Switzerland’s Lake Geneva offers an escape with stunning scenery from its glistening lake to its snow-capped Alps to its century-old vineyards. Along the border with France, it is known as the Swiss Riviera and has been a draw for centuries. One of the most enchanting areas to visit is Montreux and Vevey. European Royalty, such as the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Sisi, stayed here. Music royalty, like Queen’s Freddie Mercury, bought a house. Here are the top Belle things to do in Montreux, Vevey and Levaux.
25 Belle Things to Do in Montreux-Vevey-Levaux
Walk Down the Quais de Montreux
See the Freddie Mercury Statue
Visit the Queen: The Studio Experience
Try Your Luck at Casino Barrière Montreux
Sail Away in the Belle Epoque Paddle Wheel Steamboat
Hop the Chocolate Train
Visit Chillon Castle
Attend the Montreux Riviera Noël
Walk Along the Vevey Promenade
Tour the Alimentarium
Snap a Pic of The Fork of Vevey
Pose with Charlie Chaplin Sculpture
Find the Seahorses
Attend the Grande Place City Market
Find The Centurion Kinetic Sculpture
See the Collection at Camera Museum
Tour the Vevey History Museum
Visit Chaplin World
See the Villa Le Lac Le Corbusier
Hop the Funicular to Levaux
Go for Wine Tasting
Watch the Sunset and Dine Overlooking Lake Geneva
Hike the Levaux Vineyards
Ride the Golden Pass Express
Spend the Night
Why is Lake Geneva Famous in Switzerland
Lake Geneva is a temperate hub, with a microclimate that supports vineyards and palm trees along its southern shore near Vevey. Mont-Pèlerin and Rochers-de-Naye snow-capped peaks frame the view, and Rochers-de-Naye offers a cog-wheel train excursion.
France and Switzerland share the lake, one of the largest in Western Europe. The area enjoys a laid-back vibe, rich in the arts, with murals and sculptures dotting its lakeside promenades. It supports top events and festivals, from the summertime Montreux Jazz Festival to the largest Christmas market in Switzerland, also in Montreux.
Geneva was governed as an independent city-state for centuries, and the area continues to attract wealthy expats. Freddie Mercury said, “If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux.”
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Quais de Montreux
Along the shores of Lake Geneva, the Quais de Montreux is a landscaped pedestrian walkway. It spans thirteen kilometers and is a favorite for both travelers and residents.
It passes several top sites, like the Freddie Mercury Statue and the Place du Marché. The Montreux ferry terminal is along the Quai, and the Montreux Train Station is close by.
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Freddie Mercury Statue
The Queen lead singer and songwriter lived in Montreux from 1987 until his death in 1991. Freddie Mercury even recorded his last album, Made in Heaven, while in Montreux.
The statue was installed in 1996 and overlooks Lake Geneva. For those interested, there are Freddie Mercury tours. Montreux also celebrates the singer with a festival in early September.
It is located on the Quai de Montreux in front of the Place du Marché. It is free to enjoy.
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Casino Barrière Montreux
As the home of the Montreux Jazz Festival (an annual music festival every July) until 2006, the Montreux Casino is more than a traditional casino. Originally built in 1881, it has been renovated several times.
In 1971, a fire destroyed the casino. A The Mothers of Invention fan started the fire by using a flare gun during the annual Jazz festival. The Mountain Studios was located inside.
Deep Purple was slated to record in the casino during the festival. It wrote Smoke on the Water about the fire.
Located at Rue du Théâtre 9, 1820 Montreux. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). Adults only for gambling.
Queen: The Studio Experience
Inside the Casino Barrière Montreux, visitors can see the original costumes of Freddie Mercury from the 1970s. Inside the Montreux Mountain Studios, fans can see original handwritten versions of his music.
There are also original musical instruments. The original sound studio is another top thing to see.
Located at Rue du Théâtre 9, 1820 Montreux. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and free to enter.
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Sail Away in the Belle Epoque Paddle Wheel Steamboat
With a fleet of five Belle Epoque Paddle Wheel Steamboats, passengers can commute between cities the scenic way. Each of the CGN vintage paddleboats has been restored to its original beauty.
On my trip, I sailed on the Montreux, a 1904 steamboat with a length of over 220 feet (68 m). It is the oldest boat in the fleet and uses a 21st-century steam engine. It offered two classes of service and hosts dinner cruises in its elegant, paneled spaces.
The Belle Epoque Paddle Wheel boats are based in Lausanne and travel to most cities surrounding Lake Geneva. I used the Swiss Travel Pass, and it covered the fare. The Lausanne -St. Gingolph route that stops in Vevey, Montreux and Chillon Castle.
Chillon Castle
Located on a small stone island along the eastern banks of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle is Medieval. Constructed in the 11th century, it controlled the route from Burgundy to the Great Saint Bernard Pass.
The Count of Savoy collected tolls from this outpost from the 12th to the 16th century. They used it as a summer residence as well. Then the Bernese filled the role until 1798.
One of the most visited medieval castles in Europe and the most visited historical site in Switzerland, situated between Montreux and Villeneuve. In the 19th century, writers including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Gustave Flaubert, Mary Shelley and Lord Byron used it for inspiration.
Restored, visitors can walk through its rooms, like its three formal great halls, overlooking Lake Geneva. Its Camera Domini is the Count’s chamber, the most luxurious of the bedrooms, but Spartan with its Medieval furnishings.
The Chapel and the Underground Dungeon are also popular. Visitors can explore the outdoor courtyards. There’s even a weapons collection.
Located at Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., from April to September, with seasonal hours for the rest of the year. Adult admission is CHF 15, students are CHF 12.50 and kids are CHF 7. Free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Guided and self-guided tours available.
There’s parking on site, the Chillon bus stop is in front, or use the S5 regional train to Veytaux-Chillon station. Find a cafe on site.
Chocolate Train
Chocolate lovers can board a day trip to tour a chocolate factory. First, passengers board the Belle Epoque rail cars, Pullman 1915 vintage coaches from Montreux to Montboven on the Berner Oberland railway.
Then transfer to a coach bus for the final leg of the journey to Gruyères. This is where tourgoers learn about cheese making. Then, in medieval Broc, the Cailler chocolate factory offers a tour and a tasting.
This is an all-day tour, departing and returning to Montreux. It runs from May 1 to September 30, several days a week. Adult fares start at CHF 99 for First Class or CHF 89 for Second Class, or CHF 59 for all classes when using the Swiss Travel Pass. Kids (6 and older) are CHF 79 for First Class and CHF 49 for Second Class. Reservations required.
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Montreux Riviera Noël
This is the most popular Christmas market in Switzerland. Visitors will find traditional 120 chalets selling seasonal food and beverages, holiday gifts and ornaments.
There’s a flying Santa and his sleigh, plus a Santa hut with the man himself.
Located at Pl. du Marché, 1820 Montreux. It runs from late November to Christmas Eve.
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Things to Do in Vevey
From tree-lined streets to fountains to boutiques, Vevey is very walkable. During my visit, I found public art, from sculptures to murals.
Its views of Lake Geneva attract visitors and residents alike. I recommend you visit a museum to learn more about the area. If you are craving fondue, find it in Vevey.
Best of all, public transportation is easy to use. The area uses funiculars, trains and ferries.
Vevey Promenade
Along Lake Geneva, the Vevey Promenade is a wide pedestrian route with trees and seasonal landscaping. During my visit, I walked down it several times and found an ice cream hut, a chair service for lounge chairs with changing huts.
Everyone, from kids to neighborhood dogs, used this route. Others found a spot to enjoy the sun while others swam in Lake Geneva.
During my visit, I used the ferry to travel from Montreux. Along the Vevey Promenade, I found several sculptures, like the Fork.
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Alimentarium
For more than 30 years, this museum has been dedicated to nutrition and food. Inside the Alimentarium, visitors will find culinary objects and workshops.
Once the headquarters of Nestlé, it is a Neo-Classical building that has been restored. It is a popular destination for school groups and families.
Its outdoor vegetable garden is delightful. The eight-meter-high fork in Lake Geneva leads the way and is in the Guinness Book of Records.
Located at Quai Perdonnet 25, 1800 Vevey. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April to September, closing at 5 p.m. for the rest of the year. Adults enter for CHF 15, students are CHF 12 and kids (6 to 15) are CHF 6. Free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
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Lake Geneva Sculptures
Along the Vevey Promenade, I found several sculptures. They are easy to find and free to visit.
The Fork of Vevey
Now a symbol of Vevey, the Fork measures over four feet tall and is made of stainless steel. Initially installed in 1995, it was removed and returned in 2009.
The Fork was declared the World’s Tallest Fork in 2014. Now, it is a popular photo spot.
Located at Quai Perdonnet, 1800 Vevey. Free to enjoy.
Charlie Chaplin Sculpture
Charlie Chaplin moved to the area in 1954 with his wife and family. He lived in Vevey until his death in 1977. Known for his silent film character, The Tramp, he went on to direct films.
In 1982, a bronze statue depicting Chaplin as the Tramp was erected along the shore of Lake Geneva.
Located at Quai Perdonnet, 1800 Vevey. Free to enjoy.
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L’Hyppocampe Sculpture
A series of three seahorse sculptures is set in Lake Geneva in Vevey. Two nymphs ride seahorses into Lake Geneva, just beyond the steps to the water.
Another child-like nymph is located on the promenade in a pool. Edouard-Marcel Sandoz created the sculpture.
Located at Quai Maria-Belgia, 1800 Vevey. Free to enjoy.
Mihai Eminescu Statue
Another sculpture to see along the boardwalk was donated by the Romanian embassy in Vevey. Mihai Eminescu was a renowned Romanian poet.
Located at Quai Perdonnet, 1800 Vevey. Free to enjoy.
Grande Place City Market
One of the best ways to enjoy a city is to stroll through its weekly market. On Tuesday and Saturday mornings year-round, residents and visitors shop for culinary delights and flower bouquets. On Saturdays in July and August, the Grande Place City Market hosts wine tastings.
Located at Grand Place, 1800 Vevey. Free to enter
Camera Museum
In this multi-level facility, learn about the origins of the photograph. With hands-on displays, visitors can walk through its technological advances.
My favorite part of this museum is seeing cameras I remember. There is a mobile phone that covers its evolution.
Located at Grande Place 99, 1800 Vevey. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Adults enter for CHF 9, students are CHF 7 and kids (up to 18) are free. Free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
The Centurion Kinetic Sculpture
Standing in the Grand Place, Vevey Centurion kinetic sculpture is by artist Charles Morgan. It features a massive coil spring with moving parts.
Located at Rue du Lac 51, 1800 Vevey. Free to view.
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Vevey History Museum
Housed in Vevey Castle, the 16th-century estate was the residence of the Bernese bailiffs. It houses cultural artifacts for the region, including art.
During my visit, I saw the costumes of Les Fêtes des Vignernons, or the Festival of the Winegrowers. This festival started in 1797 and is listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The last one was held in 2019, 20 years after the previous one in 1999.
Rue du Château 2, 1800 Vevey. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is CHF 5 and students are CHF 4, with those under 18 entering for free. Free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Chaplin World
Silent film star Charlie Chaplin lived near Vevey for 25 years. In his former home in Corsier-sur-Vevey, visitors can visit Manoir de Ban for a museum about his life and early cinematic history.
Divided into three areas: the Manoir, the Studio and the Park, visitors can explore his home, watch his film and see the gardens. The tour is over two hours long,
Located at Rte de Fenil 2, 1804 Corsier-sur-Vevey. Open daily at 10 a.m., closing at 6 p.m. most nights. Adult admission starts at CHF 24 and youth tickets start at CHF 17.
Villa Le Lac Le Corbusier
For architecture fans, in the 1920s, modernist architect Le Corbusier designed a lakeside home, just north of Vevey. It is part of the 17-building UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the Architectural Work of Le Corbusier.
Located at Rte de Lavaux 21, 1802 Corseaux. Open from Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is CHF 15, students are CHF 12 and kids enter for CHF 9. Cash payment only, no cards. Use the bus 201 stop Bergère.
Enjoy Swiss Fondue
When in Switzerland, you must enjoy at least one meal of Fondue. It is one of the Swiss specialties; however, it is eaten more frequently in winter.
Les Trois Sifflets Café is a traditional restaurant with wood paneling and folk art adorning the walls. Best of all, it serves fondue year-round.
The menu features traditional cheese fondue, a tomato fondue and a beef fondue. Surprisingly, I like the tomato fondue with its blend of cheese and tomatoes. I love traditional cheese fondue and it is a regular at my house during the Holiday season.
The service is lively and fun. When your fondue is ready, the servers cue military-style music as they parade in with your meal.
During my visit, one server even wore what looked like a metal helmet from WWII. Then they use a three-foot-long pepper grinder to decorate the top of the fondue with a Swiss cross. It was campy, yet authentic, and everyone from retirees to families pulled out their phones for the presentation.
Located at Rue du Simplon 1, 1800 Vevey. Open Sunday and Monday from 5 to 11:30 p.m., Tuesday to Friday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then for dinner from 5 to 11:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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Visit Levaux
Stretching for 30 km, Levaux is an 830-hectare parcel on the south-facing shores of Lake Geneva is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terraced vineyards dated back to the 11th century, when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries carved out the area to produce wine.
With its southern exposure, light reflection off the lake and heat that radiates from the stone walls, the vines benefit from a Mediterranean climate.
In the region, there are 200 wineries, with 19 different wines. The most popular is the Chasselas. The growing season is from April to November, when most visitors venture to the Levaux.
Go for Wine Tasting
During my visit to the Lavaux, I enjoyed a wine tasting at Domaine Bovy. The great-great-grandfather bought the house and land in 1905.
Now in its fourth generation, the Bovy Brothers manage the estate. During my visit, it was harvest season.
Eric Bovy led a tour inside the wine cave with 2,000-liter, 5,000-liter and 7,000-liter barrels. Each had to be built inside the cave, and some feature oil paintings, painted by their grandfather.
Domaine Bovy produces 150,000 bottles annually. During our tour, we sampled the 1924 Chasselas, the specialty of the region. It’s more neutral with delicate floral notes and a bit of minerality. This low acidity pairs well with local fish.
We enjoyed the outdoor terrace at Domaine Bovy as the sun set. During our visit, we sampled the tapas as we sipped on the Grand Dézaley AOC Dézaley Grand Cru. It features notes of acacia honey, almond and toast.
Located at Rue de Bourg-de-Plaît 15, 1071 Chexbres. Open for tastings from April to December. Open Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 10 to noon, then from 2 to 6 p.m., Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon, then from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Tastings start at CHF 18 for adults. Thursday Tapas night starts at 7 p.m. During the summer, Sunday Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., accompanied by a DJ.
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Enjoy Dinner Overlooking the Lavaux
During my visit to Lavaux, I had dinner one night at L’Epicurienne in the Hotel du Lémain. With sweeping windows overlooking the vineyards and Lake Geneva beyond, it is an ideal location for an elegant dinner.
The dining room draws from the modernism movement of the 1960s. The floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the view and the sleek oak tables and light fixtures add to the ambiance.
With a chef-created menu focusing on seasonal flavors and local products, my group enjoyed dinner with the flavors of fall. Starting with roasted chestnuts and local Chardonnay grapes, I also enjoyed a house-made beef broth, served with Benichon mustard and Fribourg butter with bread. These traditional flavors are served at the end of harvest as the cattle return from their summer perch in the Alps.
For my entrees, I enjoyed smoked ham, pork belly and a sausage with braised cabbage and steamed potatoes with parsley. Dessert followed, and I enjoyed meringues with double cream and pears, all specialties of the region.
Located at Chemin de la Fontaine 2, 1805 Jongny, inside the Hotel du Lémain. Open daily, taking reservations from noon to 7 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Hike Through the Vineyards
At Saint-Saphorin, just north of Vevey, hikers will find an 11 km route. This area is hilly and the trails move up and down the terrace.
The Laveau Trail continues until Lutry. It takes a bit over 3 hours to complete, one-way.
In total, the region features 32 km of trails from Lausanne to Chillon Castle, south of Montreux.
The Golden Pass Express
For my trip to the Swiss Riviera, I took the Golden Pass Express from Interlaken. This journey takes about three and a half hours and travels from the Bernese Alps to Lake Geneva.
This special train adjusts its gauge during the journey to accommodate different rail widths. It makes this transition at Zweisimmen and also adjusts the train height to accommodate different platform levels. Before 2022, passengers changed trains.
Launched in 2022, this route travels through the stunning alpine scenery to the vineyards of Lake Geneva. It climbs a 30 percent grade when traveling through the Bernese Alps.
The Golden Pass Express features assigned seating in three classes of service: Prestige, First and Second. During my journey, I traveled in First Class and used my Swiss Travel Pass. The First Class Car featured panoramic windows with two seats on each side.
Travelers can reserve food for the journey as well. During our trip, we dined on the cheese plate with five local cheeses, Sils bread with butter and fruit. It was accompanied by wine.
There’s also a meat and cheese platter with local products. The vegetarian option is a great accompaniment for everyone; it features vegetables, olives, along with cheese.
The train attendants were attentive and efficient. During my journey, I also ordered a cappuccino.
Once in Montreux, I took the RER Vaud R3 train to Vevey. It is eight stops and took under 10 minutes.
Seat reservations are a must for this in-demand train route.
Where to Stay in Vevey
With sweeping views of Lake Geneva, the Hotel des Trois Couronnes is one of the Leading Hotels of the World, dating back to 1842. It is the third-oldest palace hotel in Switzerland.
Guests enter the soaring lobby, outfitted with a grand piano, a water fountain and a hanging floral-inspired mobile. The restaurants are located off the lobby, as is its bar and spa.
Original details abound, like the stained glass windows in the stairwell. The marble floors and balustrade harken to another era.
With 71 individually decorated rooms and seven suites, the Hotel des Trois Couronnes is a luxuriously base while exploring the region. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with pin-striped luxury white linens and furnishings inspired by European antiques. There was a writing desk as well.
Each room or suite features free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. There is a Nespresso maker, a stocked mini-bar and mineral water. Guests enjoy accompanying glassware and china cups for their in-room beverages. There’s 24-hour room service.
The Hotel des Trois Couronnes features two lakefront restaurants, one of which is Michelin-starred: Trois Couronnes and the 3C Restaurant and Bar with an outdoor panoramic terrace. It offers a daily breakfast buffet.
Puressens Spa features a 24-meter indoor pool, a sauna, a Turkish bath and fitness equipment. Some guests enjoy the private spa terrace, overlooking Lake Geneva. It boasts treatments developed by Joëlle Ciocco.
Located at Rue d’Italie 49, 1800 Vevey, Switzerland. The Hotel des Trois Couronnes is a 10-minute walk from Vevey Rail Station.
Travel Tips for Switzerland
I took the train to and from the Zurich International Airport. It was easy, and I also reserved hotels near the main train station in my destinations.
The public transportation system is easy to navigate, and most travelers and residents use it. It was exceptionally clean and included cafe cars and vending machines.
The trains leave at the top of the minute and are very punctual.
Have a picture of your travel pass downloaded on your phone. Conductors will check it.
Tipping at restaurants is generally not needed and is included in the bill. I tipped housekeeping 1 or 2 CHF a day. For the bellhop who delivered bags to my room, I tipped CHF 5.
I used my French while traveling in the French-speaking portion of Switzerland. However, I don’t speak much German and didn’t have a problem getting around.
Most navigational signs are in multiple languages, including English.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc, CHF; however, Euros are routinely accepted. Cards are widely accepted. During my trip, I carried a small amount of Swiss Francs for tips and small purchases.
Switzerland uses a different type of electrical outlet. A three-prong, and not the standard two-prong, for the rest of the EU. Also, a converter is necessary for devices like hairdryers, curling irons and flat irons.
Swiss Travel Pass
During my trip in Switzerland, I used the train exclusively. I had an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass.
It allows visitors unlimited travel by train (including panoramic ones), post bus and boat. It grants pass holders entry to 500 Swiss museums.
The Swiss Travel Pass is available in 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days. Plus, kids six and younger travel for free with an accompanying Adult Swiss Travel Pass.
One of the nicest additional features is the luggage forwarding service. I used the Express Door-to-Door service.
In the morning, I deposited my larger luggage in my hotel’s lobby. Then I took my day pack for the day’s excursions. In the afternoon, my luggage arrived at my hotel. It was seamless and took the drudgery out of traveling.
For two suitcases up to 50 pounds (23 km), the flat fee is CHF 50, plus an express fee of CHF 50 and CHF 12 for each piece of luggage. It is purchased with your Swiss Travel Pass. Reservations need to be made at least the day before for pick-up the following morning.
Just to be safe, always lock your luggage and add an AirTag. It is wise to carry your medications and passport in your daypack.
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Getting to the Lavaux Vineyards
During my visit, I used public transportation in and around Montreux, Vevey and Levaux. To get to the Lavaux Vineyards, For the L’Epicurienne in the Hotel du Lémain, I used Bus No. 201 from Vevey, Ste-Claire to the Vevey Funicular (MVR). I exited at Chardonne-Jongny, then walked to Hotel du Lémain at Chemin de la Fontaine 2, 1805 Jongny for dinner at L’Epicurienne.
To reach Domaine Bovy, I used the RER Vaud R7 train from the Vevey Station and exited at the Chexbres-Village stop, about 10 minutes. Then walked to the vineyard.
During my visit to the Lake Geneva area, I felt safe walking both day and night. I always use my phone’s navigation app.
Disclosure: This article was produced after a media trip to Switzerland. It also contains affiliate links.
