Montreux Information - Montreux Jazz Festival Hotels

Montreux Information

Montreux is the most frequented resort on Lake Geneva and famous for its beautiful location in the southwestern part of Switzerland. Enhanced by the spectacular background of the Alps, the town of 20,000 inhabitants has charmed many people in the past. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, Montreux is regarded to be one of the noblest resorts in Switzerland.

The city of Montreux stretches along the shores of a large bay facing south and rises in tiers to heights covered with woods and vineyards which shelter it from the north and east winds. Besides the historic architecture, the picturesque lanes, historical sights and exclusive shopping facilities Montreux's attractiveness has grown by its numerous international festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival (July), the International Choral Festival (the week following Easter) and the September Musical Concert.

The mildness of its climate makes Montreux and its neighboring villages a climatic resort all the year round and earns it the name of Vaud Riviera for its lakeshore. On the shores of the lake you will find fig, bay, almond and mulberry trees and even cypresses, magnolias and palm trees flourishing at truly Mediterranean temperatures. This exceptional climate is by far the mildest on the north side of the Alps: vines grow at an altitude of nearly 2,000 ft., walnut trees up to 2,300 ft. and fruit trees up to 3,250 ft.

Montreux has many sumptuous palaces and Edwardian hotels that are reminiscent of the French Riviera. It is pleasant to go up thought old Montreux to the terrace of the church and see the district of Clarens-Montreux-Territet, the lake with the Chateau de Chillon on its rocky islet, the mountains of the Savoy Chablais and the sparkling Dents du Midi.

Getting to Montreux
Montreux is located in southwestern Switzerland on Lake Geneva, 90 km (56 miles) from Geneva, the nearest airport. Travel time from Geneva is 1 hour by car and 1 hour and 10 minutes by train. The resort is 200 km (124 miles) from Zurich and 87 km (54 miles) from Berne.

By train, take an international train (TGV from Paris, by Pendolino from Milan and Intercity from Frankfurt or Munich) to Lausanne and there change for Montreux. There are direct trains from Geneva Airport to Montreux every hour.