolate must be Vevey. At least because the Nestlé group is based here. Vevey, however, is most strongly linked to the name of Charlie Chaplin. The famous comic spent the last quarter of his life in this town and its attractive shore promenade. His legacy is captured in a popular statue by the water, but you can meet something livelier he left to the world in the town’s streets – his daughter Annie, who alternates between her father’s beloved Vevey and France.
Glion sur Montreux: Above It All
A village high above Lake Geneva famous for its genuinely breathtaking views, a prestigious hotel school, and the fact that Henri Nestlé died of a heart attack here. The best thing, however, is carving into your memory a table with a white tablecloth at the Le Bellevue restaurant, which has received 16 Gault Millau points. The elegant Belle Époque eatery is located in the hotel institute’s building, and talented students sharpen their creativity on the menu here under the supervision of leading experts, so guests may even catch a glimpse of the start of a great culinary career. You have never been happier to be a guinea pig than you will be here.
Swiss Riviera by Car
If the idea of investigating the Swiss Riviera attracts you, the fastest and most pleasant way is to make use of car rental in accordance with your preferences – from a sporty cabriolet to a spacious family SUV. Ricard & Bonette has also prepared a complete itinerary of the trip for you, including many other recommended stops. The agency will also arrange four or five-star accommodation for you along the way so you can easily reserve additional experiences. You will find more in the programme for the SWISS RIVIERA, EVIAN & ANNECY.
