Montreux

Montreux, or the Montreux Riviera, has been a resort town for the well-heeled and famous, and an inspiration for artists from Lord Byron and Shelley to Charlie Chaplin, Freddie Mercury, and Deep Purple. Nestled along the shores of Lake Geneva and framed by the Swiss Alps, the heritage Old Town is perched atop a hill. The charming lakefront promenade is shaded by tall Mediterranean trees and lined with beautiful flowers like the wild narcissus. The lakeside is also home to grand Belle Époque architecture. Chaplin’s World in Montreux and Chillon Castle, or Château de Chillon, on an island in the lake is definitely worth a visit. The medieval island castle is complete with old ramparts, audience halls, and an old chapel with beautiful mural work.