Best Time to visit Montreux

Highlights of spring in Montreux:

• Enjoy outdoor picnics:
  
  Pack a basket and set out on an outdoor picnic as you get the chance to admire the spring natural beauty of Montreux with flower blossoms everywhere amongst the lush landscapes. Some of the ideal picnic spots are;
  1. Quai des Fleurs: This beautiful Lakeside Promenade is full of spectacular displays of a variety of colorful flowers, lush greenery with benches at every short distance in a place stretching along the length of Lake Geneva. This ideal picnic spot is near to the city center making it easy to access with a stunning view of mountains and the pristine lake water.
  2. Parc Vernex: Located at the heart of Montreux, this beautiful picnic spot has well trimmed gardens and open spaces to sit and relax. The beauty of the place is further enhanced by fountains and play areas for children.
  3. Lavaux Vineyards: These spectacular terraced areas of Lavaux Vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage site offer a soothing atmosphere to enjoy a picnic in spring with its mesmerizing view of Lake Geneva and scenic walking paths. This place is also the best place to do some wine tastings.
• Embark on Hiking trails:
  
  Enhance your spring experience by getting on some of the most enchanting hiking trails of Montreux, where you get the chance to look ahead on the lush green landscapes, the magnificent waters of the lake and the alpine forestry. Some of the famous hiking trails are;
  1. Rochers-de-Naye: This trail takes you from Montreux offering a delightful panoramic view of the landscapes and Lake Geneva. As you come across the alpine flora and fauna, this magical place offers breathtaking vistas and marmot park with a train option to get on top.
  2. Dent de Jaman: This adventurous hiking trail is accessible via train from Montreux after which it gets a bit challenging. This tough hike finally rewards you with the most spectacular view of the diverse wildlife, the adjoining peaks and the lake beneath.
  3. Sentier des Narcisses: This trail starts from Les Avants, which is accessible by train from Montreux from where we get on the hike to witness spring at its best with never ending fields of blooming Narcissus flowers and scenic views along the pleasant walking paths.
• Events to Look out for:
  
  
  1. Cully Jazz Festival: Celebrated in the month of April this festival is native to Cully village of Montreux wherein, special Jazz performances from Internationally acclaimed artists are put up along the shores of Lake Geneva. This festival marks some of the most fun Live Jazz concerts, including outdoor stages and Jam sessions.
  2. Narcissus Festival: This festival is celebrated particularly to commemorate the bloom of Narcissus flowers. This festival is traditional to the area of Les Avants and is popularly called the “Snow of May”. This festival features photography of blossoms, flower walks and cultural activities.
  3. Montreux Grand Prix: This festival is celebrated in Late April in Montreux where classic car parades and races take place in a spectacular exhibition drawing car enthusiasts, particularly of vintage class from around the world to be a part of the festivities.

Summer Highlights of Montreux:

• Enjoy water activities: A bright sunny day at Montreux calls for a day at Lake where you immerse yourselves in the wonders of water as you go on to perform some adventurous water sports. Here are some of the items you can fill your itinerary with;
  1. Boat Cruises:
     Get on a boat and enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding alps and charming lakeside towns in the middle of Lake Geneva. These Boat cruises, both regular and themed, offer a variety of activities on the Lake including fine dining and excursions to nearby towns.
  2. Sailing:
     Siling is one of the best options to cool off the summer heat in the midst of the pristine waters of the lake. Montreux offers lessons for sailing as well as boats on rental to accommodate specified sailing tours.
  3. Jet Skiing:
     To get a boost of adrenaline, indulge yourself in the thrilling experience of Jet skiing in the waters of Lake Geneva which are available on rentals along with specified guided tours.
• Visit Wineries: The region of Montreux, is known for its exquisite collection of excellent Wineries that follow traditional centuries old recipes to produce some of the finest wine known around. These wineries are also an architectural treasure offering stunning views of the landscapes and lake ahead. Some of the wineries worth visiting are;
  1. Domaine Bovy:
     This family-run winery located within the area of Chexbres is known for its divine Chasselas wines. This winery follows the centuries old traditions of wine making all the while offering stunning views, picturesque landscapes, tours of the vineyards and special vine tastings.

  2. Clos de Chillon:
     This vinery is found within the compound of Chateau de Chillon. Here we see the wines being produced on the grounds of a historic Castle. This unique vineyard offers a full fledged tour wine and wine tasting program too.

  3. Les Freres Dubois:
     This village winery located in Cully is a well established wine production with a reputation par excellence. This establishment specializes in wines like Pinot Noir, Chasselas wine, and special Cuvees. Here we can indulge in extensive tours of the Vineyards, fine wine tastings as we relax in one of their special tasting rooms.

• Engage in Sight seeing: Summertime in Montreux with its bright sunshine and clear blue sky offers a perfect day worth planning to embark on a voyage where you enjoy and explore some of the wonders of Montreux, be it man made architectural specimens or nature’s divine designs.
  1. Château de Chillon:
     This grand property houses a well preserved medieval castle which is embarked on the shores of Lake Geneva. In the midst of this Castle, you can take in the stunning views of the surrounding alps and pristine waters of Lake Geneva. Here you have a chance to explore the dungeons of Castle, grand banquet halls and well kept courtyards.
  2. Freddie Mercury Statue:
     Standing tall as the representation of town’s musical heritage, this bronze statue of renowned Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury is located along the lakeside promenade.
  3. Old Town Montreux:
     This historic city center of Montreux is worth visiting, with its extensive cobbled-stone streets, cozy local shops selling traditional souvenirs, buildings incorporating medieval age architecture and bustling markets.

Summer festivals to enjoy:

• Montreux Sundance:
  Celebrated in Mid august amidst the peak summer heat this festival showcases some of the electrifying music performances held at Montreux music and convention center, where we enjoy lively music concerts and impressive light shows.

• Montreux Golden Rose Festival:
  Celebrated in early days of the month of june this festival aims to give recognition to best works in each category pertaining to international television and digital content. This festival features special screenings, award ceremonies, and many prestigious entertainment events attracting celebrities from across the world.

• Festival de la cite:
  This month-long city festival beginning from mid June lasting till mid July, this celebration is marked by theater performances across streets, stages of music and art performances giving a chance to established and emerging artists to showcase their talents.

Fall highlights in Montreux:

• Go for scenic drives: Make the most of your fantastic vacation time by getting on the road for a long scenic drive where you admire Montreux in its vibrant autumn hue amidst the roads that lead to some of the most picturesque destinations.
  
  1. Route des Monts-de-corsier: A long drive through this scenic route takes you through the picturesque countryside and traditional village worth admiring. Along this voyage you get the chance to drive through charming Swiss villages, and an ideal location to relax amid the peace and quiet.
  2. Col de la Croix: This drive takes you through the mountain pass of Col de la Croix to the suburban areas of Villars, where you get to admire the breathtaking view of fall foliage from high altitude points. This serene path allows you a sneak peek into the flora and fauna of this area.

  3. Route de l’Intyamon: This scenic route from Montreux takes you to a charming picturesque valley of Intyamon where you get to see extensive pasture areas under the autumn glow, amongst the rolling hills catch the glimpse of traditional Village houses and livestock.
• Explore museums: Montreux is a place with a rich collection of museums that preserve its history for visitors and history enthusiasts in particular to explore. These range from food, art to music and much more.
  1. Musee de Montreux: This museum of Montreux houses specimens from history and culture of Montreux and adjoining areas. This place offers a wide collection of artifacts and exhibitions on the local history of Montreux, its art and traditions including its development into a tourist destination and the culmination of its famous Jazz Festival.
  2. Queen:The studio experience: This famous museum in Montreux is dedicated to the work of an iconic Rock band named Queen. This museum is a place that was converted from their recording studio where we can rummage through the original recording equipment, memorabilia, whilst offering interactive exhibits, making it a delight for music enthusiasts.
  3. Musee Jenisch: This intricate museum celebrates and preserves art in different forms. It showcases a massive collection of fine art specimens and prints of the Swiss tradition, drawings featuring contemporary artists and much more.
• Enjoy traditional cuisine: Make your Autumn visit to Montreux worthwhile as you bless your tastebuds with the richness of culinary delights that are special to the fall season. Some of the must try dishes are;
  1. Birnenbrot: This is a dense piece of bread which is especially made of dried pear fruit and a topping of nuts. This is a perfect snack to go with cheese which is a particularly famous autumn dish in the alpine regions.
  2. Tarte aux Pruneaux: Specially enjoyed during the autumn harvest time, this Prune tart is made with fresh plums and prune. It features a rich buttery crust and a sweet tart filling, which is considered the most famous autumn desert.
  3. Gibier: Autumn being the season of hunting calls for dishes of meat to become staple. These meat dishes of boar, deer and venison, go perfectly with creamy sauces, cabbage soups, cheese breads and swiss style egg noodles.

Fall festivals to enjoy:

• Fête des Vendanges:
  This “wine harvest” festival is celebrated in the month of October which is special to the Louvre wineyard region as the grapefruit is harvested. The celebrations are marked with special wine stalls, parades, traditional music and dance.
• Fête de la Châtaigne:
  Popularly known as the Chestnut festival overseas, this festival is celebrated in mid- October where people come out at stalls with chestnut themed food, Traditional music and childrens’ activities.

• Desalpe Festival:
  This festival is particularly celebrated in the rural areas of Montreux and marks the occasion of returning of Cattle from their pastures. The celebrations include parades of livestocks where cattle are decorated with jewelry, traditional food and music.

• Christmas Markets and Festivities: December is known for Christmas and to add a great color to this festival there is a highlight; the Christmas market. Here, you can explore the stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and seasonal treats like mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts. You will get a warm and perfect festive atmosphere out of this market along with your holiday shopping.
• Ice Skating and Winter Sports: If going on ice skating is a dream for you, you must visit one of the popular places called de la Navigation. On the snow which is gifted by nature, you can enjoy ice skating at open-air rinks setup. If your body and mind want more adventurous winter sports, head to nearby ski resorts in the Swiss Alps for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

• Festival Lausanne Lumieres: To experience the magical Festival Lausanne Lumieres, where the city is illuminated with stunning light installations and artistic displays. The festivals will brighten up your winter evening, and create a vibrant and enchanting ambiance.
• Thermal Baths and Spas: To make your body and mind so comfortable and peaceful, look into to warming up and relaxing in the thermal baths and spas near Lausanne. Places like Lavey-Ies-Bains will offer soothing thermal waters and wellness treatments. This will be a great opportunity to escape from the cold and a chance to rejuvenate.

• Cozy Cafes and Gourmet Dining: Lausanne’s culinary scene thrives in winter, with cozy cafes and gourmet restaurants that will be offering hearty Swiss dishes. Enjoy fondue, raclette, and other winter specialties in a warm and intimate setting.

• Indoor Attractions: You can take advantage of Lausanne’s rich indoor attractions during the colder months. Visit museums, art galleries, and historic sites like the Olympic Museum, Collection de L’art Brut, and Lausanne Cathedral to enjoy cultural experiences while staying warm.

Additional Information to hop on

• Since you are going to experience a great snowy climate, remember to dress in layers and ensure you have warm clothing. It can include a winter coat, gloves, scarf, and hat. Insulated boots can also be a good choice to stay warm and comfortable during outdoor activities.

• If you are planning to engage in winter sports, make sure you are following the safety guidelines and wearing appropriate gear. It is always a great idea to check whether and trail information before heading out.
• Lausanne’s public transportation system is efficient and reliable even during winter. It is better to take a Lausanne Transport card for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and the metro. During snowy weather, it is good to check the transportation schedule.

Seasonal Recommendations That You Can Follow for Curating Your Personal Itinerary

• Best Season for Winter Sports and Festive Celebrations: If you are a person who loves snow the most, winter (December through February) is the ideal time for you to plan a trip to Lausanne. The surrounding Swiss Alps will offer you excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Lausanne’s winter season is not only about snow but also about enjoying festive celebrations. The city’s Christmas markets will offer you handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and a warm, festive atmosphere. To witness the wonderland, then you must visit the Lausanne during winter.
• Best Time for Outdoor Adventures and Cultural Festivals: If you are fond of outdoor adventurous activities and cultural experiences, then summer (June to August) is the best time to visit Lausanne. This is the time when warm temperatures and long sunny days will together offer a perfect condition for sailing, paddleboarding, and swimming in Lake Geneva. The surrounding countryside and the nearby Alps will provide excellent hiking and biking trails during summer. Summer is also a festival season in Lausanne, with events such as the Lausanne Estivale bringing free concerts, performances, and outdoor movie screenings to various venues across the city.

• Best Time for Scenic Walks and Relaxation: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the wonderful seasons for scenic walks and relaxation. During these seasons, the weather is mild and the city is adorned with either blooming flowers or vibrant fall foliage. In spring, Lausanne’s parks and gardens come to life with colorful blooms and it will be a perfect time for leisurely walks through places. Autumn offers a different but equally stunning landscape for your eyes, with golden hues. Both seasons are amazing for exploring Lausanne’s natural beauty and to enjoy peaceful boat rides on the lake.